References

Positive effects of thermal-assisted therapy

Many scientific studies confirm the positive effects of sauna and thermal-assisted therapy on health and well-being. Documented results include:
• Improved circulation – Sauna sessions double blood flow, enhancing oxygen delivery and removal of metabolic waste (Patrick & Johnson, 2021).
• Reduced cardiovascular risk – Frequent sauna bathing lowers the risk of sudden cardiac death by 63%, fatal cardiovascular disease by 50%, and all-cause mortality by 40% (Laukkanen et al., 2015).
• Significant pain relief – Combined spa and manual therapy reduces pain intensity by 57–81% in osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia patients (Cimbiz et al., 2005).
• Superior to medication in some cases – Hot herbal compresses reduce pain more effectively than topical diclofenac in patients with myofascial pain (Boonruab et al., 2018; 2019).
• Enhanced mobility and strength – Thermal hydrotherapy improves range of motion, muscle strength, walking speed, and flexibility, even in older adults (Whitlatch & Adema, 2005).
• Lower blood pressure and improved heart function – Regular thermal therapy reduces resting heart rate and improves 24-hour blood pressure profiles (Zunnunov et al., 2004).
• Better quality of life – Spa therapy improves mood, physical capacity, and overall enjoyment of life (Ekmekcioglu et al., 2005).

References

Please find below links to academic research supporting the benefits of thermal-enhanced soft tissue therapy.

• Effect of Exposure to Sauna Heat on Neuropathic and Rheumatoid Pain — Nurmikko, Turo; Hietaharju, Aki
• Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing — Redberg, Rita F.
• Association Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Events — Laukkanen, Tanjaniina; Khan, Hassan; Zaccardi, Francesco; Laukkanen, Jari A.
• The Link Between Sauna Bathing and Mortality May Be Noncausal — Kivimäki, Mika; Virtanen, Marianna; Ferrie, Jane E.
• A Hot Topic for Health: Results of the Global Sauna Survey — Hussain, Joy N.; Greaves, Ronda F.; Cohen, Marc M.
• Sauna Use as a Lifestyle Practice to Extend Healthspan — Patrick, Rhonda P.; Johnson, Teresa L.
• Hyperthermic Conditioning’s Role in Increasing Endurance, Muscle Mass, and Neurogenesis — Patrick, Rhonda Perciavalle
• Episode 221: Sauna & Heat Exposure’s Impact on Mental & Physical Health — Puder, David
• The Effect of Heat Applied with Stretch to Increase Range of Motion: A Systematic Review — Nakano, Jiro et al.
• The Effects of Therapeutic Application of Heat or Cold Followed by Static Stretch on Hamstring Muscle Length— Taylor, Brent F. et al.
• Therapeutic Effects of Heat, Cold, and Stretch on Connective Tissue — Hardy, Maureen; Woodall, William
• The Distinction of Hot Herbal Compress, Hot Compress, and Topical Diclofenac as Myofascial Pain Syndrome Treatment — Boonruab, Jurairat et al.
• Effectiveness of Hot Herbal Compress Versus Topical Diclofenac in Treating Patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome — Boonruab, Jurairat et al.
• Comparison of an Indirect Tri-Planar Myofascial Release (MFR) Technique and a Hot Pack for Increasing Range of Motion — Kain, Jay et al.
• Immediate Effects of Myofascial Release Using Vibration Foam Rolling Methods — Kim, Ho; Shin, Wonseob
• The Effect of Vibration Therapy on Neck Myofascial Trigger Points — Dueñas, L. et al.
• Dynamic Fascial Release – Manual and Tool-Assisted Vibrational Therapies — Comeaux, Zachary
• Dynamic Fascial Release and the Role of Mechanical/Vibrational Assist Devices in Manual Therapies — Comeaux, Zachary
• The Effectiveness of Myofascial Release Technique in the Treatment of Myofascial Pain — Werenski, John