Muscles and joints benefit from steam hydrotherapy due to increased blood circulation, induced sweating, and released endorphins. As circulation improves, blood rushes to the muscles…and everywhere else in the body. Muscles receive in influx of oxygen and the body’s natural healing agent, white blood cells—repairing the microscopic tears in sore muscles. Induced sweating combined with increased circulation helps move lactic acid away from the muscles and out of the body. As a result, inflammation is reduced and pressure on joints is minimized. The release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel good chemical helps temporarily relieve muscle and joint pain.

While the benefits of sauna use will not cure joint immobility the same hydrotherapy principles that provide relief from aches and pains will reduce symptoms of the following: arthritis, tendonitis or muscle and connective tissue conditions, such as fibromyalgia.

The hydrotherapy benefits of saunas are used world wide in preventative medicine. In Canada, saunas are widely used as a pre-rehabilitation treatment in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and chiropractic offices. Since these professionals can provide better treatment if the body is relaxed and has greater range and mobility, many rehabilitation specialists in Canada have their patients bath in a sauna prior to treatment. Also, the injury healing and preventative medicine properties of hydrotherapy make sauna bathing a benefit for athletes. Used before and after games and practices, saunas can reduce the risk of injuries and accelerate the healing process.