Should I Use the Sauna after a Chiropractic Session?
Visiting the chiropractor can really put a spring back in your step, sometimes literally. However, a chiropractic session isn’t always a one-and-done deal. You’ll more than likely have to return; repeated stress to your neck, shoulders, and back have a way of causing the issue to flare up again. What can you do to help prevent this? Is it beneficial to hop into your sauna after a visit with your chiropractor? Absolutely!
Yes, You Should use the Sauna after a Chiropractic Session. Here’s Why.
Not only should you use your sauna after seeing the chiropractor, but you should also continue to use it regularly between sessions. Here are a few benefits of using a sauna after a chiropractic session.
Keeps Muscles Loose
Muscles can retighten and become stiff, especially when they’re trying to protect against a strain or injury. A daily session in your sauna will help your muscles to relax and stay loose. Using your sauna before and after a physical activity or exercise will also help you stretch your muscles and stay limber, which will further prevent injury.
Reduces Inflammation
The heat from the sauna causes the blood vessels in the body to dilate, which increases blood flow and helps to reduce inflammation. Saunas also increase the production of white blood cells, which are important for fighting off infections and inflammation. This overall will help prevent another flare-up from occurring, sending you back to the chiropractor.
Help Reduce Stress
Stress can be a huge contributor to physical ailments, especially in your neck, shoulders, and back. Spending a few peaceful moments in a sauna can help you relax not only your body but your mind as well, lifting a mental load off your shoulders.
Improve Sleep
Have you ever had a terrible night of sleep, tossing and turning, only to wake up with a kink in your neck? Poor sleep and improper sleeping positions are huge contributors to pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. A quick 20-minute sauna session before bed can help you get a more restful sleep.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Sauna, Post-Chiropractor
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water before and after your time in the sauna will keep you hydrated, which helps keep your muscles limber and joints lubricated. This, in turn, helps keep your body from becoming strained, forcing you back to the chiropractor.
Be sure to avoid alcohol consumption while using a sauna. Drinking alcohol could lead to dehydration, and it will impair your judgment, which could lead to further injury.
Stretch Out
Doing a few stretches after your sauna session helps your muscles recover and stay relaxed, which will keep them from tightening back up and limiting your mobility. If your sauna is big enough, you may even want to lay out on the bench and lengthen your spine!
Ideal Temperature and Time
The ideal temperature to set your sauna after a chiropractic session really depends on your preference. Finnleo Sauna recommends between 150 to 170 F for a traditional sauna and between 120 to 130 F for an infrared sauna. Try a few different temperatures to see which one is best suited to your needs.
It’s best to keep your time in the sauna around 20 minutes per session. If you are new to sauna bathing, you may want to start off slow, like maybe 5 minutes at a time, and then work your way up to 20 minutes. You could also break your 20 minutes up throughout the day. Try 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening.
If you visit your chiropractor regularly, consider adding a sauna to your daily routine! It may extend the time between your chiropractic appointments. Your chiropractor may even ask why they don’t see you as often!
At Maximum Comfort Pool & Spa, we have an excellent selection of Finnleo saunas, with traditional and infrared options available. Stop by today to see what we have in stock!
