Infrared Sauna

Infrared Sauna Therapy in Holland, MI — McAlpine Chiropractic

What if recovery felt as good as relaxation?

You already know that heat feels good on sore muscles. A warm compress after a long day, a hot bath after a hard workout — your body craves warmth because heat naturally supports circulation, loosens tight tissue, and helps you unwind. Infrared sauna therapy takes that instinct and turns it into a clinical tool.

At McAlpine Chiropractic in Holland, MI, infrared sauna is available as an add-on service that complements your chiropractic care, laser therapy, and massage therapy treatments. It is not a replacement for hands-on care — it is a way to enhance the results you are already getting.

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What Is an Infrared Sauna?

An infrared sauna uses infrared light waves — a type of radiant energy that is part of the natural light spectrum — to warm your body directly rather than heating the air around you. Unlike a traditional sauna that relies on a heated stove to raise the air temperature to extreme levels (often 150 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit), an infrared sauna operates at a more comfortable 110 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit while still producing a deep, penetrating warmth.

The infrared waves are absorbed by your skin and the tissue beneath it, gently raising your core body temperature. This triggers many of the same physiological responses as moderate exercise — increased heart rate, improved circulation, and perspiration — without physical exertion. For patients who are recovering from injury, dealing with chronic pain, or simply looking for a way to support their overall wellness, that distinction matters.

Infrared saunas are used in wellness clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and chiropractic practices across the country. Research into infrared therapy continues to grow, with studies published in journals including Journal of Clinical Medicine, Alternative Medicine Review, and Journal of the Japanese Circulation Society investigating its potential benefits for cardiovascular health, pain management, and recovery.

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Infrared Sauna vs. Traditional Sauna — What Makes It Different?

If you have used a traditional sauna at a gym or spa, the experience of an infrared sauna will feel noticeably different. Here is why.

Traditional saunas heat the air. They use electric heaters or hot rocks to push the ambient temperature to 150 degrees or higher. The extreme air temperature forces your body to sweat as a cooling response. While this can feel invigorating, many people find the intense heat uncomfortable, especially those with respiratory sensitivities or cardiovascular concerns. Time in a traditional sauna is typically limited to 10 to 15 minutes.

Infrared saunas heat your body directly. The infrared waves pass through the air without significantly heating it and are absorbed into your skin and underlying tissue. Because the air stays cooler, you can comfortably stay in the sauna for 20 to 40 minutes — long enough for the deeper warming effect to take hold. Many patients describe the experience as a gentle, sustained warmth that feels more like sitting in warm sunlight than being in a steam room.

The key difference for therapeutic purposes: infrared energy may penetrate the body more effectively at lower ambient temperatures, allowing for a longer and more comfortable session. This makes infrared sauna particularly well-suited for patients who are managing pain or recovering from treatment, as there is less cardiovascular stress than a traditional high-heat sauna.

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5 Ways Infrared Sauna Therapy May Support Your Health

Research into infrared sauna therapy is ongoing, and many of the benefits below are supported by preliminary studies and clinical observation. We present them honestly — not as guaranteed cures, but as potential benefits that many of our patients report experiencing.

1. Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery

Heat has been used for pain relief for centuries, and infrared sauna therapy is a modern application of that principle. A 2009 study published in Clinical Rheumatology (Oosterveld et al.) found that infrared sauna sessions were associated with short-term improvements in pain and stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Participants reported reduced pain levels and improved comfort during the treatment period.

For patients at McAlpine Chiropractic who are working through a chiropractic care plan, an infrared sauna session before or after your adjustment may help relax tight muscles, reduce stiffness, and support your body’s response to treatment.

2. Improved Circulation

When infrared energy raises your core body temperature, your cardiovascular system responds by increasing blood flow. A study published in the Journal of the Japanese Circulation Society (Imamura et al., 2001) investigated the effects of repeated infrared sauna use and reported improvements in vascular endothelial function in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. While more research is needed, improved circulation may support nutrient delivery to healing tissues and the removal of metabolic waste products.

For patients recovering from sports injuries or managing conditions that benefit from increased blood flow, this is a meaningful addition to a treatment plan.

3. Relaxation and Stress Reduction

Chronic pain is stressful. Stress creates muscle tension. Muscle tension worsens pain. Breaking that cycle is an important part of any treatment plan. Many patients report that infrared sauna sessions promote a deep sense of relaxation — a calming, meditative quality that lasts well beyond the session itself.

Research suggests that infrared sauna use may support parasympathetic nervous system activity (your body’s “rest and digest” mode), which can help counteract the chronic stress response that often accompanies persistent pain conditions. Patients dealing with back pain or neck pain frequently tell us that adding sauna to their care plan helps them feel more relaxed between visits.

4. Detoxification Through Perspiration

Sweating is one of the body’s natural detoxification pathways. While the liver and kidneys handle the majority of metabolic detoxification, perspiration does play a supporting role. A 2012 review published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health (Sears et al.) examined the excretion of heavy metals and other compounds through sweat and concluded that induced perspiration may provide a complementary approach to supporting the body’s elimination of certain environmental toxins.

Infrared sauna sessions typically produce a deeper, more sustained sweat than traditional saunas — at a lower and more comfortable temperature. This is not a replacement for medical detoxification in cases of toxic exposure, but it may provide gentle support for everyday wellness.

5. Skin Health

Increased circulation and perspiration may support healthier skin by delivering more nutrients to the skin’s surface and helping to clear pores. Some patients report improvements in skin clarity, tone, and overall complexion after incorporating regular infrared sauna sessions into their wellness routine. While clinical evidence for skin-specific benefits is still developing, the mechanism — improved blood flow to the skin — is well understood.

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What Does an Infrared Sauna Session Look Like?

If you have never tried an infrared sauna before, here is what to expect when you come to McAlpine Chiropractic in Holland, MI.

Before your session. Arrive hydrated. We recommend drinking at least 8 to 16 ounces of water before your session. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Your provider will ask about any health conditions or concerns to ensure the sauna is appropriate for you.

During the session. You will sit comfortably in the infrared sauna cabin. The temperature is set between 110 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit — warm but not overwhelming. Sessions typically last 20 to 40 minutes. You will begin to feel a gentle, penetrating warmth within the first few minutes. Most patients start sweating within 10 to 15 minutes. Bring a towel, relax, and let the infrared energy do its work.

After the session. Rehydrate immediately. Many patients report feeling relaxed, light, and refreshed. There is no recovery period — you can return to your normal activities right away. Some patients prefer to schedule their sauna session immediately before or after their chiropractic adjustment or laser therapy session to maximize the combined benefits.

How often should I use the infrared sauna? For general wellness, many patients enjoy one to two sessions per week. If you are using the sauna as part of a pain management or recovery plan, your doctor may recommend a more frequent schedule during the active treatment phase. Consistency matters — the benefits tend to build over time with regular use.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Infrared Sauna Therapy?

Infrared sauna therapy at McAlpine Chiropractic is a great fit for patients who:

• Are working through a chiropractic treatment plan and want to support muscle relaxation and recovery
• Experience chronic muscle tension, stiffness, or soreness
• Are recovering from a sports injury or auto accident
• Deal with stress-related tension in the neck, shoulders, or back
• Want to enhance their overall wellness routine with a relaxing, low-impact therapy
• Enjoy the health benefits of traditional saunas but find the extreme temperatures uncomfortable

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Who Should Avoid Infrared Sauna Therapy?

Infrared sauna is safe for most adults, but it is not appropriate for everyone. You should consult with your doctor before using an infrared sauna if you have any of the following:

• Pregnancy — Infrared sauna is not recommended during pregnancy
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease — The heat increases heart rate and blood flow, which may be contraindicated
• Active bleeding or open wounds — Heat can increase bleeding
• Fever or active infection — Raising core body temperature further is not recommended
• Heat sensitivity or conditions that impair the ability to sweat — Including multiple sclerosis and certain neurological conditions
• Recent alcohol consumption or dehydration — Both increase the risk of adverse effects
• Certain medications — Some medications affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature; discuss with your healthcare provider

If you are unsure whether infrared sauna is right for you, we will review your health history before your first session. Your safety is always the priority.

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How Infrared Sauna Complements Your Chiropractic Care

At McAlpine Chiropractic, infrared sauna is not offered as a standalone wellness trend. It is integrated into comprehensive care plans because heat therapy and chiropractic treatment work together in meaningful ways.

Sauna + Chiropractic Adjustments: An infrared sauna session before your adjustment may help relax muscles and loosen soft tissue, making the adjustment smoother and more comfortable. After your adjustment, sauna may support the body’s response by promoting circulation to the newly mobilized areas and reducing post-adjustment soreness.

Sauna + Laser Therapy: Both infrared sauna and Class IV laser therapy use light energy to support healing — but they work at different depths and mechanisms. Combining the two may create a layered approach: laser therapy targets specific areas of inflammation and tissue damage, while the sauna provides a whole-body warming effect that supports overall circulation and relaxation.

Sauna + Massage Therapy: Warming the muscles before a massage session may allow the therapist to work more effectively on deep tissue tension. Many patients find that combining sauna and massage produces a level of relaxation and muscle relief that neither achieves alone.

Sauna + Recovery: For patients recovering from auto accidents, sports injuries, or chronic conditions, the combination of structural correction (adjustments, decompression) and tissue support (laser, sauna, massage) gives the body every advantage in the healing process.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Infrared Sauna Therapy

Is infrared sauna therapy safe?

Yes. Infrared saunas have been used in wellness and clinical settings for decades and are considered safe for most adults. The infrared wavelengths used are part of the natural light spectrum — the same type of warmth you feel from sunlight, without ultraviolet radiation. That said, infrared sauna is not appropriate for everyone. We will review your health history before your first session to ensure it is a good fit.

What is the difference between infrared sauna and a regular sauna?

A traditional sauna heats the air to extreme temperatures (150 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit), while an infrared sauna heats your body directly at a more comfortable 110 to 140 degrees. Because the air stays cooler in an infrared sauna, sessions are longer and more comfortable. The infrared waves penetrate the skin to warm the tissue directly, producing a deep sweat at a lower temperature.

How long is an infrared sauna session?

Sessions at McAlpine Chiropractic typically last 20 to 40 minutes. Your provider will recommend a session length based on your individual health needs and experience level. First-time users often start with shorter sessions and build up.

What should I wear in the infrared sauna?

Wear whatever is comfortable. Most patients wear a t-shirt and shorts, a bathing suit, or workout clothes. Bring a towel for comfort and to absorb perspiration.

How many infrared sauna sessions do I need to feel a benefit?

Many patients report feeling relaxed and refreshed after a single session. For therapeutic benefits related to pain management, muscle recovery, or stress reduction, most patients notice cumulative improvements after three to five sessions. Regular use — one to two sessions per week — tends to produce the most consistent benefits.

Can I use the infrared sauna if I have a medical condition?

In most cases, yes. However, certain conditions require caution. If you have cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled blood pressure, are pregnant, or take medications that affect heat tolerance, please discuss infrared sauna with your healthcare provider before booking. We review your health history before every first session.

Does insurance cover infrared sauna therapy?

Infrared sauna is typically not covered by insurance as it is considered a wellness service. Our office can provide pricing details and discuss package options that make regular sessions affordable. Many patients find the investment worthwhile as part of their overall pain management and wellness plan.

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Experience the Warmth That Works With Your Body

Infrared sauna therapy at McAlpine Chiropractic in Holland, MI is a simple addition to your care plan that many patients look forward to every visit. Whether you are managing pain, recovering from an injury, or simply want to feel your best, infrared sauna may be the complement your body has been asking for.

There is no extreme heat. No pressure. Just a warm, quiet space where your body can do what it does best — heal and restore.

Schedule Your Infrared Sauna Session

Call: 616-392-7031

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Visit: McAlpine Chiropractic, Holland, MI

Hours: Monday-Friday

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