Infared sauna blanket & other alternative therapies.

[Alexia01]

Hello everyone.

I was diagnosed with Lupus SLE in Nov 2020 and also Fibromyalgia in March 2022. Despite taking more and more meds, the fatigue and pain just seems to be getting worse! I have unfortunately had to give up my job which i hoped would help (less stress) but it really hasn’t. I am now looking into alternative therapies and am thinking about trying an infared sauna blanket. I do find i am generally better in warmer weather so hoping it may help? I have also read some good reviews online.

Just wondered if anyone had ever tried one and if you can let me know if it helped? Also any other alternative therapies you may know of that work?

Many thanks

Alexia

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

I've looked at these and the portable saunas, but never found anyone who uses one to find out if they help fibro

[Alexia01 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

Thanks for your response, I’ll let you know how it goes!

[LisaSnow FMA UK Volunteer]

I use heated blanket in bed and heating pad especially in winter. They are generally helpful with easing pain.

[Alexia01 in reply to LisaSnow]

Thanks for you response, that’s useful to know!

[Nicki66]

I’ve tried one for an hours session, as a friend that also suffers with fibromyalgia had invested in one. I certainly felt a benefit, and am looking into purchasing one especially to get me through the colder months. She swears by hers and recommended it to manage pain and stiffness, alongside exercise and lifestyle adjustments. Will certainly post my thoughts once I have one!

[Alexia01 in reply to Nicki66]

Thanks Nikki, that’s exciting to hear and gives me hope! Let me know how you get on!

[madblondebint]

Let us know how it goes, I am interested in trying this as my electric blanket does seem to help with my pain, but due to the hot weather recently I haven't been using it.

[JayCeon]

"Also any other alternative therapies you may know of that work?"

Hi Alexia, my first answer is tongue-in-cheek: No treatments work for fibro, alternative or conventional....

Second: Not sure if it's that alternative... does seem like a variant on a heat application, which most'd count as "neutral".

But there are 100s of alternative treatments that may work for some. Trigger hunting & prevention (incl. esp. pacing, then environment/weather & treatments) and symptom tracking & analyzing & alleviating, diets and mental stuff incl. CBT/ACT & relaxation/mindfulness I'd count as neutral too, whilst I'd suggest that as far as PT goes exercises, incl. yoga?, stretches, heat/cold, electrotherapy like TENS, water therapy and normal physiotherapy are counted as conventional, whilst "alternative" forms might be acupuncture, acupressure, breathing exercises, cupping, many kinds of manual therapy (Bowen, dryneedling, myofascial release, the various kinds of osteopathy, chiropractic, Rolfing, Scar- and Bonework and even more so various kinds of reflexology).

And alternative to meds would be the 30(-50) supps/herbs which target pain, fatigue, fog, sleep, IBS, inflammation etc.

These are all treatments that work for some people with fibro, whilst I think we could only agree on pacing as something that helps everyone.

Anything you'd like me to expand on?

[Nightmare_62]

I used to see an osteopath who employed her own massage personnel so I had massage once a month and osteopathy as and when needed, with their advice I bought an electric mattress cover which I use throughout the year which I find really helpful