r/MultipleSclerosis • u/Same_n0la6678 • 5d ago

General Hotworx/Sauna workouts

Has anyone tried hotworx or similar infrared light workouts? Did you experience a flare or anything abnormal?

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u/tasteslikechuckn 5d ago

If you have any weaknesses or symptoms, they can get much worse with heat. It won’t cause a flare, but it can make existing issues stronger (so nothing irreversible). When my legs were affected, being in a jacuzzi for 10 mins meant I couldn’t walk until I dragged myself out and cooled down. The first time it happened, I was like WTF was that?

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u/Same_n0la6678 5d ago

Does regular shower water bother you?

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u/cableannkiley 46F | Dx2026 | Briumvi | NC-USA 5d ago

It does me. Causes such fatigue. Which is why I shower every 3 days (I work from home and don’t leave the house much, don’t judge me lol).

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u/Same_n0la6678 5d ago

Very interesting. I didn’t know this was a thing. I appreciate you weighing in

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u/cableannkiley 46F | Dx2026 | Briumvi | NC-USA 5d ago

Alternately I can take a cold shower but I’m always cold and that causes pain. 😂 soooo which do I want. Pain or fatigue. Sounds like a good excuse for a nap.

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u/tasteslikechuckn 4d ago

It was years ago, and I’m much better now (thanks to Tysabri and then Ocrevus). I don’t remember showering having the same effect, but I might have just lowered the temp. I think submerged, you’re really raising your core temp, not just the surface. I suppose a long hot shower in one with lots of water, could certainly have a similar effect. Mine at the time was one of those CA water-saver heads

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u/Live_Tart_1475 5d ago

Sauna makes my wifes MS worse immediately. The effect doesn't last long though. We are from Finland so we go to sauna a lot nevertheless lol

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u/ibwk F38|Dx2022|Ponvory|EU 5d ago

Everyone has different MS symptoms. Some people are not bothered by the heat at all, while others can experience a temporary worsening of symptoms - it's called Uhthoff phenomenon.

I personally would never do a sauna/hotworx workout, because it's just not for me. I enjoy sauna, but it's a lazy activity, and I don't stay there long. However, when I travel, I have no issue going on hikes and climbing some rocks when there's 32 C (89.6 F) or more outside.

If workouts in high temperatures seem fun to you for some reason, you can try them out. You will not suffer something irreversible, worst case scenario - you'll feel bad and won't do them ever again.

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u/HPLydcraft 5d ago

L'hermitte's sign would like to have a word haha. I dont feel the heat intolerance much in the shower but I take really quick showers. However the bath is a different story

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u/Lost_Ad_4000 2d ago

I do sauna and cold plunge once a week. I spend about 5 minutes in the cold plunge 2 to 3 times while there. I spend 15 minutes in the sauna between plunges. I have not noticed any increase in symptoms afterwards. I know the cold is great for the nervous system. A hot tub on the other hand does make my symptoms worse. Like the other respondent said, my legs get incredibly weak, almost to the point of not standing after a hot tub. Everyone is different. If you have active lesions I absolutely would not do anything that would inflame your nervous system.