Sauna therapy for me has resulted in reduced muscle soreness and stiffness, contributing to quicker recovery times. Furthermore, the induced sweating helps eliminate toxins and residues, diminishing the lingering smell of smoke after quarterly training and cleaning of class A. There are a few times when I wasn’t able to use the sauna because it was booked and the smoke smell lingered for a few days or until I was able to get into the sauna. After burns we also have to clean the burn building to prepare for the next burn. This I believe is our highest exposure in training to carcinogens as we wear surgical masks and eye protection as the work is very taxing physically and can’t be done in full PPE. Being able to get into the Recharge Room and sweat out this exposure is no doubt in my mind beneficial and a must for training staff. I do not smell like smoke after using Recharge Room!
Red light therapy I have noticed my skin looks healthier and some scarring and sun damage seems to be diminishing.
Cold plunge therapy, I have noticed more energy and better sleep. Also it has helped lingering joint pain injuries that have almost disappeared or at very least not as nagging before I started this routine.
Collectively, these therapies have helped me with the physical toll of firefighting being in turnouts 3-4 times a week either from burning in class A or doing breath downs (work hardening workouts in full PPE). But the huge difference I’ve noticed is effectively diminishing the scent of smoke.
