Sauna Contraindications

• Cardiovascular Issues, Obesity or Diabetes – Individuals suffering from obesity or with a medical history of heart disease, low or high blood pressure, circulatory problems, or diabetes should consult a physician prior to use. Heat stress increases cardiac output and blood flow to transfer internal body heat to the outside environment via the skin (perspiration) and respiratory system. This takes place primarily due to major changes in the heart rate which has the potential to increase by thirty (30) breaths per minute for each degree increase in core body temperature.

• Medications – Individuals who are using prescription drugs should seek the advice of their physician since some medications may induce drowsiness, while others may affect heart rate, blood pressure and circulation. Directives, barbiturates and beta-blockers may impair the body’s natural heat loss mechanism. Anticholinergics such amitriptyline may inhibit sweating and can predispose individuals to heat rash or to a greater extent, heat stroke. Some over-the-counter drugs, such as antihistamines, may also cause the body to be more prone to heat stroke.

•  Alcohol & Drug Abuse – Contrary to popular belief, it is not advisable to attempt to “sweat out” a hangover. Alcohol intoxication decreases a person’s judgement; therefore, he or she may not realize when the body has a negative reaction to heat. Alcohol also increases the heart rate, which may be further increased by heat stress. The use of alcohol, drugs or medications prior to a sauna session may lead to unconsciousness.

• Elderly – The ability to maintain core body temperature decreases with age. This is primarily due to circulatory conditioned and decreased sweat gland function. The body must be able to activate its natural cooling processes to maintain core body temperature. If elderly, operate at a lower temperature for no more than 15 minutes at a time.

• Children – While there isn’t a specific age limit for infrared saunas, there are considerations for safety. Health experts recommend children under the age of 12 avoid sauna use as their bodies are still in the developing stage and may find it more difficult to regulate body temperature. Minors using infrared sauna must start at a lower temperature for no more than 15 minutes at a time. In addition, minors must always be accompanied by an adult when using any equipment at REVIVE23.

• Chronic Conditions / Diseases Associated with Reduced Ability to Sweat or Perspire – Multiple Sclerosis, Central Nervous System Tumors and Diabetes with Neuropathy are conditions that are associated with impaired sweating. Consult your physician.

• Hemophiliacs / Individuals Prone to Bleeding – The use of infrared saunas should be avoided by anyone who is predisposed to bleeding.

• Fever & Insensitivity to Heat – Individuals with insensitivity to heat or who have a fever should not use the sauna until the fever subsides.

• Pregnancy – Pregnant women should consult a physician before using an infrared sauna.

• Menstruation – Heating the low back area of women during the menstrual period may temporarily increase menstrual flow. This should not preclude sauna use.

• Joint Injury – Recent (acute) joint injury should not be heated for the first 48 hours or until the swollen symptoms subside. Joints that are chronically hot and swollen may respond poorly to vigorous heating of any kind.

• Implants – metal pins, rods, artificial joints or any other surgical implants generally reflect infrared waves and thus are not heated by this system. Nevertheless, you should consult your physician prior to using.

• Pacemakers / Defibrillators – The magnets used to assemble our saunas can interrupt the pacing and inhibit the output of pacemakers. Please discuss with your doctor the possible risks this may cause.

Cold Plunge Contraindications

• Do not use the cold plunge if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Do not use the cold plunge if you have any open wounds or broken skin.

• Anyone with the following medical history should avoid or consult with the physician prior to cold plunge use: cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, heart issues, stroke, diabetes, epilepsy, brain injuries, Raynaud’s syndrome, autoimmune conditions, high blood pressure, kidney issues, angina, asthma, migraines and headaches, and anxiety or panic disorders and pregnancy.

• If you have coronary risk factors or other heart-related risk factors, you must consult a medical physician before trying out cold exposure, especially before contrast therapy-going from sauna to ice bath. 

• The research is limited when it comes to how often you should take an ice bath. However, it's important to note that experts say acute bouts of cold exposure is safe, but excessive use should be avoided.

• Avoid staying in the cold water for longer than 10 minutes. As little as 30 seconds can be enough to achieve benefits. Gradually adjust to your cold plunge duration to reduce the shock to your system and gauge your own tolerance and awareness of your limits.

• Cold plunge, or cold-water immersion, is not generally recommended for children, especially those who are very young due to their smaller body size and thermoregulation capabilities compared to adults. Consult with the child’s pediatrician as they can provide personalized advice based on the child’s age, health status, and any medical conditions.

Compression Therapy Contraindications

• Compression therapy is contraindicated for individuals with:

  • Current or unstable fractures/breaks

  • Recent surgery and have sutures/stitches

  • Open wounds, consultations, abrasions

  • Suspect or known acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (blood clot)

  • Severe atherosclerosis (disease of the arteries) and/or Ischemic vascular disease (IVD

  • Severe congestive cardiac failure (CHF)

  • Existing pulmonary edema (having excess fluid in the lungs)

  • Existing pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)

  • Extreme deformity of the limbs

  • Any local skin conditions such as gangrene, untreated or infected wounds, recent skin graft, or dermatitis

  • Known presence of malignancy in the legs or arms

  • Limb infections, including cellulitis that have not been treated

  • Presence of lymphangiosarcoma (rare cancer due to long-standing lymphedema of the upper and lower extremities)

• Minimum age of 16 years old can participate in compression therapy with parent/guardian consent. Minors must be accompanied by adult all times.

DISCLAIMER

We do not provide medical advice in studio or on revive23guam.com (the “Website”). The information on the Website is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice, suggestions, diagnosis, counseling, or treatment of any kind. The Website cannot and does not provide medical advice specific to any individual’s situation. The statements made on the Website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The information on the Website is provided without any guarantees. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on the Website. Full medical clearance from a licensed physician should be obtained before beginning or modifying any diet, exercise, or lifestyle program. The information on the Website is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment. You assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.