Argentina, England, and the Netherlands are using Sunlighten infrared saunas and Ice Barrel cold therapy to recover ahead of the World Cup final. The contrast therapy method—alternating heat and cold—helps players manage fatigue and muscle soreness during the tournament.
How Contrast Therapy Aids Soccer Recovery
Professional soccer players have faced extreme heat and dehydration risks this summer, with stars like Ezri Konsa and Elliot Anderson experiencing cramps during quarterfinal matches. To maintain peak performance, teams are adopting contrast therapy, a technique supported by a National Institutes of Health study.
The study found that alternating hot and cold exposure alleviates muscle aches, reduces swelling, and improves blood circulation. This approach is now integrated into training facilities to speed up recovery between games.
Sunlighten’s Top Recovery Tools for Athletes
Fans can access the same recovery technology used by World Cup semifinalists. Sunlighten’s best-selling saunas feature custom SoloCarbon technology for deep heat penetration, with models designed for one or two users.
- Double-pane glass doors for heat retention
- Chromotherapy lights for soothing effects
- PulseIQ infrared intelligence targeting red light and infrared wavelengths
- Built-in wellness programming and audio for immersion
