Hot Therapy, Cool Results: Infrared Sauna Offers Hope for Arthritis Sufferers

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are chronic conditions that significantly impact daily life. RA causes joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue, while AS primarily affects the spine, limiting movement and causing discomfort. Both can take a toll on mental and emotional wellbeing, making it harder to stay active and enjoy life.

Managing these conditions is challenging, especially when treatments come with side effects. That’s why we’re excited to share research highlighting infrared (IR) saunas as a promising, side-effect-free option. IR saunas heat the body deeply using infrared rays, which may help boost circulation, reduce inflammation, ease muscle stiffness, and potentially improve mobility and overall comfort in RA and AS patients.

A Modern and Natural Treatment Strategy

A Dutch study by Fredrikus G. J. Oosterveld and colleagues explored the benefits of infrared sauna therapy in patients with RA and AS. Thirty-four participants (17 RA, 17 AS) underwent eight 30-minute IR sauna sessions over four weeks at a temperature of 131°F  (55°C), using a specialized cabin with six IR heating panels.

Researchers measured pain, stiffness, fatigue, physical function, and overall comfort in patients at several key points: before the treatment, at the start of the treatment, at the end of the 4-week treatment period, and four weeks after the treatment ended.

Key Findings: Relief Without Risk

Results were highly encouraging, indicating a potential role for infrared sauna in treating RA and AS. Most importantly, the treatment was well tolerated, with no side effects or worsening of disease. Disease activity scores and inflammation markers stayed stable, confirming IR therapy’s safety for people with inflammatory arthritis.

Pain and stiffness decreased significantly during each session. RA patients saw pain drop by ~40%, AS patients by ~60%, and stiffness improved by 50–60% in both groups. While fatigue improvements weren’t statistically significant, 88% of patients reported feeling “comfortable” or “very comfortable” after treatment.

Over the four-week period, RA patients showed 10–15% clinical improvements in pain and stiffness, with some benefits continuing post-treatment. Long-term gains weren’t statistically significant but suggest potential lasting relief. AS patients also showed mild improvement, mainly in stiffness.

Quality-of-life scores improved for RA patients, especially in physical and emotional wellbeing, with effects continuing post-treatment. Although range of motion didn’t change significantly, many experienced greater comfort and improved daily functioning.

A Promising Complementary Therapy

While infrared sauna therapy is not a cure or replacement for medication, it offers safe, short-term symptom relief and may improve quality of life and overall wellbeing for people living with RA or AS. 

With further research, it could become a valuable addition to comprehensive arthritis care.

References

Oosterveld, F.G.J., Rasker, J.J., Floors, M. et al. Infrared sauna in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Clin Rheumatol 28, 29–34 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-008-0977-y