Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions of people across the globe and, on a daily basis, produces pain, stiffness, and swelling in multiple joints all over the body, causing this to be a debilitating illness. Whilst conventional treatments serve people with this condition, they also seek treatment in the form of alternative and complementary therapies, as they look to enhance their well-being. One such treatment that has become increasingly popular is infrared (IR) sauna therapy – here we will explore what this therapy provides, in terms of scientific discourse, and if Rheumatoid Arthritis care with infrared saunas is effective. Changes come in the form of easing symptoms, particularly in relation to pain and inflammation reduction, as well as improvements in joint mobility and function.
Pain Relief and Inflammation Reduction
This therapy seems to lower pain, stiffness, and inflammation in RA patients. There are several studies on infrared sauna therapy and RA patients that substantiate these results. For instance, a study conducted by Oosterveld, F. G. J., et al. (2010), where patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) – and healthy subjects – were submitted to whole-body hyperthermia by placing them in an IR sauna cabin for 30 minutes at an adjusted temperature of 55 °C. This study revealed that infrared sauna treatment reduced pain and stiffness for RA patients by 40% to 60% during the therapy.
Improved Joint Mobility and Function
In addition to pain relief and inflammation reduction, Arthritis care with infrared saunas has also been shown to improve joint mobility and function in RA patients. If you have RA and have suffered from chronic musculoskeletal pain and lowered flexibility and range of motion, consistent sauna use could be the perfect remedy for you since the heat can increase muscle flexibility and loosen stiff joints. This would, in turn, make it easier for patients to go about their daily chores and exercises. This added mobility could also help reduce the risk of joint damage or further degeneration.
During vasodilation, a process that occurs under high temperatures in a sauna, blood vessels widen. This happens as the body is trying to cool itself. When blood vessels expand, this improves circulation, thereby bringing more oxygenated blood to affected joints and muscle tissues. Increased blood circulation provides the body with the right nutrients in the blood and oxygen levels that are needed to quicken healing and repair processes, which can alleviate rheumatic pain and improve the function of joints.
Key Takeaways
Infrared sauna therapy is a natural and effective symptom management modality — most specifically for RA patients concerning pain relief, reduction of inflammation, and increase in range of motion and functionality. By reducing pain and inflammation and by increasing the range of motion and joint function during the span of one’s life, care with infrared saunas can truly improve the quality of life in RA patients.
Sun Stream Saunas AUS helps patients with RA by creating a high-quality infrared sauna, providing a safe and comfortable environment for patients to relax and rejuvenate. Explore our selection of products to find the ideal infrared sauna for your specific needs and preferences. Contact us now to find out more about our infrared saunas, and how they can help your symptoms.