Is Infrared Therapy Good For Arthritis?

Infrared therapy presents a potential breakthrough in the management of chronic joint pain and mobility issues. With many people facing the challenges of osteoarthritis, infrared technology offers comfort and potential therapeutic benefits.

It can be a complementary treatment alongside conventional management. But how exactly can the use of infrared sauna therapy help people suffering from this condition?

A quick tour of the blog post

• What is osteoarthritis
• Infrared sauna therapy in osteoarthritis self-care
• Research into the effectiveness of infrared in osteoarthritis care
• Start infrared therapy at home
• What is the best infrared sauna for arthritis

Understanding Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, or OA for short, is a serious condition that affects over 32.5 million adults in the U.S. alone [1]. This disease takes a toll on the entire joint; cartilage, bones, and tissues that hold them together, and all. It can wear down the cartilage, alter the shape of the bone, and cause swelling. This results in pain, discomfort and stiffness. 

OA is more prevalent in the over 50 age groups, and mostly in the joints of hands, knees, hips, and back. This doesn’t mean younger adults are immune: Especially people who have suffered joint injuries appear to be prone. OA develops gradually, although injuries can speed up this process.

Osteoarthritis isn't a necessary part of aging though, so many people will never experience it. The condition can impair the quality of life, for those who do contract it. The pain and stiffness can make it difficult to perform daily tasks, affecting mobility and flexibility. This then could lead to a decrease in physical activity, which causes other health issues. 

OA may also affect mental health. It may lead to frustration, depression, and a sense of helplessness. Osteoarthritis can't be cured yet but there are effective ways to manage it.

Treatment

The treatments for osteoarthritis focus on relieving symptoms and improving joint function. Doctors often prescribe pain relievers, corticosteroid injections and physical therapy to reduce both inflammation and pain in the joint. Guided exercise therapy focuses on strengthening and stretching exercises, to further support joint flexibility and to minimize pain. 

Lifestyle adjustments are often a part of management plans too, as changes - like losing weight, diets and exercises - can have a serious impact on symptom relief and quality of life. In these treatment plans self-care plays a crucial role in maintaining joint function and lessening symptoms.

Infrared Sauna Therapy in Osteoarthritis Self-Care

In the self-care spectrum for osteoarthritis management, heat and cold therapies serve as key complements to other forms of treatment. Infrared sauna therapy, a form of heat treatment, fits seamlessly into this plan, and delivers targeted relief.

The controlled warmth of an infrared sauna penetrates deep into the joints and muscles, and so eases pain, decreases stiffness, and enhances circulation — without overburdening the skin. It soothes the physical discomforts of OA but forms a tranquil retreat for mental relaxation.

Before you incorporate infrared therapy into your management plan, obtain advice from your healthcare provider to tailor the therapy to your specific condition.

Complementing with Cold Therapy

Cold packs, alternated with heat therapy, address the inflammation often associated with OA. By wrapping a cold pack in a towel and applying it to sore joints, you can help reduce swelling and numb discomfort. Such short, regular intervals of cold therapy throughout the day can effectively manage acute flare-ups.

Nutrition and Hydration

A balanced diet is a cornerstone of self-care: Hydrating with the right beverages and nourishing the body with fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can support overall health and aid in managing OA symptoms. We have some great recipes for post-sauna drinks that refresh as well as complement a health-conscious diet.

Mindful Movement

Pairing infrared sauna sessions with gentle, joint-friendly exercises like yoga and tai chi can amplify the sauna benefits. These forms of exercise improve flexibility and diminish stress; especially helpful if you struggle with OA, potentially abate symptoms and support the effectiveness of the heat therapy.

Infrared sauna therapy, coupled with cold therapy, nutrition, and mindful movement, can be an important part of self-care for osteoarthritis.  Still, please note that these are just a few components of a larger self-care plan. There are numerous other strategies that can be employed to manage OA effectively.

For detailed advice and the latest recommendations on a full spectrum of osteoarthritis management strategies, including the use of heat therapy like infrared saunas, visit the Mayo Clinic's osteoarthritis treatment page [2]. 

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The Effectiveness of Infrared in Osteoarthritis Care

Recent studies in infrared technology are transforming the approach to osteoarthritis treatment and diagnosis.

InfraRed Therapy Reduces Lower Extremity Pain in Elderly with Osteoarthritis

A study from 2020 [3] assessed the effectiveness of infrared therapy in alleviating lower limb pain in elderly people suffering from osteoarthritis. The study divided 30 subjects over 65 years old, with a larger number of females, with osteoarthritis pain in their lower limbs into two groups.

One group underwent infrared therapy, eight times a week for three weeks. The other group did not receive this treatment. The results indicated a clear benefit of infrared therapy as a method to lessen pain in the lower limbs.

Infrared Radiation and Chronic Pain

In 2022 a systematic review [4] focused on the validity and safety of infrared radiation (IR) in the management of musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain. The researchers examined 13 studies that looked into the effects of infrared on osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and others. For osteoarthritis sufferers, IR therapy showed a decrease in pain levels, contributing positively to their treatment.

This finding is particularly poignant given the physical and psychological burden of osteoarthritis. The review found no major safety concerns associated with IR, dismissing fears of thermal burns or eye damage.

A very encouraging outcome, although the researchers suggested a need for more extensive research because of the diversity in study methods and small sample sizes.

Infrared Thermography for Inflammatory and Degenerative Joint Diseases

Another recent review [5] examined the potential and limitations of infrared thermography (medical technique to measure skin temperatures in certain areas of the body) in diagnosing and monitoring osteoarthritis and other rheumatic diseases, focusing on its ability to detect inflammation. This research is an analysis of 32 studies involving over 2000 patients.

The researchers found a significant correlation between thermal findings and the presence, stage, and treatment response of osteoarthritis. This underscores the potential of infrared thermography as a valuable tool in managing these conditions.

They concluded that the increasing interest in infrared thermography is justified by its proven utility in various joint diseases, particularly osteoarthritis. 

Infrared therapy complements the traditional treatment of osteoarthritis. The results of various studies are promising in pain management and for better diagnosis. As safe and effective complementary treatments, they require more research to  develop guidelines.

The use of infrared therapy can advance the treatment and monitoring of osteoarthritis, which represents a big step forward in the care of joint diseases.

Integrating Infrared Sauna therapy into Treatment Plans

The role of the infrared sauna therapy as a complementary therapy gains growing respect in the self-care of osteoarthritis. If you or a loved one are struggling with the challenges of osteoarthritis, explore the possibly soothing effects of infrared saunas and you may find a new path to relief and comfort.

It is important before starting infrared sauna therapy to get approval from your healthcare provider, especially if you have chronic health conditions.

As with any other healthcare practice, consistency and regularity are important to achieve the desired effect. How much easier it is to practice sauna therapy at home rather than in a studio. The available infrared solutions certainly make this possible. There is an option available for every lifestyle and budget.

Discover the Benefits of Sauna Domes

What is the best infrared sauna for arthritis

Choosing the right infrared sauna can be a game changer in managing arthritis symptoms. Arthritis benefits greatly from heat therapy provided by infrared saunas, but the selection should cater to specific needs related to mobility, space, and individual health goals. On our site you will find extensive information about the various types of infrared saunas. We will briefly go through them below.

Cabin Saunas

Perfect when you have sufficient space (either indoor or outdoor) and the budget for a robust setup. The larger size not only allows for sharing but also for gentle physical exercises which can be beneficial for joint health and flexibility.

Sauna Tents and Domes

Provide a good compromise between effective heat therapy and practicality. While not as portable as sauna blankets, they can be dismantled and stored easily, ideal for those with space constraints. Some domes are designed to be used as a side table (when not in use).

Sauna Blankets

Although sauna blankets are the most portable option, weighing around 20lbs, this weight might still be challenging for individuals with arthritis, especially when setting up or moving the blanket. Despite this, their affordability and ease of use make them a viable option for delivering consistent infrared therapy, which is crucial for managing arthritis symptoms effectively.

PEMF For Osteoarthritis Management At Home

PEMF Mats

These mats provide dual therapy by combining infrared heat with pulsed electromagnetic fields. Although heavier (around 40lbs for full-body sizes) and best suited for a permanent location, PEMF mats can significantly improve night-time rest, overall muscle relaxation and pain management, beneficial for arthritis management.

Some things to consider:

• Be mindful of the weight of portable saunas, especially if you often need to move or set them up alone.
• Features like easy-to-operate zippers and low thresholds for entry are crucial for those with limited mobility.
• Ensure the sauna you choose is easy to clean and maintain, as physical limitations should not complicate these tasks.

Before you start....

Some practical tips before you start your first sauna session:

• Start Slowly: Begin with shorter sessions and gradually increase duration.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after sauna sessions.
• Monitor Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds during and after therapy.
• Combine with Other Treatments: Use infrared sauna therapy as part of a broader treatment plan, including physical therapy and medication, as advised by your doctor.

We invite you to take a step deeper into the world of infrared sauna therapy and its countless benefits. Whether you want to enrich your sauna selfcare rituals or explore infrared saunas for your home, Saunace.com offers a wealth of information and guidance.

Diane Sargent

References

1. Arthritis Foundation, Osteoarthritis, https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/osteoarthritis

2. Mayo Clinic, Osteoarthritis, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351925

3. I Gede Yudiana Putra et al., Infra-Red Therapy Reduces Lower Extremity Pain in Elderly with Osteoarthritis, Nurse Line Journal, https://jurnal.unej.ac.id/index.php/NLJ/article/view/19735

4. Christos Tsagkaris et al., Infrared Radiation in the Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions and Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review, MDPI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8946909/

5. Guglielmo Schiavon et al., Infrared Thermography for the Evaluation of Inflammatory and Degenerative Joint Diseases: A Systematic Review, PubMed,  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34933442/

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