Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints, often leading to pain, stiffness, fatigue, and reduced quality of life.
Stiffness in the muscles is something that tends to make this condition worse, exasperating the symptoms. This is why it’s something we see frequently in our clinics.
While medical management typically includes medications, complementary therapies like infrared sauna therapy are gaining recognition for their potential to support symptom relief.
What is Infrared Sauna Therapy?
Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air around you, infrared saunas use infrared light to directly penetrate the skin and warm the body from within. This form of heat therapy increases circulation, promotes sweating, and can assist in muscle and joint relaxation without the intense heat of conventional saunas.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Infrared Sauna for RA
Several clinical studies have explored the benefits of infrared sauna use in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions:
1. Pain Reduction, Improved Mobility and Quality of Life
A research study in 2025 Published by the National Institute of Health found that Integrating sauna therapy into comprehensive RD care may enhance symptom control, improve quality of life, and reduce reliance on pharmacologic interventions.
A 2009 study published in Clinical Rheumatology investigated the effects of infrared sauna therapy on patients with RA and ankylosing spondylitis. Over a 4-week period, participants underwent sauna therapy twice a week.
Results: Participants reported a significant decrease in pain and stiffness, with no adverse effects noted. Conclusion: The study concluded that infrared sauna therapy was well tolerated and had a positive effect on pain and fatigue in patients with RA. (Source: van der Laan et al., Clinical Rheumatology, 2009)
2. Enhanced Circulation and Detoxification
Infrared heat promotes vasodilation, which improves blood flow and helps reduce inflammation in the joints. This improved circulation may aid in the removal of metabolic waste products and inflammatory mediators from affected tissues.
3. Stress Reduction and Sleep Improvement
RA symptoms are often aggravated by stress and poor sleep. Regular sauna sessions have been associated with lower cortisol levels, reduced anxiety, and better sleep quality, indirectly helping individuals manage RA more effectively.
4. Improved Quality of Life
A broader study on the benefits of sauna use (including traditional and infrared) published in JAMA Internal Medicine (2015) found long-term sauna use associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. While not RA-specific, these findings suggest systemic health benefits that may complement RA management.
Safety and Recommendations
Infrared sauna therapy is generally safe for individuals with RA, especially when used at moderate temperatures (45–60°C or 113–140°F) for sessions lasting 15–30 minutes. However, it is important to:
Stay hydrated Avoid if you have unstable cardiovascular conditions Consult your doctor, especially if you have implanted medical devices, or are taking medications that affect thermoregulation.
Conclusion
Infrared sauna therapy offers a promising adjunct treatment for those living with rheumatoid arthritis. With evidence suggesting improvements in pain, stiffness, fatigue, and overall wellbeing, it may serve as a gentle, non-invasive option to enhance conventional treatment approaches.
As always, integration of any complementary therapy should be discussed with your healthcare provider to ensure it aligns with your individual health plan.
