2025-12-22
Therapeutic sauna and rheumatic diseases: can heat benefit chronic inflammation?
Rhumatology
By Lila Rouland | Published on December 22, 2025 | 3 min read
Rheumatic diseases (RDs) represent a major public health challenge, exacerbated by population aging. These conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and systemic sclerosis, are characterized by chronic inflammation, joint pain, and long-term functional impairment.
Given the limitations of conventional treatments (NSAIDs, DMARDs), particularly in terms of side effects and partial efficacy, non-pharmacological interventions are gaining attention. Among these, sauna therapy (Finnish or infrared) has attracted increasing interest. It may modulate systemic inflammation, improve mobility, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance cardiovascular health—key dimensions in patients with rheumatic diseases.
Heat exposure triggers a beneficial hormetic response. It stimulates the production of heat shock proteins, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, CRP, PGE₂, LTB₄), and increases the secretion of IL-10, a cytokine with strong anti-inflammatory properties. It also reduces oxidative stress by limiting free radical production, while activating neuroendocrine regulation favorable to immune homeostasis.
Clinical and observational studies, particularly among Finnish populations practicing sauna regularly (4 to 7 sessions per week), have shown a dose-dependent reduction in CRP and improvements in sleep, pain, and joint mobility.
Regular sauna therapy (3 to 7 sessions per week) is associated with a 26–77% reduction in cardiovascular mortality risk, improved endothelial function, and lower blood pressure. These effects are amplified when combined with physical exercise.
In older adults or individuals at risk of dementia, sauna use is correlated with a 53% reduction in dementia risk and a 70% reduction in Alzheimer’s disease, likely through combined effects on systemic inflammation and cerebral vascularization.
Sauna therapy, particularly Finnish and infrared modalities, represents a promising complementary approach for patients with rheumatic diseases. It offers anti-inflammatory, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and psychological benefits. While the findings are encouraging, most studies involve small sample sizes, limiting generalizability.
Large-scale, controlled, multicenter studies are now needed to standardize protocols (duration, frequency, sauna type), identify specific contraindications (gout, pregnancy, severe cardiac disease, male infertility), and optimize the clinical integration of sauna therapy into care pathways.
About the author – Lila Rouland
With dual expertise in science and marketing, Lila brings her knowledge to the service of healthcare innovation. After five years in international academic research, she transitioned into medical and scientific communication within the pharmaceutical industry. Now working as a medical writer and content developer, she is committed to highlighting scientific knowledge and conveying it to healthcare professionals with clarity and relevance.
Rheumatic diseases (RDs) represent a major public health challenge, exacerbated by population aging. These conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and systemic sclerosis, are characterized by chronic inflammation, joint pain, and long-term functional impairment.
Given the limitations of conventional treatments (NSAIDs, DMARDs), particularly in terms of side effects and partial efficacy, non-pharmacological interventions are gaining attention. Among these, sauna therapy (Finnish or infrared) has attracted increasing interest. It may modulate systemic inflammation, improve mobility, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance cardiovascular health—key dimensions in patients with rheumatic diseases.
What immuno-metabolic effects does sauna therapy induce?
Heat exposure triggers a beneficial hormetic response. It stimulates the production of heat shock proteins, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, CRP, PGE₂, LTB₄), and increases the secretion of IL-10, a cytokine with strong anti-inflammatory properties. It also reduces oxidative stress by limiting free radical production, while activating neuroendocrine regulation favorable to immune homeostasis.
Clinical and observational studies, particularly among Finnish populations practicing sauna regularly (4 to 7 sessions per week), have shown a dose-dependent reduction in CRP and improvements in sleep, pain, and joint mobility.
Benefits by pathology
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Four-week infrared therapies significantly reduce pain and stiffness. Adding sauna therapy to a multimodal protocol (acupuncture, massage, mud therapy) also improves anxiety and physical capacity.
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS): The combination of sauna, physiotherapy, and joint mobilization leads to marked improvements in joint flexibility and muscle performance. No adverse effects or disease flares were observed in studies involving eight infrared sessions.
- Systemic sclerosis: In cases of refractory digital ulcers, gentle infrared sauna (Waon therapy) promotes healing, improves skin perfusion, and may prevent amputation.
- Gout: Caution is required due to the risk of acute flares related to dehydration-induced increases in uric acid. Careful hydration and alcohol restriction are essential.
Cardiovascular, cognitive, and systemic effects
Regular sauna therapy (3 to 7 sessions per week) is associated with a 26–77% reduction in cardiovascular mortality risk, improved endothelial function, and lower blood pressure. These effects are amplified when combined with physical exercise.
In older adults or individuals at risk of dementia, sauna use is correlated with a 53% reduction in dementia risk and a 70% reduction in Alzheimer’s disease, likely through combined effects on systemic inflammation and cerebral vascularization.
Gentle heat for living better with chronic disease?
Sauna therapy, particularly Finnish and infrared modalities, represents a promising complementary approach for patients with rheumatic diseases. It offers anti-inflammatory, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and psychological benefits. While the findings are encouraging, most studies involve small sample sizes, limiting generalizability.
Large-scale, controlled, multicenter studies are now needed to standardize protocols (duration, frequency, sauna type), identify specific contraindications (gout, pregnancy, severe cardiac disease, male infertility), and optimize the clinical integration of sauna therapy into care pathways.
Read next: A post-exercise infrared sauna session: a booster for neuromuscular recovery or just comfort?
About the author – Lila Rouland
Doctor of Oncology, specialized in Biotechnology and Management
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