By Lila Rouland | Published on December 22, 2025 | 3 min readRheumatic 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 RoulandDoctor of Oncology, specialized in Biotechnology and Management
