Rheumatic diseases present an increasing challenge for much of the world’s population, especially for aging demographics. With over 200 illnesses falling under the large umbrella term of rheumatic diseases, most of these are without cure and rely on daily management of symptoms and progression. While pharmacological care remains central to treatment protocol for these diseases, emerging evidence in 2025 suggests that sauna therapy could be used as an alternative treatment. (1)
Preserving quality of life for anyone living with a rheumatic disease is the primary goal of any treatment plan. Managing the illnesses with a variety of protocols from pharmacological therapies to lifestyle changes is central to optimizing a high quality of life. Chronic inflammation of the joints, tissues, and sometimes organs of the body underlies the plethora of rheumatic diseases. Additionally, many rheumatic illnesses are autoimmune diseases leaving its patients susceptible to contracting viruses more easily than the rest of the population.
After the global pandemic of 2020 it was observed that many rheumatic disease patients suffered more severely than other populations. This sparked the interest of a team of German researchers to look into alternative therapies that could reliably help to manage the chronic inflammation that lies at the core of this subset of diseases. It has been observed and proven that the thermoregulatory system that is invoked during a sauna session helps to relieve inflammation in clinically significant ways for rheumatic disease patients. (1)
The conclusion of the research ascertained that sauna therapy as experienced in either a traditional sauna, or an infrared sauna can effectively reduce chronic inflammation for rheumatic disease patients and therefore improve the quality of life. Saunas will likely never be a replacement for pharmacological care, however they may hold an important therapeutic role for individuals living with a rheumatic disease.
Discover how the heat from a sauna can elicit a cascade of biological responses to elicit anti-inflammatory signalling, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance neuroendocrine regulation; all of which helps to improve the overall quality of life for those living with rheumatic diseases.
What are Rheumatic Diseases?
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Gout and pseudogout
- Fibromyalgia (2)
Rheumatic diseases encapsulate over 200 differently named diseases that are primarily inflammatory in nature. Many of these conditions affect the joints, ligaments, and tendons. Often these conditions are autoimmune diseases that are chronic and progressive. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Not all rheumatic diseases affect the joints, but rather the internal organs, such as lupus.
Rheumatic is a word that evolved from the ancient Greek word rheuma which literally translates to ‘that which flows’. Rheumatic diseases are linked to inflammation of the joints, tissues, or organs of the body. Inflammation is intrinsically related to circulation or flowing of the blood throughout the body, so the etymology makes some sense as a description of the core properties of this large umbrella term.
Rheumatic diseases are succinctly described by a paper titled ‘Oxidative stress in autoimmune rheumatic diseases’ (3) published in the reputable journal Science Direct when the authors write this.
“Systemic rheumatic diseases are complex chronic disorders of variable severity classified according to their clinical and immunologic manifestations.” (3)
Or perhaps more aptly described by a paper published in Frontiers Medicine entitled ‘Editorial: Rheumatic Diseases and Infection’ (4) this category of diseases is described in this way when the authors write this.
“Rheumatic diseases are a collective of inflammatory, often autoimmune, conditions that affect joints, muscles, bones, and organs.” (4)
Rheumatoid arthritis is among the most widely discussed of the umbrella term rheumatic diseases, and is described in the Johns Hopkins article entitled ‘What is rheumatoid arthritis?’ (5) when the authors write.
“Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term (chronic) disease that causes inflammation of the joints. The inflammation can be so severe that it affects how the joints and other parts of the body look and function. In the hand, RA may cause deformities in the joints of the fingers. This makes moving your hands difficult. Lumps, known as rheumatoid nodules, may form anywhere in the body.” (5)
Living with a rheumatic disease can be painful and scary. These diseases may be expressed during ‘flare-ups’, or simply progressively deteriorate over time. A major concern for anyone living with a rheumatic disease is both inflammation as well as susceptibility to contracting viruses, such as Covid 19.
Typically patients of rheumatic disease will be prescribed either, or both of these medicines.
“Patients diagnosed with autoimmune rheumatic diseases rely on disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to control the progression of disease. Both DMARDs and dysregulated immune function may cause increased risks of infection in patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease.” (4)
These pharmacological treatments are not necessarily the only treatment available for rheumatic diseases. In fact research published in April of 2025 revealed that sauna bathing can dramatically ease symptoms, and possibly progression of these diseases. (1)
This groundbreaking new evidence is life changing for anyone living with a rheumatic disease. Find out the details of this newly revealed research and how you can begin to use saunas at home as part of your holistic treatment plan for rheumatic disease.
How Can Sauna Therapy Improve Symptom Expression of Rheumatic Diseases
- Anti-Inflammatory Factors
- Reduction of Oxidative Stress
- Enhancement of Neuroendocrine Regulation
“Clinical evidence points to benefits of sauna therapy related to alleviating pain, reducing stiffness, and improving mobility in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS),and osteoarthritis (OA).” (1)
Relief is on the way for chronic inflammation, painful joints, and lack of mobility with newly published research on how saunas can help to maximize the quality of life for those living with rheumatic diseases.
Sauna bathing has been found to improve rheumatic diseases in clinically significant ways and it is now considered a viable treatment in the management of rheumatic conditions. The paper entitled ‘Sauna therapy in rheumatic diseases: mechanisms, potential benefits, and cautions’ (1) was submitted for review in February of 2025 and accepted for publication at the end of March 2025, and finally published the following month.
The authors found that saunas, either infrared or traditional Finnish saunas, contribute to the overall wellbeing of rheumatic patients by affecting change in the following areas; improving anti-inflammatory factors, reducing oxidative stress, and by enhancing neuroendocrine regulation. The authors write about their goal in undergoing their data collection and research.
“Given the growing body of evidence supporting its therapeutic potential, sauna therapy represents a viable adjunctive strategy for RD management.” (1)
The researcher’s concern for finding solutions for the rheumatic patients outside of pharmacological solutions stems from the fact that it is believed that the immune suppressing factors in these treatments opens individuals up to contracting more viruses. Furthermore, many individuals report negative side effects from these treatments, and finally, even for individuals who are doing well on their rheumatic prescriptions would likely benefit from additional treatments. This can be seen in the paper published by Frontiers Medicine explored earlier.
“Both DMARDs and dysregulated immune function may cause increased risks of infection in patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease. (1)
The authors of ‘Sauna therapy in rheumatic diseases: mechanisms, potential benefits, and cautions’ describe their hope that saunas may act as an alternative to pharmacological care for the rheumatic patient when they write this.
“Sauna therapy, particularly its Finnish and infrared modalities, has emerged as a promising non-pharmacologic intervention with potential anti-inflammatory, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular benefits.” (1)
The research has demonstrated that either an infrared sauna or a traditional sauna can reliably induce thermoregulatory responses in the body to help reduce inflammation. For the vast majority of rheumatic diseases, inflammation lies at the core of symptom expression. Whether inflammation is present in the tissues, organs, or joints, the vast majority of this class of diseases is in dire need of reducing inflammation.
So, how can a sauna or exposure to dose appropriate heat stress reduce inflammation?
Sauna Therapy Serves to Reduce Inflammation
The researchers from this paper explore the capacity that saunas have in creating the correct internal conditions within the body that release anti-inflammatory signals. Exposure to heat invokes positive circulation in the body which may reduce inflammation, but beyond this, when the body invokes thermoregulatory initiatives a remarkable process occurs, Anti-inflammatory cytokines are released. This biological process sends the anti-inflammatory signals to any part of the body in need of relief from inflammation. (1)
The researchers detail this process when they describe it here.
“Heat exposure modulates inflammatory pathways by reducing pro-inflammatory agents (TNF-α, CRP, PGE2, LTB4) while promoting IL-10-mediated anti-inflammatory effects.” (4)
If you are living with any form of a rheumatic disease it is certainly a high priority to find ways to reduce inflammation. Many patients will find immediate relief from pain and stiffness when inflammation is released.
As well as reducing inflammation, sauna therapy promises to do much for the rheumatic disease patient.
“Additionally, sauna therapy mitigates oxidative stress and enhances neuroendocrine regulation, contributing to systemic health benefits.” (1)
Sauna Therapy Mitigates Oxidative Stress
Sadly, those living with autoimmune diseases are particularly susceptible to the damage incurred from oxidative stress. Luckily, saunas are known to help reduce oxidative stress, and may help to improve the overall quality of life for those living with rheumatic diseases as a result.
The paper published by the journal Research Gate entitled ‘Oxidative stress in autoimmune rheumatic diseases’ (3) describes the relationship between oxidative stress when they write this.
“There is mounting evidence that other protein modifications, including oxidative post-translational protein modifications, may also play key roles in human systemic autoimmune diseases.” (3)
So, how can sauna therapy help to reduce oxidative stress? Among many, biological changes that occur as a result of heat exposure is the increased production of heat shock proteins (HSPs). These protein chaperones fulfill many roles within human physiology, but among these include maintaining a clean intracellular environment clear of free radicals that cause oxidative stress.
By engaging in regular sauna use it is possible to increase the quantity of HSPs within the body’s network and therefore mitigate the effects of oxidative stress. The removal of this physiological stress adds value to the inclusion of regular sauna therapy in the treatment management of rheumatic diseases.
Enhances Neuroendocrine Regulation
A key element of biological dysregulation in patients of rheumatic diseases is the body’s interaction with stressful internal and external events. This stress affects neuroendocrine immune (NEI) organization. When neuroendocrine dysregulation occurs it affects inflammatory reactions in the body. Neuroendocrine regulation is a crucial element in the management of rheumatic diseases.
According to a paper published in the journal Science Direct ‘NEUROENDOCRINE IMMUNE MECHANISMS IN RHEUMATIC DISEASES: An Overview and Future Implications’ (6), the authors describe how a dysregulated neuroendocrine system affects patients living with rheumatic diseases here.
“The NEI loop constitutes essential integrated physiologic circuits for the maintenance of health and the regulation of inflammation. Dysregulation of the NEI loop has important physiopathologic consequences in the systemic rheumatic diseases.” (6)
Sauna use is known to improve neuroendocrine regulation, and therefore reduce inflammation. While the mechanism for this improvement is not fully understood, their results are experienced in rheumatic patients using saunas as a portion of their treatment plan as inflammation is drastically reduced with ongoing sauna therapy
Sauna therapy will likely not replace pharmacological treatments for rheumatic disease patients. Data does suggest that sauna therapy could be a very useful tool in the management of these diseases by reducing inflammation, relieving oxidative stress, and by enhancing neuroendocrine regulation.
If you would like to use a sauna as a portion of your management protocol in the treatment of rheumatic diseases there are a few key factors to consider, such as sauna type, and temperature. Find out how to effectively use saunas in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
What Type of Sauna Should be Used When Treating Rheumatic Diseases: Infrared or Traditional Finnish Saunas
If you have decided to turn toward sauna therapy as a portion of your treatment protocol for rheumatic diseases, you may wonder what style of sauna you should use and how. The evidence suggests that either an infrared sauna or a traditional Finnish saunas are both effective in elevating the body’s temperature enough to elicit the necessary biological changes to positively affect the quality of life for the rheumatic disease patient.
It is important to remember that the biological responses from the use of a sauna to positively affect physiological change in the rheumatic body require heat. It is important to slowly work up to an appropriate temperature, but the higher temperature does matter. This means that in order to release the desired anti-inflammatory signals and heat shock proteins, the body must engage the temperature regulatory system.
This means that for an infrared sauna you will likely want to work your way up to sustaining 120 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 20 minutes per session. For a traditional sauna you will want to elevate the temperature to 170 degrees Fahrenheit to receive the same benefit to the body. You will want to sustain 20 minutes at this temperature once you have taken time acclimatize the body to the high heat.
Great caution should be taken when entering, moving around in the sauna, as well as exiting the sauna. Carry a towel with you and ensure that you have a sauna buddy nearby in case you require help. Hydration must be maintained throughout daily life. This means ensuring that the body is replenished with appropriate quantities of water and electrolytes.
In concluding remarks the paper published ‘Sauna therapy in rheumatic diseases: mechanisms, potential benefits, and cautions’ (1) in April of 2025 is groundbreaking for individuals living with rheumatic disease.
“Given the growing body of evidence supporting its therapeutic potential, sauna therapy represents a viable adjunctive strategy for RD management…Some studies have demonstrated reductions in pain scores and inflammatory markers, improved physical function, and disease stability following infrared sauna exposure.”
While the evidence is promising for the treatment of rheumatic diseases, each of these illnesses are different. Additionally, each patient is unique, so before beginning a sauna therapy protocol please discuss it with your doctor. If you would like, you can present the paper discussed in this article to find out if sauna therapy is appropriate and safe for your individual needs.
Sauna therapy may provide additional relief for rheumatic disease patients, but ultimately each individual needs to follow the management program that is best for their health and lifestyle needs.
Sources Cited:
- Sauna therapy in rheumatic diseases: mechanisms, potential benefits, and cautions – Received: 3 February 2025 / Accepted: 25 March 2025 / Published online: 9 April 2025 © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025
- https://www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/patientcare/rheumatology
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0891584918309377#:~:text=Citrullinated%20proteins%20are%20recognized%20by%20serum%20autoantibodies,key%20roles%20in%20human%20systemic%20autoimmune%20diseases.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9198567/
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889857X05701812
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889857X05701812
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390638040_Sauna_therapy_in_rheumatic_diseases_mechanisms_potential_benefits_and_cautions
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00296-025-05852-0