Can Sauna Therapy Help Osteoarthritis Pain?

Key Takeaways

·        Regular sessions in a sauna can relieve osteoarthritis symptoms by reducing inflammation, joint pain, and stiffness.

·        Infrared sauna health benefits include increased collagen production, better blood circulation, and enhanced joint mobility for daily comfort and flexibility.

·        Consistent use of a sauna or infrared sauna blanket supports stress relief, improves sleep, and helps with range of motion in affected joints.

·        Start with short sessions and build up gradually; consistent hydration and use of your infrared sauna 1-person or multi-person model at least 4–5 times weekly yields best results.

·        Home sauna ownership makes therapy accessible, supporting overall home sauna wellness for pain management and improved quality of life.

In-home Infrared Saunas and Infrared Sauna Blankets have been proven to help treat osteoarthritis. Read the blog post below to learn how.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, osteoarthritis affects approximately 32.5 million people in the United States.

Are you part of this group? Are you desperate for some relief from your symptoms?

If so, keep reading. Explained below are some of the greatest benefits of using a sauna for osteoarthritis sufferers.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Before we get into the relationship between an infrared sauna and arthritis treatment, let's talk about osteoarthritis more generally. 

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is a degenerative disease that affects the joints, particularly the joints in the hands, knees, and hips. Osteoarthritis (or OA) occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints begins to break down. When this happens, the bones begin to change and the joints become painful, stiff, and swollen as a result.

Sometimes, people with OA experience severe reductions in joint function and become disabled. They may even be unable to work or perform tasks of daily living.

Symptoms and Causes of Osteoarthritis

Some of the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, aching, or stiffness in the joints. A decreased range of motion and flexibility may occur, too, along with swelling.

Anyone can develop osteoarthritis. However, certain people may be more likely to develop it than others, including those who fall into one or more of the following categories:

·        Those who frequently use a specific joint

·        Those who are middle-aged or senior citizens

·        Women (particularly those over 50)

·        Those who are overweight or obese

·        Those who have a family history of OA

Are Saunas Good for Arthritis?

If you struggle with osteoarthritis symptoms, you may be wondering "Does sauna help arthritis?" The short answer is yes; it does.

The following are some of the greatest benefits regular sauna use has to offer those with osteoarthritis:

Reduced Inflammation

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition. The more inflamed the joints become, the more severe your symptoms will be.

Sitting in a sauna can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the joints that are affected by osteoarthritis.

Infrared saunas are particularly effective when it comes to combatting inflammation. When you sit in the sauna, infrared wavelengths penetrate the skin, raise your core temperature, and increase blood circulation. Improved blood flow helps to increase the production of white blood cells, which in turn reduces inflammation and swelling in the joints.

If you’re looking for ways to boost your sauna experience at home, sauna accessories such as backrests and ergonomic seating can make your sessions more comfortable and effective, especially when managing pain and stiffness.

Read More on infrared sauna health benefits: Top 8 Benefits of an Infrared Sauna

Increased Collagen Production

Regular sauna usage increases the production of collagen, too. Collagen is a type of protein that supports the bone marrow and keeps the muscles, bones, and joints healthy. Increasing collagen production can reduce the damage caused by arthritis, slow the progression of the condition, and prevent symptoms from getting worse.

Boosting collagen production helps the cells in the bone marrow to regenerate faster. This minimizes the damage caused by prolonged inflammation and helps to reduce the pain caused by osteoarthritis.

A particularly popular type, the infrared sauna indoor 2 person model, is ideal for those who want to share a session with a partner or caregiver. Many osteoarthritis sufferers find the space perfect for guided stretches and mobility routines.

Beginner? Learn more: beginners tips on how to use a sauna

Reduced Stress

Stress increases inflammation and may make your osteoarthritis symptoms worse. Spending time in the sauna each day (or at least a few times per week) is a great opportunity to decompress, reduce stress, and practice meditation or mindfulness.

Many people find that they feel more relaxed when they incorporate regular sauna use into their routine. If you've been extra stressed lately, this might be a good tool to add to your toolbox.

If you’re new to buying or installing saunas, consider home sauna installation advice from expert retailers. They can help you select the safest, most accessible sauna style to fit your home and your arthritis care requirements.

For guidance, see Best Home Sauna Collection.

Improved Sleep

Regular sauna usage may help to improve your sleep, too. Because it reduces stress and promotes relaxation, many people find that they sleep better when they incorporate sauna use into their routine.

Keep in mind, too, that poor sleep can exacerbate pain. If you're not sleeping well, your arthritis symptoms may be worse.

Increased Range of Motion

Finally, you'll likely notice an improvement in your joint range of motion when you start spending time in a sauna regularly.

When you increase blood flow and warm up (literally) the muscles and joints, you'll find that it's easier to stretch them, release tension, and work on your flexibility. This can help you to reduce your injury risk in the future and may help to minimize your pain and stiffness.

Among the many types available, a full-spectrum infrared sauna for sale is a top recommendation for consistent joint relief and enhanced tissue recovery. For expert tips, see Best Infrared Saunas Collection.

How to Use an In-Home Sauna for Osteoarthritis

The best way to experience the benefits of sauna use for osteoarthritis is to have an in-home sauna. This saves you from having to drive to a gym or spa to sit in the sauna. You can just roll out of bed and step right in!

Here are a few tips that can help you see the greatest results from your in-home sauna:

Be Consistent

You'll see the best results from your sauna usage if you're consistent. Ideally, you'll use it every day, or at least 4-5 times per week.

This is why having a sauna at your house is so helpful. If you have to drive to a gym or spa whenever you want to use the sauna, it's going to be hard to be consistent, especially when your life gets busy.

Start Slow

It's important to be consistent with your sauna treatments, but you also shouldn't do too much, too fast. If you overdo it at the beginning, you'll have a harder time sticking with it and seeing results.

Starting slowly with just 5 or 10-minute sessions will help you to get used to the heat of the sauna and avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated.

Stay Hydrated

Speaking of dehydration, make sure you drink plenty of water before and after your sauna sessions, too. This will help you to replace the fluids you lose by sweating in the sauna.

Staying hydrated may also lessen your osteoarthritis symptoms because it lubricates the joints and keeps them healthy.

Start Managing Your Osteoarthritis Today

Now that you know about what an at-home sauna can do for your osteoarthritis symptoms, are you ready to invest in one?

If you want to experience all the benefits an infrared sauna has to offer, we've got you covered at Sun Home Saunas. Check out our online store today to see all the different infrared saunas available for home use.

Reach out today and find out more from our sauna experts.

FAQs

Are infrared saunas good for osteoarthritis?
Yes, regular sessions in an infrared sauna reduce joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain. The gentle, penetrating heat increases blood flow, promoting joint health and flexibility.

How often should you use an infrared sauna for osteoarthritis?
Aim for daily or near-daily sessions (about 4–5 times per week) for best results. Starting slowly and building up time in your infrared sauna 1-person or larger model ensures safe and cumulative benefits.

What are the most important infrared sauna health benefits for arthritis?
Key benefits include reduced swelling and inflammation, improved collagen production, better sleep, stress reduction, and more mobile, pain-free joints and muscles.

Can I get the same relief from an infrared sauna blanket as from an installed sauna?
Yes, an infrared sauna blanket provides effective, portable pain and inflammation relief—choose whichever suits your space and lifestyle.

Is there a “best infrared sauna for home” for arthritis sufferers?
Look for a full-spectrum infrared sauna for sale or reputable, ergonomic models with low EMF, comfortable seating, and quality construction. These features maximize safety, comfort, and joint health improvements.