"I can be in a lot of pain before I get into the sauna, and after a short while, my body feels much better," says Johanne Ulvang.
She has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a rheumatic connective tissue disorder that affects connective tissue in joints, muscles, skin, and internal organs. According to the Norwegian Rheumatism Association (NRR), EDS is hereditary. Infrared sauna has become part of Johanne's routine for a better everyday life.
Johanne Ulvang
The body gave up
– I lived with the disease my whole life without knowing it. I had a good number of vague symptoms over the years, but it wasn't until my twentieth year that I truly realized I was sick, she continues.
Johanne worked two jobs while attending culinary school. She trained and was very active, but after an emergency operation, her body stopped functioning.
– My GP wanted to put me on sick leave shortly after the operation, but as the "good girl" I was, I pushed myself for a few more months. From the day I was put on sick leave and for several months afterward, I slept an average of 23 hours a day. That was five years ago.
Lighter in spirit and better sleep
Today, she has found tools that contribute to better health. The IR SaunaPod Active is one of these tools.
– I suffer from pain in my muscles, nerves, and joints, as well as fatigue, stomach problems, and sleep issues. Infrared sauna helps my body calm down, my muscles relax, and I become less stiff. The heat lowers my heart rate and generally makes me lighter in spirit. I fall asleep much more easily and sleep more soundly through the night when I use the infrared sauna before bedtime.
Sauna Routine
Johanne tries to use the infrared sauna at least three times a week. She alternates between morning sessions and evening sessions before going to bed.
– I have the sauna set up in a storage room, where I can shut out all other distractions. I sit for 40 minutes with a good podcast on my ears, ice-cold water in my bottle, and just enjoy myself. I end the session with a cold shower to wash away the toxins I've sweated out. Maintaining routines as a chronic patient is not easy, but it is very important. I notice how much better I feel if I am diligent and follow my sauna routine, she concludes.
Pain significantly reduced
Research shows that infrared sauna can be a good tool for rheumatic patients. A study showed that infrared sauna relieves pain and stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), formerly known as Bechterew's disease. The study included 17 patients in each group, all of whom were treated for four weeks with two sauna sessions per week. Pain and stiffness were significantly reduced during each sauna session, and fatigue decreased. All tolerated the heat well, the treatment had no side effects, and no injuries or worsening of the disease were reported. Another study showed that infrared sauna provides pain relief for chronic pain patients.
Trude Kvålseth Lindestad
Invisible pain
Trude Kvålseth Lindestad was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or arthritis, in 2011. She was 34 years old and worked in a kindergarten.
– It took some time to get a diagnosis. The disease settled in my large joints. Life became different with a lot of pain. Pain that no one sees. I found it difficult at first.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes swelling, pain, and stiffness. Today, Trude's daily life is affected by the disease, but her condition fluctuates greatly. Everything from days where she is quite well, to days with severe pain.
– I have reduced my position from 80% to 60%, with shorter working days, which helps me.
She also bought an IR SaunaPod Active a year ago and says that her first winter with the sauna has been her best winter since she got the disease.
– I've had less pain and less swelling. My body relaxes, I sleep much better, and I'm not as stiff in the morning as before, she says.
Convinced that IR sauna helps
Trude usually takes a sauna three to four times a week during good periods, and every day when she is not feeling well.
– I set it to 60 degrees and sit for 40 minutes, she smiles, emphasizing that she is absolutely sure that infrared sauna helps her to have a better everyday life.
Tailored treatment and lifestyle changes
There are over 200 rheumatic diagnoses. According to the Norwegian Rheumatism Association, the various rheumatic diseases can manifest very differently, but what they have in common is that an early diagnosis and tailored treatment, along with lifestyle changes, can make a big difference to the quality of life for those living with the disease.
The Norwegian Rheumatism Association (NRF) states in an article on TV2.no, where TV2 writes about Merethe who became pain-free with infrared sauna, that a great many of their members have good experience with heat treatment. Communications Manager at NRF, Håkon Aas, states that many of their members have experienced good effects from infrared sauna, especially in winter.
The Norwegian Rheumatism Association and the Norwegian Fibromyalgia Association (NFF) recommend Radiant Health's saunas to their members who suffer from chronic pain conditions. Members receive a 10% discount on all Radiant Health products.
Text: Trine Dahlman
