"I can be in a lot of pain before I get into the sauna, and after a little while my body feels much better," says Johanne Ulvang.
She has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a rheumatic connective tissue disorder that affects the 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 routines for a better everyday life.
Johanne Ulvang
Her body couldn't go on
"I have lived with the condition all my life without knowing it. I had a good many vague symptoms over the years, but it wasn't until I was twenty that I truly realised I was ill," she continues.
Johanne worked two jobs while attending the culinary programme at upper secondary school. She exercised and was very active, but after emergency surgery, her body simply stopped functioning.
"My GP wanted to sign me off sick quite soon after the operation, but as the 'good girl' I was, I pushed myself for a few more months. From the day I was signed off and for several months afterwards, I slept an average of 23 hours a day. That was five years ago."
A lighter mood and better sleep
Today she has found tools that contribute to better health. IR SaunaPod Active is one of them.
"I suffer from pain in my muscles, nerves and joints, as well as exhaustion, stomach trouble and sleep problems. Infrared sauna helps my body calm down, my muscles relax and I feel less stiff. The heat lowers my heart rate and generally lifts my mood. 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 sessions in the morning and in the evening, before going to bed.
"I have the sauna in a storage room, where I can shut out all the other hassle. I sit for 40 minutes with a good podcast in my ears and ice-cold water in my bottle, and enjoy myself. I finish the session with a cold shower to rinse away the toxins I've sweated out. Keeping up routines with a chronic condition isn't easy, but it is very important. I really notice how much better I feel when I'm diligent and stick to my sauna routine," she concludes.
Significantly reduced pain
Research shows that infrared sauna can be a good tool for people with rheumatic conditions. One study showed that infrared sauna eases pain and stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), formerly known as Bekhterev's disease. The study included 17 patients in each group, all of whom were treated for four weeks with two sauna sessions a week. Pain and stiffness were significantly reduced during each sauna session, and fatigue decreased. All participants tolerated the heat well, the treatment had no side effects, and no injuries or worsening of disease were reported. Another study showed that infrared sauna provides pain relief for chronic pain patients.
Trude Kvålseth Lindestad
Pain no one can see
Trude Kvålseth Lindestad was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 2011. She was 34 and worked in a nursery.
"It took a while to get a diagnosis. The disease settled in my large joints. Life became different, with a lot of pain. Pain no one can see. I found it difficult in the beginning."
Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes swelling, pain and stiffness. Today, Trude's everyday life is marked by the disease, but how she feels varies a great deal. It ranges from days when she is fairly 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 developed the disease.
"I have had less pain and less swelling. My body relaxes, I sleep much better and I'm not as stiff in the morning as I used to be," she says.
Sure that infrared sauna helps
Trude usually uses the sauna three to four times a week in good periods, and every day when she is feeling poorly.
"I set it to 60 degrees and sit for 40 minutes," she smiles, stressing that she is completely sure that infrared sauna helps her 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 present very differently, but what they have in common is that an early diagnosis and tailored treatment, together with lifestyle changes, can make a great difference to the quality of life of those living with the condition.
The Norwegian Rheumatism Association (NRF) states in an article on TV2.no, in which TV2 writes about Merethe, who became pain-free with infrared sauna, that a great many of its members have had good experiences with heat treatment. NRF communications manager Håkon Aas says that many of its members have benefited from infrared sauna, especially in winter.
The Norwegian Rheumatism Association and the Norwegian Fibromyalgia Association (NFF) recommend Radiant Health's saunas to members who struggle with chronic pain conditions. Members receive a 10% discount on all Radiant Health products.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is intended as general information only. Research on infrared heat and red light therapy is still evolving, and individual results may vary. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Contact a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional if you have questions about your own health, diagnosis or treatment.
Text: Trine Dahlman
