Any experience with red or infrared light therapy for PMR?

Hi @stiff, I've often thought about how nice it would be to have one of those home infrared saunas but just never found the time or money to follow up with it. I don't have any experience but there is evidence that it helps.

-- Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5523874/
I had my eye on one from SaunaSpace but it's a little spendy. Here's a video by Dr. Terry Wahls talking about them with the developer of the sauna.
https://youtu.be/-sSMUPlVINQ

My PMR began after I had an extremely painful 2nd vaccine Phitzer, not sure if the fellow slipped when he gave it to me. My right arm and in particular exactly the spot of my injection, were so painful for almost a year, although I was taking Predisolone regularly . Someone suggested infra red. As I already had an infra red outfit for puppies, I decided to have a go. Ten minutes . Again the following day. Ten minutes. All pain gone and stiffness in my arm, now 12 months later still fine.

Hi @stiff, I purchased a Thermotex Platinum heating pad from Amazon and it gave me great comfort when everything ached from PMR before I started prednisone. I found it relieved pain while I was using it. The pain did return when I stopped, but I was grateful to be pain free fort a couple of hours. I've been impressed with the company as after the warranty expired, the power cord wasn't working properly and they sent me a new one immediately, no charge.
Do you get any relief from a regular heating pad?
My PMR and GCA are in remission now, but I still use the Thermotex regularly for a sore shoulder. I also have an infrared heat lamp that I use too, but that only covers a small area.

thank you!

I am a little afraid of infrared saunas. Because a friend had one and the instructions said do not use if you have cancer. Well, who knows if the start of cancer is somewhere..and maybe it would be sloughed off if it weren't for the infared light? why would the sauna say that I wonder

I go in ice baths... and in the lake in the winter.. through a hole with a ladder ... or bathtub.. anything under 60 degrees is good. I find it helps all my aches and pains. PMR and does lower inflammation. also I am 77 years old. and just started a year ago. changed everything I think. and mentally it does a world of good. You are so happy to get out! haha

Hi. Just diagnosed, but tried the red light therapy from Costco and no help. Aquasize is really good , but only while in the pool. Plan to try the infrared sauna at my fitness club. Seems the best treatment is oral steroids.

Welcome @joanmm, There are alternative treatments for PMR but prednisone is normally the first line of defense for treating PMR. Here's a search of Connect for discussions and member comments on alternative treatments for PMR if you want to scan through them - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/.

Have you been diagnosed with PMR? Did your doctor/rheumatologist suggest a treatment?

@johnbishop Hi. My family doctor in Canada diagnosed it a week ago ( and I am a retired family doc) and she was able to talk to a rheumatologist who has recommended Prednisone and alendronate as I have osteopenia. I will see him soon. As we were leaving for Mexico right after the diagnosis , I elected to wait until we return Monday.

The warmth feels good while it’s on, however my much cheaper heating pad works just as well.