Anyone try Cold Plunge or Infared Sauna Therapy for PMR?

Yea. I saw that. They sell home units. I'm really considering getting one. Please let me know if there are any board discussions regarding the use of an infrared sauna.

Here's a search of Connect listing the discussions and comments on infrared sauna - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/

Does anyone know anything about using cold plunge to mange the inflammation of PMR?
It’s a practice used for athletes.

@tweetypie13,

I combined your discussion with an existing discussion titled:

"Anyone try Cold Plunge or Infared Sauna Therapy for PMR?"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-try-cold-plunge-or-infared-sauna-therapy-for-pmr/

Here, members @cheraloha ,@rickman, @yogabonnie and others discuss cold plunge and infrared sauna therapy for PMR.

@JustinMcClanahan
Sounds like it belongs on the todo list for relief.
Thx

Yes, the infra sauna is a dry hot sauna, and it is great for warming up bones and muscles. I find the infra red saune better than an ordinary sauna. I regularly dip in a lake which is now down to 8 degrees, but only for a few minutes. I try to follow that with a sauna or hot shower. My bioenergy medical expert only recommends heat, but I like to combine. I feel both are helping. My rheumatologist has said that there isn't anything I shouldn't do. I have had PMR for 5 months, but had to stop swimming due to upper arm aches. I live in Ireland. I'm 60, a keen cyclist, my legs are good and I regularly road and mountain bike.

Time to chime in. I have been using my vibration plate regularly for about a month. Depending on how you stand, sit, or place your hands on it, controls where the vibrations go on your body and how intense they are. I find it helpful in that my painful muscles get "all shook up" and don't hurt as much. I bought AXV from Amazon for just under $100. It is sturdy. I am also soaking up to my neck in my lake in northern Minnesota for 6 minutes, 4 times per week, followed by a hot tub soak. Pretty sure my water is in the 30's (F) and getting ready to freeze. I am at 8 mg of prednisone and tapering. Feeling pretty good but the taper will tell the story. I am 75 and able to stay active. I was diagnosed with the "beast" February 2025.

@linnead The other thing that I have learned from this group, is that I no longer expect to be pain free as I taper. If I can be at a 2 on a 1-10 scale, that works for me. Using Tylenol for help in pain reduction but not even daily. Only my opinion. I think my rheumy is looking for pain free or Kevzara, but I am really going to give a slow taper my attention, use my vibration plate and soak in ice water.

@tweetypie13 …I did ocean dips every day all year round for a couple of years off Vancouver island and found it really helped …would follow with hot tub soak every morning and found it relieved pain a lot ! Highly recommend!

@nancy334
Did the hot tub, and lots of pool walking in my worst of days. Must try plunge. Where I live friends are now going in their pool or hot tub which not heated …. Maybe b 65° is a good start.