1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

Any experience with red or infrared light therapy for PMR?

Posted by stiff @stiff, Dec 4, 2022

I have had PMR for almost 5 years and have been on prednisone anywhere from 10 mg to 2 mg daily with several flare-ups as I try to wean. I am always interested in complementary therapies which might relieve some of the pain and stiffness. I use a heating pad and hot tub but wonder about anyone's experience with red or infrared light therapy...there are so many products available but they seem expensive if they really don't help.

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Dec 4, 2022

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

REPLY
1 reply
anotherpal | @anotherpal | Dec 5, 2022

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.

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1 reply
Teri | @tsc | Dec 5, 2022

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.

REPLY
stiff | @stiff | Dec 9, 2022
In reply to @anotherpal "My PMR began after I had an extremely painful 2nd vaccine Phitzer, not sure if the..." + (show)
@anotherpal

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.

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thank you!

REPLY
clarinet | @clarinet | Feb 21 4:09pm
In reply to @johnbishop "Hi @stiff, I've often thought about how nice it would be to have one of those..." + (show)
@johnbishop

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

Jump to this post

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

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clarinet | @clarinet | Feb 21 4:10pm

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

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