PMR inflamation management

I haven't used the infrared sauna, but it has been recommended that I try "aqua therapy" which is suppose to be extremely helpful. I saw a lot of positive feedback on this site regarding aqua therapy.

I tried infrared sauna last weekend (after having a mechanical lymphatic therapy treatment). I'm at the point where I'll try anything to be able to lower my steroids and stay fairly mobile with limited pain. I didn't feel any better or worse after the treatments. I won't be having another lymphatic therapy treatment simply because it was a bit uncomfortable, it took 45 minutes and I'm not sure it helped. I'd rather get a massage. The sauna was a challenge for me to stay in for 45 minutes. I combined it with 30 minutes of red light therapy. The sauna is set at 150 degrees but I turned it down to 135. I may try the sauna a few more times.

I'm also going to aqua therapy (thanks to seeing an earlier post by joan7). I'm heading to my 4th appointment shortly. I find it to be very helpful. It's 100% covered by Medicare which is great. My PT suggested 3x/week for now and in 2 weeks, hopefully down to 2x/week.

I was interested in trying red light treatment for PMR but found a few reputable places that say steroids and red light therapy should not be used together. My doctor advised against it while taking prednisolone. Interesting that sunrises, sunsets and the flames of a wood fire are natural sources of red light. It can't hurt to watch the sunset each night, which I was doing earlier and will get back to doing.

I have a far-infrared sauna and have used it for three years. I enjoy it but it doesn't do anything for my PMR except briefly make the shoulder pain a bit less.

Water aerobics is the only exercise I can do. I can walk in the water with no problems. Land, not so much. The water feels awesome for my pain.

@bhinkey, you've received helpful post from several members. You might also be interested in this related discussion:
- Any experience with red or infrared light therapy for PMR? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/any-experience-with-red-or-infrared-light-therapy-fro-pmr/

Hbot and pemf therapy do help with pmr.

Update on aqua therapy. It was going so well. After 4 appointments my hip and shoulder mobility were significantly improved and my pain was down. Unfortunately, I ended up with a large irritation on one shin. It is fiery red and burns. I'm suspecting it may be due to skin thinning from the steroids combined with the chlorine. I had to cancel my aqua therapy appointments this week until my skin heals.

Have you had your shin checked by a doctor? A bacterial infection from the pool would be my guess.

Thanks, I wondered about that. I have an appointment on Thursday and will see what the doctor says. I've only treated it with aloe and it does seem to be getting better.