Whole-Body Hyperthermia (WBH) in Psoriatic Arthritis and Degenerative Rheumatism: Evidence from Controlled Clinical Trials

1. WBH in Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Modulating Inflammation and Improving Symptoms

*Iterative Whole-Body Hyperthermia (WBH), utilizing water-filtered Infrared-A wIRA radiation, is an effective adjuvant therapy for Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). A *controlled, randomized, prospective study* confirmed its beneficial effects [3]. The mechanism of action includes a *sustained reduction in polymorphonuclear granulocyte activity*, suggesting a decrease in systemic inflammation and a lasting improvement in symptoms for patients with rheumatic conditions [2].

Clinical and Immunological Evidence

• *RCT Evidence in PsA:* The high-quality study validated the effects of WBH on Psoriatic Arthritis patients, providing a solid framework for including hyperthermia as part of a multimodal therapeutic strategy [3].
• *Reduction of Inflammatory Activity:* Treatment with mild wIR-A hyperthermia led to a *sustained decrease in the activity of polymorphonuclear granulocytes* in patients with rheumatic diseases [2]. Granulocytes are key cells in the acute and chronic inflammatory processes associated with rheumatism.
• *Degenerative Rheumatism:* WBH with  wIR-A radiation has also been investigated for its effects in *degenerative rheumatic diseases* and *soft tissue rheumatism*, demonstrating its therapeutic potential across various rheumatic conditions [1].

2. WBH in Rheumatism Treatment: Applications and Benefits

Beyond PsA, clinical experiences indicate an extended role for WBH in rheumatic conditions.

• *Soft Tissue Rheumatism:* WBH has proven beneficial in the treatment of conditions involving *soft tissue rheumatism* [1], offering a physical alternative for managing localized pain and inflammation.
• *Adjuvant Physical Therapy:* These results position WBH as a valuable *adjuvant physical therapy* that can be used to reduce systemic inflammatory load and improve the functional status of rheumatic patients.

Scientific References (E-E-A-T)

1. Kopp S., Faber E., Laser T. Erfahrungen mit durch wasser­gefilterte Infrarot-A-Strahlung erzeugter moderater Ganzkörper­hyperthermie bei degenerativ rheumatischen Erkrankungen und Weichteilrheumatismus. Vortrag auf der Medizinischen Woche Baden-Baden 28.10.1995
2. Meffert H., Müller G.M., Scherf H.P. Milde Infrarot-A-Hyperthermie zur Behandlung von Erkrankungen des rheumatischen Formenkreises – Anhaltende Verminderung der Aktivität polymorphkerniger Granulozyten. Intern Sauna-Arch1993; 4:125-31
3. Lange U., Schwab F., Müller-Ladner U., Dischereit G. Wirkung iterativer Ganzkörperhyperthermie mit wassergefilterter Infrarot-A-Strahlung bei Arthritis psoriatica – eine kontrollierte, randomisierte, prospektive Studie. Akt Rheumatol 2014; 05:310-16