Float therapy has seen success easing chronic pains such as neck and back pain, and helps with spinal misalignment issues. 

Back problems and pain are one of the most common conditions experienced among Australians.

Estimates from the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011–12 National Health Survey show about 3 million Australians (13.6% of the population) have back problems, and chronic back pain is, next to heart disease, one of the most common reasons for inability to work and premature pension. It is estimated that 70–90% of people will suffer from lower back pain in some form at some point in their lives.

Origination and individual perception of pain are related to the degree of relaxation in the muscles and to the general degree of stress in the nervous system.

The physical relaxation produced by the float tank makes it an extremely beneficial healing environment, especially for those with injuries or chronic pain. Since the effects and stresses of gravity are lessened, the body is able to more efficiently allocate its resources towards maintenance and healing.

This alleviation in conjunction with the healing of massage or the strengthening of yoga and other exercise can lead to prolonged periods of respite from pain.

How Does Float Therapy Relieve Back Pain?

An increasing body of scientific evidence shows that float therapy can significantly alleviate pain, for a number of reasons:

1. Reduction of overstimulation of the nervous system

As a physiological form of relaxation, floating has an effect on the subjective perception of pain and on the autonomic nervous system, the system of pathways which transport pain impulses. A radical reduction of exterior sensory stimuli reduces stimulation of the nervous system so perceivably that overstimulation is reduced and pain is perceived as being less intense.

2. Increased endorphin release

Relaxation and the reduction of sensory stimuli contribute to an increase in the release of endorphins and can thus be linked to pain relief also at bio-chemical level. A higher level of natural opiates in the blood of test persons was reliably tested in various examinations.

3. Increased magnesium absorption

Magnesium plays an important role in pain management, as it is a natural pain killer besides enhancing many physiological bodily processes. Studies show that magnesium treatment immediately following injury improves both short and long term outcomes among patients with spinal cord injury. Magnesium is easily absorbed via the skin so with over 600kgs of Epsom salts in each of our pods, you’ll be sure to absorb a whole lot of it!

4. Orthopaedic benefits of being weightless

Floating in a saturated solution of Epsom salt enables the body to take a position which is unlike lying on a bed, bath or any other surface. This particular position is characterised by:

• The spine is completely straight
• Individual vertebrae are not functional twisted
• All muscle groups can relax simultaneously
• Joints, intervertebral discs, ligaments & bones are relieved.

Hereby acute and chronic tension is released and slipped discs, joint pains, sciatica, lumbago, pulled muscles or sprains improve.

Float Therapy and The Spine

Nearly all types of back pain originate in the spine. The spine carries the weight of the torso and has to therefore adapt to pressure in various situations.

Misalignment, one-sided strain, or age-related wear and tear often lead to chronic pain. The spine is divided into the three major sections – cervical spin, thoracic spine and lumbar spine. 

Each section is associated with distinct problems and kinds of pain:

Cervical spine

Although the cervical spine carries the least amount of weight, blockages in the joints often lead to pain.

When suspended in a floatation pod, the vertebrae lie free from any pressure or contortions and are thus able to regenerate in a completely new way. The pain-relieving effect of this treatment is very plausible.

Thoracic spine

The thoracic spine is less often a source of pain, but pain can often be very intense. The ribs are attached to the spine over joints where incorrect movement or accidents can lead to problems.

Experience has shown that the healing process of bruising, breaks or sprains is accelerated when the thoracic spine is not weighed down by gravity and lies in a completely relaxed position.

Lumbar spine

Most cases of back pain originate in the lowest section of the spine, as it carries the entire weight of the torso. The inter-vertebral discs, which act as the spine’s shock absorbing system, lose a portion of their fluid every day. The degree to which the discs are replenished diminishes as we grow older or if the spine is subject to a lot of stress and the inter-vertebral disks slowly shrink. Muscle tension decreases and the lumbar spine arches forward. This leads to chronic back pain, which in some cases can seriously impede one’s range of motion.

Floating counteracts the above processes by enabling inter-vertebral disks to regenerate and by slowing down spinal deformation processes.

Slipped discs are often associated with the lumbar spine. When a disc is misaligned, lumbar tissue can press against the spinal nerves causing intense pain that may even radiate down into the legs, it may irritate the nerves or cause other symptoms. Floating again can be used as a supportive post-operational therapy.

Float therapy can serve as a valuable supplement to physical therapies and exercise to alleviate pain and naturally heal spinal issues.

Chronic back pain can effectively be relieved by floating. Establish a regular float practice and experience it yourself!

Contact us if you’d like to have a chat to find out whether floating may help you too.

Or book your float now to experience complete weightlessness and pain relief naturally.

Client Testimonials

“I had my first float today and I am hooked. I was transported into a deep meditative state with the feeling that I can only liken to being back in the womb, floating in complete darkness with only the colours of my mind. It was the first time I have been pain free for 13 years after spinal surgery. Janine and Felipe were incredibly warm and genuinely excited for me. I couldn’t recommend the experience more highly. Thanks guys! See you next week.” – Matt Rowe Photography

“Recently I had surgery for a prolapsed disc between my c6/7 vertebrae. The surgery was a success, but I was left with pain radiating down my arm from the disc pressing the nerve for many months. Throughout this journey I have been constantly amazed at the bodies ability to heal and recover. I have learnt there is a time and place for all avenues (pharmaceuticals or natural alternatives). This is what led me to the float space.. My experience has been amazing, with each additional float the benefits last longer and my ability to relax and repair increases. The customer service and knowledge provided by Janina and Felipe is superb, from my original enquiry, rescheduling an appointment, to a followup phone call after my float. They are welcoming and the facilities are kept immaculate.” – Zoe B.