Pain can manifest itself in many ways and can often be a sign from the mind and body that something is out of balance.
Due to the weightlessness and sensory restriction experienced in the float tank, floatation therapy can aid with relief of pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic osteo-arthritis, sports related injuries, migraines, back and joint pain, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, bursitis and traumatic injuries.
Floating helps to stimulate the body’s own natural power of healing and regeneration.
An increasing body of research supports that floatation therapy reduces pain and improves joint mobility in arthritis sufferers.
How floatation works to relieve chronic pain
The effects of gravity are removed, allowing the spine to lengthen and pressure on the back, neck, joints, muscles and tendons is alleviated. The release of this pressure increases blood flow to areas in need of healing.
The experience of weightlessness and sensory reduction triggers the body to produce elevated levels of endorphins and enkephalins which help to deal with pain. These natural painkillers block the transmission of pain signals at the level of nerve cells and may be more effective coupled with the pressure release of weightlessness and improve blood flow. In particular, beta-endorphins are released which are more powerful than many prescription drugs.
The reticular activating system, RAS, found in the brain stem normally responsible for alerting the body to “fight or flight” responses and for regulating pain sensations, turns its focus away from external stimuli and begins focusing on internal stimuli. This redirection of the RAS toward internal stimuli allows you to lose the sensation of being connected to the body.
Floating also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for the relaxation response. The release of tension in the body and lowering of stress hormones may also be responsible for the pain relief.
Moreover, pain relief associated with floating allows chronic pain sufferers to break the cycle of pain-depression, enabling improved healing.
Client Testimonials
“I simply couldn’t speak highly enough of this place. I have very sever reactive arthritis. I’ve had it for 2.5 years and am on endless amount of medications, including low dose chemo once a week. Nothing has helped me as much as this place has!! I have tried everything from physios, to strong pain relief. And nothing even came close to touching the pain. The staff are so lovely and helpful and the whole experience is just incredible. If you have any sort of chronic pain I would highly recommend this!!“ – Mikaela Peters, Mooloolaba
“I’ve been floating since October last year now and it occurred to me yesterday that it has been months since I’ve needed any painkillers for arthritis. So from nine painkillers a day to none! And for months at a time. Can’t be a placebo effect as it took way to long for my brain to register that little gem! Thank you The Float Space.” – Tania Fullgrabe, Peregian Springs
“Wow! To hear my husband wake up and say how good he feels is a miracle in itself!! Thank you so much Float Space. He had a hip replacement in January, after 27 years of pain with a hip disease. The recovery has been a long road but his ‘float’ was great for his mental and physical state!! Highly recommend!” – Johanna Kidby, Coolum Beach
Floating is an easy, natural and enjoyable way to free yourself from chronic pain without the use of drugs or invasive techniques.
At The Float Space we can also help you design an individually tailored treatment plan combining the powerful healing methods of floatation, massage and infrared sauna.
CONTACT US to find out more about how our therapies can help you effectively relieve pain and inflammation.
Book your float now to experience pain relief safely and naturally.
References
Borrie R. (1997). The Benefits of Flotation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy) in a Pain Management Program. 6th International REST Conference. San Francisco.
McCormick B.A., Shafransky D.R., Fine T.H. & Turner J.W. Jr. (1997). Effects of Flotation REST on Plasma Cortisol in Rheumatoid Arthritis. 6th International REST Conference. San Francisco.
Mereday C., Lehmann C. & Borrie R. (1990). Flotation For The Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Restricted Environmental Stimulation: Research and Commentary. pp.255-259. Toledo, Ohio: Medical College of Ohio Press.
Shafransky D.R., McCormick B.A., Fine T.H. & Turner J. Jr. (1997). Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST) on Serological Markers of Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis. 6th International REST Conference. San Francisco.
Turner J. Jr., Deleon A., Gibson C. & Fine T.H. (1993). Effects of Flotation REST on Range Motion, Grip Strength and Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Clinical and Experimental Restricted Environmental Stimulation: New Developments and Perspectives. pp. 297-306. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
