According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), 1 in 7 Australians has some form of arthritis.
Arthritis is a collective term for various inflammatory conditions affecting the joints, bones, and muscles. These conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout–which are often characterised by pain, swelling, stiffness, and redness around the joints. Arthritis is more common among the older population and is the 2nd leading cause of early retirement.
Impact of Arthritis
Arthritis can profoundly affect the quality of life due to chronic pain, psychological stress, and management of the condition.
A combination of medications, physical therapy, exercise, hot/cold compress, and lifestyle change may slow down or stop the progression of arthritis.
One of the less invasive ways to relieve the symptoms of arthritis is float therapy.
How?
Float therapy can do the following:
Reduces Pressure in the Joints
The most instantaneous effect of floating is weightlessness. The tank is filled with water that’s highly saturated with Epsom salt (over 500kg Magnesium Sulphate), increasing your buoyancy. As a result, your joints, bones, and muscles will decrease. Any pain or discomfort you feel will also lessen, and you will experience overall relief.
It’s crucial to know what type of arthritis you have so you can come up with an effective management plan.
Promotes Healthy Blood Flow
Health professionals often suggest applying heat to areas affected by arthritis for pain relief. Heat causes vasodilation, increasing blood flow. Good blood flow reduces the risk of fluid accumulation in certain areas, leading to pain and swelling. Muscles also relax when exposed to heat.
In float therapy, the water is heated to a certain degree. Floating in heated water addresses all parts of your body simultaneously.
“Floating helps me relax after long drives by loosening my muscles. I also use my time inside the tank to organise my thoughts.”, shares Hayes Thomas, operations manager at Novalease.
Sensory Deprivation Can Reduce Psychological Stress
According to the data from National Health Services (NHS), 22% of Australians with arthritis reported very high levels of psychological distress in 2017-2018. Stress can root from symptoms and the effect on one’s relationships, economic status, etc. Moreover, studies show that stress can trigger a cascade of inflammation-inducing processes, exacerbating arthritis.
You can put a stop to this vicious cycle through floating therapy. You can rest your body and mind inside the tank because it’s dim and silent.
There are no distractions, which gives you a chance to clear your headspace and re-direct your focus on the things that matter the most.
Arthritis often requires multiple coping methods. Float therapy offers a simplified approach that can complement your pain management plan. While floating is considered 100% safe, we still advise customers to consult with their doctor first.
The Float Space at Maroochydore aims to help people with health issues improve their physical and mental well-being using float therapy. Our view of health is modern yet holistic. We believe in the human body’s power to heal and regenerate. But we also understand you need a special place to awaken this power.
Book in a float today at our Maroochydore float centre and see how it can help reduce pain and discomfort easily and naturally.
