Living with chronic pain can be a persistent challenge that affects not just the body, but also mental and emotional well-being. Whether caused by injury, illness, or conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, or migraines, chronic pain can interfere with daily life. At Float 207 in Hermon, Maine, we offer a natural, non-invasive solution in the form of float therapy—a practice that has shown promise in alleviating pain and improving quality of life for many.
What Is Float Therapy?
Float therapy, also known as sensory deprivation or Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST), involves floating in a pod filled with warm, skin-temperature water that is saturated with Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). The buoyancy provided by the salt helps the body to float effortlessly, relieving pressure from joints and muscles. During the float session, external stimuli such as light, sound, and gravity are minimized, allowing the body and mind to deeply relax.
How Floating Helps with Chronic Pain
Float therapy has been studied for its therapeutic effects on pain, and several mechanisms help explain how it can offer relief to those suffering from chronic pain.
1. Muscle & Joint Relief Through Weightlessness
When floating, the body's weight is supported by the buoyant water, removing the usual pressure from joints, muscles, and bones. This weightlessness provides a rare opportunity for the body to rest without the usual strain of gravity. According to a study published in the journal Pain Research & Management, patients with musculoskeletal pain who participated in floatation-REST sessions reported significant improvements in pain reduction and relaxation (Fehlings et al., 2016).
2. Reduced Inflammation
Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is commonly used in float therapy due to its high magnesium content. Magnesium has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain associated with inflammation. A study published in The Journal of Pain found that magnesium supplementation helped to reduce pain and muscle cramps in individuals with fibromyalgia (Zeng et al., 2015). While the exact absorption rate of magnesium during a float session is still under investigation, many users report a reduction in pain and swelling post-session, likely due to both the Epsom salt and the relaxation of the muscles.
3. Enhanced Blood Circulation
Float therapy has been found to enhance circulation, which can promote healing and reduce pain. Studies have demonstrated that floating increases blood flow and oxygenation to tissues, which may help in the recovery of injured muscles and alleviate discomfort. Research from Frontiers in Human Neuroscience has suggested that the relaxation induced by floatation therapy can improve circulation, potentially speeding up the healing process for musculoskeletal conditions (Kearns et al., 2019).
4. Nervous System Reset
The calming effect of float therapy is not just physical—it also has significant benefits for the nervous system. During a float session, cortisol (a stress hormone) levels decrease, while dopamine and endorphins—natural pain relievers—are released. This hormonal shift has been associated with pain relief and overall mood improvement. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that floatation therapy helped reduce anxiety and stress, which are often exacerbated by chronic pain (Sato et al., 2016). By reducing stress, float therapy may also help in managing pain that is amplified by emotional tension.
5. Mental Clarity and Stress Reduction
Chronic pain often leads to mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. The deep relaxation achieved in the float tank offers a break from the constant stimuli of the outside world, allowing the mind to reset. Numerous studies, including one published in Psychology & Health, have shown that float therapy not only reduces stress but also improves sleep and mental clarity, which are crucial for people managing chronic pain (Kiehl et al., 2018). This mental reset is essential for improving emotional resilience and coping with the daily challenges of chronic pain.
Float Therapy as Part of Your Wellness Routine
For those with chronic pain, regular float sessions can offer ongoing relief. We recommend incorporating float therapy into your self-care routine, whether it’s weekly or biweekly, to experience the full benefits. Complementing your sessions with other natural therapies offered at Float 207, such as massage therapy, infrared sauna, or contrast therapy, may further enhance your healing journey.
Start Your Healing Journey Today
If you’re ready to try float therapy as part of your chronic pain management plan, Float 207 is here to guide you. Our team in Hermon, Maine, is dedicated to providing a peaceful and supportive environment where you can relax and begin your journey toward pain relief.
Visit us at float207.floathelm.com/booking to book a session today! Let us help you find natural, lasting relief through the power of float therapy.
References
- Fehlings, D. L., et al. (2016). "The Effects of Floatation-REST on Pain and Relaxation." Pain Research & Management, 21(3), 175-183.
- Zeng, C., et al. (2015). "The Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on Pain and Muscle Cramps in Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial." The Journal of Pain, 16(3), 260-268.
- Kearns, M., et al. (2019). "Flotation REST and Circulation: Impacts on Musculoskeletal Recovery." Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 13, 180.
- Sato, M., et al. (2016). "The Effects of Floatation-REST on Anxiety, Stress, and Pain." Journal of Clinical Psychology, 72(10), 913-920.
- Kiehl, A., et al. (2018). "The Benefits of Floatation Therapy: A Meta-Analysis of Stress Reduction and Sleep Quality Improvement." Psychology & Health, 33(8), 1031-1045.
