In New Zealand, it is estimated that 1 in 6 people live with chronic pain, including conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis and back pain. Its symptoms can range from mild to severe and can continue day after day or come and go. Chronic pain can be debilitating and a challenge to treat, with sufferers often being misdiagnosed and misunderstood. The traditional healing model – take medication, rest, get better – typically doesn’t work. A growing body of research on floatation therapy is indicating that the weightlessness and sensory restriction experienced in the float tank can provide respite from pain associated with a number of chronic pain conditions.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and sleep disturbances, and areas of tenderness. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment option for people who suffer from fibromyalgia and so a multidisciplinary approach is often implemented to include both traditional and alternative therapies. The Fibromyalgia Flotation Project conducted a study in 2012 that provided compelling evidence that floating can greatly improve the lives of people with fibromyalgia. Participants floated once a week for three weeks and found the following benefits:
Decreases in:
Pain
Muscle tension
Anxiety
Stress
Increases in:
Freedom of movement
Energy
Mood
Quality of sleep
These promising results suggest that floating can be used as part of a holistic treatment plan for fibromyalgia and it is proposed that longer term floating may continue to provide ongoing and beneficial effects.
What other forms of chronic pain can floating help with?
Several clinical studies have used floatation therapy as treatment for conditions such as muscle tension, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, PMS and rheumatoid arthritis. There were positive results reported in all these studies by participants who were assigned to the float tank as treatment for their pain, demonstrating that floating may be a beneficial tool for pain management.
While there is no miracle cure for chronic pain conditions, a complete absence of all pain while floating was frequently reported by people who participated in these studies. If there is something out there that can give you relief from your pain, even for a temporary period of time, wouldn’t you want to try it?
Some tips
The first and most important tip is, book yourself in. Trying an unfamiliar experience can feel daunting, especially if you have already tried everything you can think of to help relieve your pain. We will provide you with everything you need for your float, including a thorough orientation to the experience at your first appointment. Read through our Frequently Asked Questions page to familiarise yourself with what to expect.
We offer a special reduced rate during our Community Hours for those suffering from physical health conditions including chronic pain. Community Hours floats are $64 for a Single Float and $100 for a Double Float on Wednesdays between 10am-1pm. This is a great way to give floating a try and see if it can provide you with the relief that you deserve.
To book in, click here!
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