According to the NHS, ‘more than 10 million people have arthritis or other, similar conditions that affect the joints.’. There is no cure for arthritis, so treatments typically seek to slow progress and minimise joint inflammation – they often include physiotherapy, medication, and surgery.
Floatation therapy is rarely mentioned, but it is becoming recognised as an effective treatment, with no known side effects.
For those who have discovered it, many arthritis sufferers seeking to cope with joint pain find almost instant relief from the physical pain, as well as long-lasting psychological benefits from using float therapy or float tanks as an alternative medicine important to their
In this article, we’ll try to explain some of the relevant science behind how time in a sensory deprivation tank can help with arthritis.
What is Arthritis?
There are over 100 types of arthritis, and the term is rather more a way of describing joint disease or joint pain more generally. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, which occurs as the cartilage wears, to the point that bone rubs against bone.
Other common types include psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis which in turn are chronic conditions caused by inflammation.
Though causes of arthritis are many and varied, symptoms felt will normally include stiffness, swelling, and even pain. Severe, chronic symptoms have the potential to significantly impact lifestyle, and quality of life.
Floating and Inflammation
Floatation therapy has been regularly shown to reduce inflammation. It is thought that the sensory deprivation leads to several physiological improvements that contribute to this, and in turn, reduce arthritis pain and chronic pain generally.
Restricted environmental stimulation such an isolation tank offers, enables body and mind to switch off from stress, instead focussing energy reserves on recovery – blood pressure decreases, blood flow increases and muscle tension decreases.
Indeed, such deep relaxation is usually achievable that brain waves have even been shown to slow to ‘Theta State’ – during which the body activates healing processes usually only found during sleep.
These various processes usually achieve a reduction in the stress hormone cortisol, muscle pain, and is a completely natural remedy – simply enabling your body to work on healing itself free from worldly distractions.
Epsom Salts
Though less well-proven, it is believed by many that Epsom salt (our float pods have 575kg of Epsom salt each!) has many benefits, perhaps from the amount of magnesium sulfate.
This needs further research to be unequivocally proven, though small studies have shown bathing with Epsom salt can lead to transdermal (via the skin) magnesium absorption.
Magnesium is often deficient due to modern diets, yet is essential for joint repair, and a natural anti-inflammatory – balanced levels reduce pain associated with arthritis, as well as helping with pain relief for joints.
Relaxation Response to Floatation Therapy
Further responses which aid floating’s ability to offer pain relief for arthritis sufferers include increased endorphin secretion, faster lactic acid flush, and generalised stress reduction.
One of the things we enjoy seeing most is that floating generally offers an individual what they need. Perceived benefits will be most profound on whatever has been affecting them most, and regular practice can also lead to long-lasting improvements to body and mind.
Float Hub
We’re driven to provide deeper rest and recovery for all. Float Hub is currently developing specific programmes to deal with pain relief, stress release, trouble sleeping, as well as courses specifically to improve both athletic and mental performance.
To find out more please visit us or email info@floathub.co.uk for more detail and timings for their release.
Book a float today to discover what floating can do for you.
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