Can Float Therapy Aid in Alleviating PTSD Symptoms?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition characterized by anxiety and depression stemming from a traumatic event (either acute or prolonged). Though we often—and rightly—associate this condition with war veterans, any individual across any age group can develop PTSD after experiencing or witnessing traumatic occurrences such as physical or sexual assault, abuse, accidents, severe health problems, traumatic childbirth experiences, disasters, war or conflict, death of loved ones or friends, or other severe events. This condition may cause individuals to feel stressed or scared even in the absence of immediate danger. Notably, combat veterans may suffer from PTSD due to the intense and distressing experiences of war.

PTSD disrupts the body's stress response, namely how the stress hormone Cortisol is regulated. Under normal circumstances, cortisol levels rise and fall in a daily cycle—high in the morning, low at night—contributing to our circadian rhythm. However, in those with PTSD, cortisol levels may remain consistently high leading to a host of health issues such as being constantly on edge, irritability or aggressive behavior, difficulty concentrating, self-destructive behavior, weight gain, digestive problems, sleep disturbances, flashbacks, etc. 

Float therapy’s claim to fame is its remarkable calming effect on the brain’s chemistry, intense relaxation at the neural level, and overall mood enhancement. If one were trying to make a pill or a therapy to treat PTSD, it would need to address each of these aspects. Float therapy intrinsically offers a holistic approach to managing the complexities of PTSD that naturally targets the most damaging characteristics of this life-altering and disruptive condition.

Research from the '90s, notably by Thomas H. Fine of the University of Toledo College of Medicine, has illuminated the benefits of float therapy specifically for PTSD treatment. Fine's studies, including one involving eight 40-minute float sessions revealed a significant reduction in cortisol levels with a 22% decrease observed in participants. 

Moreover, a meta-analysis of 27 studies involving 449 participants revealed that flotation therapy effectively reduces stress as evidenced by physiological benefits like decreased cortisol and blood pressure, improvements in well-being, and enhanced performance. The findings indicate that flotation therapy may serve as a potent alternative or complement to traditional stress management techniques.

An additional study involving 50 participants with diagnosed anxiety and depression demonstrated that floatation therapy not only reduced stress, muscle tension, pain, depression and negative affects but also markedly enhanced mood. This enhancement was characterized by elevated feelings of serenity, relaxation, happiness, and general well-being.

Beyond cortisol reduction, float therapy is also associated with increased production of dopamine and serotonin—neurotransmitters integral to mood regulation and the sensation of pleasure and happiness. These biochemical changes further contribute to the therapeutic effects of float therapy, particularly for those with PTSD. The tranquility experienced during a float session not only lowers cortisol but also encourages the normalization of circadian rhythms, potentially alleviating some of the disruptive symptoms associated with PTSD.

Further, we see anecdotal evidence in our own clients who have freely discussed their experience with float therapy and how it has helped them manage their own PTSD symptoms. Robert Torres, a Marine veteran who served in challenging environments such as Fallujah and Marjah, found profound relief from the physical and mental scars of battle through float therapy. Six years ago, he discovered the power of the float tank— a sanctuary where the absence of gravity and external stimuli allowed him to process his thoughts in silence, leading to significant pain relief and mental clarity. This experience helped alleviate his PTSD symptoms which then enabled him to regain control of his life, ultimately inspiring him to become a skydiving instructor. Despite its clear benefits to veterans like Torres, unfortunately, float therapy remains unrecognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs for coverage.

RESEARCH STUDIES AND ARTICLES CITED:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12509067/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796691/

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08870440412331337093#.UyMssVFdXd0

https://www.expressnews.com/opinion/article/Lingle-A-military-vet-floats-toward-peace-17478527.php