Floating For Osteoporosis

Float Away For Osteoporosis Relief 

Osteoporosis is estimated to cause over 8.9 million fractures worldwide every year resulting in an osteoporotic fracture every three seconds. Treatment is offered in the form of medication and physical therapy, while a focus on nutrition and exercise is also important. However, in my experience as someone who has osteoporosis, alternative treatments such as floatation therapy can also be effective in reducing pain, elevating mood and giving a beneficial relaxation experience. Better still, floatation tanks can be added to the home to be used anytime and space doesn't have to be an issue.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis means ‘porous bone’ when bones become weak because the body loses too much bone, or makes too little bone, or potentially both. This means they are more susceptible to fracture or breakage. It can limit mobility and inflict pain, which may result in feelings of isolation or depression. Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men because women have less bone to lose than men, so their bone density levels generally drop below normal more quickly than men. In addition, menopause can contribute to the development of osteoporosis, which is when I developed the symptoms. 

How can floatation therapy help?

I tried numerous medications to manage osteoporosis and finally, a consultant suggested I try a floatation experience to ease my pain. Floatation therapy is a type of hydrotherapy that allows zero gravity by dissolving Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) into gallons of water in a shallow pool. I found that the ability to float in the water allowed my body to physically relax and unwind without the pressure of gravity and it eased the pain. A floatation tank will allow changes in the brain as endorphins are released, which are natural pain relievers and happiness boosters and can help those with osteoporosis. A floatation session will also aid deep relaxation and may even shift brainwaves from beta to alpha or theta, which usually only occurs during meditation. For me, it was a shortcut to intense relaxation, which is hugely positive for someone with osteoporosis.

Combine with Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is a beneficial way to increase bone strength and bone mass development and prevent the loss of bone density through exercise programs in relation to osteoporosis. I have been having sessions for some time and I now make sure I have a floatation tank experience before a physical therapy session as it can be hugely complimentary. This is because the restful state and the magnesium allow the muscles to be more relaxed which is beneficial during the physical therapy exercise programs.

Conducive to sleep

The pain that can come with osteoporosis can make sleeping difficult and even though I have a very comfortable bed I don’t always have a peaceful sleep. However, floatation therapy is reported to aid sleep, which is important for me and I have found I sleep better on the nights when I have had a floatation tank session. In addition, the Epsom salts in the floatation tank will increase magnesium levels which can reduce stress and balance calcium levels.

Floatation therapy will not prevent osteoporosis, neither will it cure it, but I have experienced benefits of floatation with my osteoporosis. Combined with physical therapy, the floatation experience has allowed relaxed muscles for a more effective program. During the floatation session, I have moved into a restorative state, allowing the release of endorphins for pain relief and mood enhancement and a completely relaxed position for the body. It has also aided my sleep and I would thoroughly recommend it.

VIDEO: Osteoporosis + Floating

Did you know floating can help you manage, and reduce your risk of getting osteoporosis?

In this video, we first explain what osteoporosis is.

Then, we cover how floating helps manage the pain and sleepless nights that come with osteoporosis.

Finally, we explain how the magnesium sulfate in float tanks play a huge role in calcium absorption + maintaining bone density to prevent or delay onset of osteoporosis.

Article Written By: Jess Walter