The Golden State Warriors are the winners of the 2017 NBA playoffs. One of the team’s most popular players, Stephen Curry is contributed with helping the team reach victory. No doubt fans across the world are interested in everything the player does; however, many are unaware that Curry uses float therapy as a way to help his body recover from basketball season.
Curry isn’t the only athlete that utilizes float therapy for recovery. Tom Brady of the New England Patriot and countless UFC fighters all use sensory deprivation chambers as part of their training and recovery. Increasing numbers of professional athletes of all levels are now turning to this alternative wellness to help their bodies recover faster. Why does float therapy have such a significant impact on recovery times? Let’s discuss the science behind it and how the sensory deprivation technique can help improve recovery time.
Physical Recovery with Floatation Therapy
Float therapy essentially combines two widely known recovery techniques, Epsom salt soaks and meditation. For years, Epsom salt baths were used to heal the body of aches and pains, while meditation was used to heal the mind.
Float therapy magnifies the benefits from Epsom salt baths and meditation alike. When someone enters a float chamber or tank, their senses are deprived. Also known as sensory deprivation, because you’re enclosed in a tank or isolation chamber that is free from any outside distractions. This includes light and sound. This sensory deprivation makes it easier for a person to enter a meditative state.
The water used is in a float tank is filled with a thousand pounds of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). Only a few inches of water is used, making the salt concentration extremely high. The high salt concentration allows the body to float effortlessly.
Athletes have been soaking in Epsom salts to ease sore muscles and stiff joints for years. Floating in an isolation chamber only works to increase the effectiveness of this well-known technique, making it effortless with more benefits.
Recovery Benefits of Floatation Therapy
It has been established that float therapy aids in the speedy recovery of sports injuries, aches, and pains. The following are other benefits that float therapy provides for physical recovery:
-Reduces muscle fatigue
-Improves blood flow and circulation
-Reduces stress causing cortisol levels
-Reduces inflammation
Even if you’re not a professional athlete, your body can benefit from floatation therapy. Have you been a car accident or suffered a work-related injury? If so, float therapy can be used to help speed up your recovery time.
