Floating for Chronic Pain

Floating for Chronic Pain (Float4Pain)

In recent years there has been a novel approach for the treatment of chronic pain: Floatation REST (restricted environmental stimulation therapy). Floating is a therapeutic approach, in which patients float in a specialized pool or tank on water that contains high concentrations of Epsom salt (Magnesium sulfate). Water is kept at skin temperature (35-36°C) and the pool or tank is shielded to provide almost complete darkness and silence. This therapeutic approach has proven to be effective in alleviating chronic pain.

Due to the difficulties associated with designing a credible placebo control there have been no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with patients blinding so far. Such blinding, however, is crucial, to assess the true therapeutic effect of the intervention.

The investigators will conduct the first patient blinded RCT of Floatation REST for chronic pain with a credible placebo control for floating and a no-treatment group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Current diagnosis of chronic pain disorder with somatic and psychological factors (German ICD F45.41)
• Able and willing to give written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or nursing women (self report)
• Previous experience with floating
• Acute illnesses that may exacerbate or shadow the chronic pain condition (acute inflammation, major depression, active neoplasm, etc.)
• History of alcohol and drug abuse
• Any clinically relevant abnormal findings in the clinical history, which, in the opinion of the investigator, may either put the subject at risk because of participation in the study or may influence the results of the study or the subject's ability to participate in the study.
• Any clinical condition that may prevent the subject from floating, such as: open injuries, contagious diseases (influenza, GI infections, athlete's foot), GERD, epilepsy, claustrophobia, schizophrenia, incontinence or acute skin disorders.
• Suspected inability to understand the protocol requirements, instructions and study-related restrictions, the nature, scope, and possible consequences of the study.