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Bringing Evidence-Based Float Therapy to Medical Practice
Comprehensive resources, research, and education for healthcare professionals and researchers integrating Floatation-REST into patient care
About Float Therapy
Evidence-Based Treatment for
Chronic Pain & Anxiety
Float therapy (Floatation-REST) has over 60 years of scientific research demonstrating significant benefits for chronic pain, anxiety, stress-related disorders, and athletic recovery. Yet most physicians remain unaware of this non-pharmacological treatment option.
We're changing that.
The Float Therapy Medical Education Initiative provides physicians, researchers, and healthcare institutions with evidence-based resources, continuing medical education, and research partnerships to integrate this safe, effective therapy into mainstream medical practice.
The Evidence
Science-Backed Therapeutic Benefits
Floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) has been studied extensively since the 1950s, with accelerating research over the past 15 years. Here's what the science shows:
Pain Management
Multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrate significant reductions in chronic pain intensity, particularly for musculoskeletal conditions including back pain, neck pain, and fibromyalgia. A 2021 study published in JAMA Network Open found that five sessions of flotation therapy reduced pain intensity and the number of affected body areas.
Anxiety & Mental Health
Research consistently shows rapid anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, with patients reporting significant improvements in anxiety, stress, and mood—often after just one session. Studies include patients with generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, panic disorder, and social anxiety.
Stress & Burnout
Floatation-REST produces measurable reductions in cortisol levels, blood pressure, and muscle tension. Studies show effectiveness for occupational stress, burnout prevention, and stress-related pain conditions.
Athletic Recovery
Research demonstrates accelerated recovery following high-intensity exercise, improved sleep quality, reduced muscle soreness, and enhanced perceived recovery in athletes.
Safety Profile
Systematic reviews and clinical trials consistently report no serious adverse events. Float therapy has an excellent safety profile with minimal contraindications.
Mechanisms of Action
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Activation of parasympathetic nervous system
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Reduced sensory input allowing nervous system reset
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Decreased functional connectivity between pain and emotional processing networks
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Possible transdermal magnesium absorption
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Enhanced interoceptive awareness
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Meditative state induction without training
Mission Statement
Float therapy is recognized internationally as a standard complementary treatment option for chronic pain, anxiety, and stress-related conditions, with widespread physician awareness, insurance coverage, and integration into clinical pathways.
Our Vision
To accelerate the integration of evidence-based float therapy into mainstream medical practice through comprehensive physician education, research facilitation, and strategic institutional partnerships.
About Me.
Dr. Rebecca N. Harris is a physiologist, published researcher, and founder of the Float Therapy Medicine Institute. With a PhD in Physiology from East Carolina University, post-doctoral training at Duke University, and 15+ years teaching biology, physiology, genetics, and molecular & cellular biology to medical and healthcare professionals, Dr. Harris brings rigorous scientific expertise to float therapy advocacy. As a published researcher in Cancer Research and peer reviewer for the American Physiological Society, she understands the evidence standards required for medical acceptance. After founding Kairos Float & Wellness Studio in 2018 and witnessing the therapeutic impact of float therapy, she established the Float Therapy Medicine Institute to bridge the gap between research evidence and clinical practice.
What We Offer
For All Institute Members
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Curated Research Library for Flotation-REST Studies
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Evidence-based float therapy protocols
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Implementation support and consultation
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Professional networking opportunities
For the Medical Community
*COMING SOON*
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Accredited continuing medical education
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Evidence-based clinical protocols
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Implementation support and consultation
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Peer-reviewed research access
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Professional networking opportunities
For Researchers
*COMING SOON*
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Research collaboration facilitation
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Clinical site partnerships
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Standardized outcome measurement tools
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Data collection infrastructure
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Grant and funding resources
For Healthcare Institutions
*COMING SOON*
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Integration planning and support
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Pilot program development
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Outcomes tracking systems
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Training and education programs
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ROI and cost-effectiveness analysis
Meet the Team
Founded by Kairos Float & Wellness Studio
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