Vol. 2 No. 1 (2022)
Health Technology Reviews

Floatation Therapy for Physical Conditions

Published January 7, 2022

Key Messages

  • The clinical effectiveness of floatation therapy for the treatment of physical conditions remains uncertain. One randomized controlled trial was identified that evaluated floatation-restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST) compared with placebo and waitlist control groups for the treatment of patients with chronic pain. The trial reported no significant differences between the 3 treatment groups on any of the outcomes measured including those related to pain, medication use, quality of life, sleep impairment, anxiety, or depression.
  • One guideline was identified that states that there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the use of sensory deprivation tanks in patients with symptoms attributed to mild traumatic brain injury.
  • The cost-effectiveness of floatation therapy for the treatment of physical condition is unknown as no relevant economic evaluations were identified.