Recently, we were treated to a rejuvenating ‘recovery’ experience at the Koa Recovery and Wellness Centre in Waterloo.
Our indulgent treatment comprised a ‘Float Therapy’ session as well as ‘Compression Therapy’.
How did Koa Recovery begin?
Driven by his own positive experience, Koa owner and athlete, Shaun, wanted to introduce others to the range of techniques which helped him on his own injury recovery journey. The treatments offered are Float Therapy, Cryotherapy (sometimes referred to as Cold Therapy which we weren’t quite brave enough to try!), and Compression Therapy using Normatec Compression Boots. All 3 treatments help to achieve optimal health and wellbeing, with the added benefit of instant relaxation. There have also been several reports to suggest the reduction of cellulite associated with these treatments… Win!
What are the benefits of Float Therapy?
Whilst physical recovery, performance enhancement and injury prevention is a primary focus for Koa Recovery, psychological stress (and injury) is also very important. A number of studies have explored the benefits of Float Therapy, aptly named REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy) and demonstrated a reduction of stress hormones as well as subjective experience of relaxation. With high levels of stress being reported in our modern lives, Float Therapy is a wonderful way to slow down the nervous system and facilitate mental and physical repair.
We had heard of Float Therapy before and were aware of its many benefits, so we were very curious to try it for ourselves. We’ll admit, we were somewhat apprehensive about the concept of floating weightlessly in a large pod of water where there was a distinct possibility of falling asleep… (Note: we were reassured it is absolutely impossible to drown because of the high concentration of magnesium). We both experienced slight neck and shoulder tension for the first 5-10 minutes (which is apparently not uncommon) before surrendering to the peacefulness of the experience. We couldn’t believe how quickly the time passed, especially for Hannah, who did actually fall asleep. We were told an hour of sleep in the float pod is the equivalent of 4 hours of regular sleep… we’re not exactly sure how this works but we certainly felt very well rested!
The high concentration of magnesium (in the Epsom Salts), which produces the buoyancy in the water, also allows for reduction of muscle tension. Whilst current studies are somewhat inconclusive in terms of the amount of magnesium that can absorbed transdermally (through the skin), we definitely experienced a sense of muscle relaxation as soreness melted away. We both had slightly sore muscles from exercise prior to our floating experience, which completely disappeared after our short time in the pod. We have read many testimonials where people have reported instant benefits so we are clearly not alone here.
