Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Saline Isolation Tanks?

Hi all!

I've been reading about the positive effects of saline isolation tanks on joints and limb injury and even spinal cord injury. Apparently the weightlessness gives the joints and injured areas some relief. Short of going up in the shuttle (which can't apparently promise a safe return any more ) I thought this might be worth looking into during flares?

Has anyone ever used one of these? I want to, but for some reason Altered States keeps flashing into my mind, and with all the crazy stuff they have me on for AS, I'm afraid of regression! (just kidding!) There is one up at the University of Utah and I was thinking about looking in to it.

Let me know what you think!

Blessings,

Mike

Hi Mike-I haven't heard much about the saline isolation tank but a local physical therapy office is running ads in which they show a treadmill built into a water tank. Using the treadmill might be better than just sitting or standing in a saline tank. I am planning on asking my Dr for an order at my next office visit so I can try it out. Ottis

I saw what happened to Homer Simpson when he had a session in one of those, and it looked pretty scary.

No, seriously, I think that would feel just heavenly. I don't know if there would be any long term benefits, but I can imagine how good it would feel at the time.

If you do it, please post and let us know how it went.

Shane

Mike, aloha

they never promised a safe return with the space shuttle...so 'anymore' doesn't apply...it was a hoax...
a well-dressed techno-babble hoax, but a hoax none the less.

in order for the altered states thingee to work, you will need to ingest significant quantities of noxious substances
probably not a staple of your current diet...

watch out...the universe just doubled in size.
doesn't the sky look green today?

best
aB

you could back float across the great salt lake...the salt level makes you positively bouyant..ie. weightless

Um Ben?

I don't know if you've ever visited the Great Salt Lake, but it's pretty nasty... Used to be a booming tourist thing, but even the State of Utah has finally figured out that it stinks so bad that not even the most hearty "floater" wants to get near it!

When I was a kid it was still in vogue to go out there, and there were still facilities that would support a visit, but all of them have fallen into disrepair. They have a marina out there where people keep sail boats - believe it or not - and supposedly the lake is a great place to learn how to sail, but it SERIOUSLY stinks...

In fact, I live at the south end of the Salt Lake valley - almost as far from the lake as you can get in this valley, and when the wind shifts from the north? - yerk!

Take Care Ben!

Mike

I FORGOT ABOUT THAT!!! That was a funny episode! Thanks for reminding me! I needed a good chuckle this morning!

Mike

Hi Mike, I first used a floatation tank 20 years ago and found it to be very beneficial and have been a regular "floater" since (well not as often as I would like, as it can be a bit pricey). The tank contains epsom salts (several kilos worth to keep you afloat) and water heated to body temperature. The deprivation of sight, sound and gravity combine to still the mind and induce a relaxed state. I found this really helped with the muscle tension associated with a flare and the likewise knotting of the brain that accompanies it. If suffering a neck flare you need to use a small inflatable neck support. The epsom salts are good for the skin too.
Regards,
Kenny.

I'm relieved to hear a local finally admitting that the thing actually...stinks. I remember visiting it and thinking...uh, where's all the happy tourists and NO WAY am I touching whatever that liquid is supposed to be !

Perhaps if you added vinegar to the saline you could just pickle the problem joints?

Hey Mike, I've never used one of the floatation tanks, but often (moreso in the winter) I will take hot baths loaded with as much Epsom Salts as the water will absorb. Turn out the lights, burn a few candles, get some relaxing music going and float away in the old cast iron tub. Works a treat!

Hugs,