January 12, 2024

Float Therapy Covered by Insurance!

January 12, 2024/ David Berv

From a sniffle to surgery, there is an unrealistic expectation that insurance will foot the bill, including the broad spectrum of alternative medicine choices. Novel approaches to the treatment of anxiety, depression and stress management are now more visible and accepted. One emerging therapy known as float therapy is putting its collective hopes, dreams and grass roots dollars into research, for a disillusioned end game goal of going head to head with big pharma and the behemoth, politically entrenched insurance industry, with high hopes that insurance coverage will be the answer to the long term survival, awareness and usage of floating.

While insurance coverage for floating may be of limited benefit for the consumer, it presents a troubling situation for the bottom line of float center owners, who generally have big hearts and want to save the world, but also high overhead and maintenance costs as compared to massage, for instance. Some float centers seem to be on the right track and are creating their own version of “insurance” by establishing programs and discount packages for frequent floating. Making floating more accessible and affordable through programs that encourage regular use, avoids the middleman of the insurance company, dictating their own version of usage and cost based on a third party understanding and application. Thus, while float research is a good means for establishing viability, credibility and awareness, the end game purpose of research must also be considered in the mix. With all this in mind, it appears that the best way to maximize value to both the consumer and float center small business owner is to not involve insurance but to have the float industry collaboratively design and utilize a model better suited for float industry survival.

January 22, 2018

Case Study #2 - Floating to Mitigate Lingering Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury

January 22, 2018/ David Berv

This traumatic brain injury and floatation therapy study features an individual who has not found any treatment or combinations of treatment that have been remarkably helpful. The case study examines the effect of floatation therapy upon various physical, emotional, neurological and psychological aspects. The results of this case study contains encouraging examples that floating both by itself or in combination with other therapies and lifestyle modifications, can improve the quality of life and functional capability for those with TBI and concussions.

January 16, 2018

Sculpture Dedicated to True Value of Floatation Therapy

January 16, 2018/ David Berv

As a pain management specialist for over two decades, I have seen how pain can change and manipulate a person’s brain, behavior and being. Despite my best efforts to practice what I preached, my own chronic pain was a distraction and the source of significant physical and emotional disability. Chronic pain was a primary catalyst for the eventual expression of my multiple sclerosis. The combination of these issues played games with my brain and my body.

Coincidentally at this time, I discovered floatation therapy which lightened both my physical and emotional burden. One of the most remarkable benefits of floating is how effortlessly it allows for a state of internal reflection and focus. It’s like meditation on steroids. I’ve spent numerous hours floating atop 10” of super salty skin temperature water, visualizing the reduction and elimination of both pain and lesions in my brain and spinal cord. During this time of deep inner reflection to heal myself, it brought me to some realizations about myself, my surroundings, my emotional health, my relationships with others, gaining clarity on my purpose, my goals, future and direction.

One such result is that floating encouraged my transition towards retirement from clinical chiropractic and acupuncture to that of helping others through providing floatation therapy services to others in need.

In July 2017, the week of my retirement, I was visiting the United Network For Organ Sharing, here in Richmond, VA. Within this beautiful modern, life saving facility are artistic displays from local artists. As part of the exhibit, there was a ceramic sculpture hanging on the wall, entitled “Internal Focus”. It spoke to me. And in one moment, it captured years of thoughts and visualizations and emotions - tears, pain, joy, excitement, and hope. It reminded me of my relationship and journey with the float tank. I immediately purchased the sculpture with the intention of displaying it at The Float Zone.

Internal Focus, by Lee Hazelgrove, now hangs in the entry of The Float Zone as a dedication to all who come to float with the hope they too will find relief, calm, focus, direction, awareness, and the healthy state that naturally follows.

Beginning in February, 2018, The Float Zone will be featuring the work of local artists that too have been inspired by floating.

-Dr. David Berv, Chief Experience Officer, The Float Zone

January 09, 2018

A Case Study - Can Floatation Therapy Help Traumatic Brain Injury?

January 09, 2018/ David Berv

Traumatic brain injury is a hot topic thanks to professional athletes who are finally speaking out about the dangers and long term effects. Many with TBI are mismanaged and lost in a system that has no consensus on treatment. Floatation therapy has been shown to help those with TBI and should be considered in the mix. Case studies at The Float Zone in Richmond, VA have shown promise in the TBI arena.

June 13, 2017

Floating and pro athletes: A synergy that wins championships

June 13, 2017/ David Berv

Here, the Rough Riders taking a knee in support of their injured and only kicker. They had to play without him and go for 2 point conversions instead of field goals. Floating helped the team with injuries this season.

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