Behavior change and pain relief in chronic whiplash associated disorder Grade IV using flotation restricted environmental stimulation technique: A case report

Pain is a major public health problem and the needs for more differentiated and flexible treatment options are obvious. The purpose of the present study was to examine, for the first time, experiences from long-term flotation Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique (REST) made by a patient with chronic Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD), grade IV. The patient of the present study was a middle aged native-born Caucasian male from Sweden who had been diagnosed with chronic WAD IV by a licensed physician. The patient performed regular flotation during one and a half year and wrote about his experiences in a diary. A semi-structured interview was conducted at the end of therapy. Both the diary and the interviews were analyzed with help of the empirical phenomenological psychological method and results describe experiences of relaxation, pain relief, sleep and deep rest, mental coping, increased energy, wellbeing and behavioral changes as a result of flotation. A model describes the rehabilitative circuit of chronic whiplash during flotation and is in line with the potential role of a stress response system for development and management of chronic whiplash. The study provides qualitative insights into the experiences of flotation as a painand stressmanagement system for chronic whiplash. Results are encouraging for future research and even suggest that interested clinics may use flotation-REST in order to relieve chronic pain and enhance the quality of life for a more comprehensive group of patients with whiplash associated disorders.