Portland float therapy operator cites gravity-free support for joint relief

Residents in Northeast Portland can now access a service that uses nearly 1,000 pounds of dissolved magnesium to create a water solution dense enough to keep the human body afloat. This specific composition allows clients to lie on their backs without sinking, providing full physical support for joints and muscles. The water is maintained at skin temperature, and sessions typically last for at least one hour.

Dana Highfill has operated Float North for several years after working as a massage therapist for 17 years. She describes the physical mechanism of the therapy as a way to turn off gravity. According to Highfill, the complete support from the water allows joints to open up, which helps reduce inflammation. She notes that most clients seek this physical relief before addressing mental health benefits.

Highfill also points to the impact on the nervous system. By removing external stimuli, the therapy helps shift the body from a fight or flight state to a rest and repair state. She emphasizes that the tanks are not as small as many people imagine. A single unit measures eight feet long and four feet wide, with a ceiling height of seven feet. The water depth is approximately 10 inches, which is enough to support the body but not enough to submerge the face.

Nia Linbravo, a women’s basketball referee who works four to five nights a week, began the practice after suffering from a herniated disk and sleep issues. She also manages a project management role and previously worked in juvenile probation. Linbravo stated that her busy schedule made it difficult to relax. She consulted with her doctor, who supported the use of float therapy as a strategy to manage her depression and anxiety.

Linbravo described the sensation as a form of release, specifically citing the weightlessness and the feeling of the water supporting her. She uses the hour-long session to reflect and calm her mind. For her, the tank serves as a dedicated space to disconnect from daily demands and focus on the present moment.

The business model relies on the combination of physical buoyancy and sensory deprivation. Clients can turn off all lights and block out all sound during their hour in the tank. Highfill maintains that this environment allows the body to process stress and pain more effectively than traditional relaxation methods. The service continues to attract individuals looking for a non-invasive way to manage chronic discomfort and mental strain.