Connecting with Researchers: A Guide for Float Center Owners
Are you interested in collaborating with researchers to explore the clinical benefits of floating? Reaching out to potential research partners can feel daunting, but a well-crafted email can make all the difference. Below is a simple outline you can follow when drafting an email to a researcher in your area. Remember to keep it brief, relevant, and customized to their specific field of study.
Email Outline for Connecting with Researchers
1. Introduction Start by introducing yourself and your float center. Keep it concise but engaging.
Example:
Hello [Researcher's Name], My name is [Your Name], and I run [Your Float Center Name] in [Your Location]. I’m reaching out because I’m interested in potential collaborations to explore the clinical benefits of floating.
2. Briefly Explain Floating Provide a short and clear explanation of floating and its history.
Example:
Floating, also known as float therapy or floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy), has been studied academically since the 1950s and commercially for over 50 years. In a float session, a person rests effortlessly in a pod or pool of highly concentrated Epsom salt water, free from external stimuli.
3. Highlight Relevant Research Tailor this section to the researcher’s specific field. Below are a few research areas with sample language you can use:
Anxiety & Stress Reduction: Floating has been extensively studied for its effects on anxiety and stress reduction. Clinical trials have shown significant reductions in anxiety, with benefits lasting up to 48 hours post-float, and no serious negative side effects (Johnson & Kjellgren, 2016; Feinstein et al., 2018a; Feinstein et al., 2018b; Garland et al., 2024).
Eating Disorders: Emerging research suggests that floating may support individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) by reducing anxiety and body image disturbances. A recent clinical trial found that floating, when added to residential treatment, led to long-term improvements in body dissatisfaction (Khalsa et al., 2020; Choquette et al., 2023).
Performance & Pain Management: Many collegiate and professional sports teams use floating to aid recovery and reduce muscle soreness. Research suggests that floatation-REST may help with perceived muscle soreness and pain (Caldwell et al., 2022; Morgan et al., 2013). However, more research is needed to establish the effects on physiological recovery markers (Kraemer et al., 2020).
4. Closing & Next Steps Invite them to visit your float center and express your enthusiasm for potential collaboration.
Example:
I’d love to invite you to visit my center to experience floating firsthand and discuss how we might work together. I’m passionate about the potential of floating as a tool in [researcher’s field] and would love to explore ways we could collaborate. Please let me know if you’d be interested in connecting further!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Float Center Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Final Tips:
Keep your email concise and relevant to their research area.
Avoid overwhelming them with too much information upfront.
Show genuine enthusiasm for their work and how floating could support their research.
Follow up if you don’t hear back after a week or two.
By reaching out in a thoughtful and targeted way, you can help grow the body of research on floating while building meaningful partnerships with researchers in your community.
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