Just Keep Swimming, Swimming Swimming....

Okay, so I have Finding Nemo on my mind...
   But it got me thinking to the field of Adaptive Aquatics!

I took the Adaptive Aquatics course offered at UWL for fall semester. I learned a lot about the various techniques used in Adaptive Aquatics, like Watsu, Bad Ragaz, and the Halliwick Method. I think they are all very innovative in their techniques, and offer benefits for many different populations! I really liked learning about the Watsu technique, so I am going to explain a little bit about what Watsu is and how it can be utilized in a TR setting!

 So this nice looking man below is Harold Dull, the founder of Watsu aquatic therapy! 

Harold Dull, creator of Watsu!    

Watsu means "Water Shiatsu" and translates the stretching principles of Zen Shiatsu (done on land) in water! According to the Watsu website:                                                      "Stretching strengthens muscle and increases flexibility. Warm water, which many associate with the body's deepest states of waking relaxation, is the ideal medium. The support of water takes weight off the vertebrae and allows the spine to be moved in ways impossible on land. Gentle, gradual twists and pulls relieve the pressure a rigid spine places on nerves and helps undo any dysfunctioning this pressure can cause to the organs serviced by those nerves. The Watsu receiver experiences greater flexibility and freedom. During Watsu a range of emotions can come up and be released into the process of continuous flow. This reprograms receivers to face life out of the water with greater equanimity and flexibility."

Some of the populations that have been reported to experiencing benefits from Watsu include:

traumatic brain injury

spinal cord injury

strokes

Parkinson’s Disease

arthritis

cerebral palsy

chronic pain

fibromyalgia

ankylosing spondylitis

post mastectomy

post thoracic surgery

post traumatic stress disorder.

What I think is so innovative about Watsu is that it benefits almost every disability population. Of course, there are some contraindications for Watsu which include 

• Fever over 100 degrees
• Uncontrolled epilepsy
• Cardiac failure
• Significant open wounds
• Respiratory disease of vital capacity less than 1500cm²
• Severe urinary tract infection
• Blood infection
• Tracheostomy
• Bowel incontinence
• Menstruation without internal protection
• Infectious disease

As a CTRS, I think becoming certified in all types of Aquatic Therapy would be extremely beneficial. It is something that can be implemented as part of the therapy program for many different clients of all populations and ages!

While there are many different stages and sequences to a Watsu therapy program, here is a video showing an example of a basic Watsu sequence: 

There are a number of Watsu classes and conferences offered around the world every month. Check out the link for more information on how to get certified in Watsu Aquatic Therapy.