What is Aquatic Bodywork
Aquatic Bodywork is a form of warm water hydrotherapy
and massage encompassing many differing techniques. It is holistic in
nature; that is, it acknowledges that a human being is not only physical,
but emotional, energetic and spiritual, as well. The client receives
gentle movements and stretches, while held in warm water that
relaxes and nurtures the body, mind and spirit. Being floated in water
reduces pain, releases stress, opens the heart and quiets the mind.
Freeing muscles in a weightless environment is the
cornerstone of an aquatic bodywork session. Supported by water, the
client is moved with the rhythm of the breath in ways impossible on
land, resulting in greater flexibility. See a picture
of our pool here.
Video of Watsu®
One form of Warm Water Aquatic Bodywork is called Watsu® . Here is a video created by it's founder Harold Dull. Note: this plays in Windows Media Player.
Benefits of Aquatic Bodywork
- diminished muscular tension
- increased range of motion
- reduction of pain
- augmented peripheral circulation
- fuller respiration
- improved posture
- normalization of muscle tone
- reduced stress and anxiety
- increased body awareness
- release of emotional stress
- more peaceful sleep
- improved disposition and reduced fatigue
How to prepare for you Aquatic Bodywork Session
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If this is your first session please fill out our
intake form and speak with one of our therapists. We will explain in detail what you can expect during your session. We highly recommend viewing
Harold Dull's video on Watsu.
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Bring a bathing suit.
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We will supply towels but you may bring your own if you wish.
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We have ear plugs or you may bring a preferred type, if you know you have a problem with water in your ears.
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If the weather is cold bring a warm hat. Your hair will get wet (there is a hair dryer in the changing room).
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We suggest you use the bathroom in the changing room before you get into the pool. If you find that you need to use the bathroom in the middle of the session please let your therapist know and we will stop the session long enough for you to use the restroom.
Contraindications for Aquatic Bodywork
Absolute Contraindications - not appropriate for aquatic bodywork
- fever over 100 degrees
- uncontrolled epilepsy
- cardiac failure
- significant open wounds
- respiratory disease of vital capacity less than 1500 cm2
- severe urinary tract infection
- severe respiratory tract infection
- blood infection
- tracheotomy
- bowel incontinence
- menstruation without internal protection
- infectious disease
Relative Contraindications - may not be appropriate / necessary precaution may need to be taken
- skin infections with drainage
- small open wounds (can be covered with tegraderm)
- uncontrolled blood pressure (moderate high blood pressure OK, but be careful with low blood pressure; ask doctor)
- unstable angina, cardiac arrhythmia or additional cardiac considerations (ask doctor if it would be appropriate to go in warm water)
- intravenous lines, heplocks, hichman line, external collection devices (ask doctor)
- cerebral hemorrhage (should wait at least 3 weeks after bleeding has ceased; ask doctor)
- multiple sclerosis - may not tolerate warm water well (depends on client)
- chlorine sensitivity
- absence of cough reflex (would need to be monitored closely)
- dizziness (see below - vertigo)
- behavior problems that lead to inappropriate physical, verbal or sexual behavior
Range of motion precautions - client needs to get doctor permission
- recent total hip replacement
- recent spinal surgery
- recent surgery
- acute ligamentous instability
- recent bone fracture
- arthritic cervical spine (be very careful with neck position, especially hyperextension)
- Pain with spinal or peripheral joint range of motion - many can be treated with modifications to Watsu technique, just ask client to give feedback during the Watsu if a particular movement is aggravating their symptoms
- back/neck pain - bulged/herniated disc, facet irritation, spondylolethesis, arthritis (avoid extreme positions of spine)
- frequent ear infections - may be appropriate to use ear plugs or medication
- Excessive vertigo (dizziness) or other vestibular disorders - need to move slowly and monitor client's tolerance frequently, especially with first Watsu. To check tolerance, ask client to open eyes during Watsu and check for nystagmus (involuntary rhythmical movement of the eyes back and forth), as well as asking if client feels dizzy or nauseous.
Source: Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association
Directions
Aquatic Bodywork sessions are performed exclusively at our Newport office.
From Blacksburg Virginia take US 460 west. From West Virginia take US 460 east. Follow US 460 to Newport and Route 42. Turn North on route 42. Go through Newport, pass the rescue squad and the rec center on the right, cross the bridge pass the fire department on the right. Turn Left at the next street, Caldwell Lane (this is approximately 1.5 miles from when you turned off 460 onto route 42). Once you turn onto Caldwell Lane follow the white picket fence straight back to the blue house at the end of the road. 143 Caldwell Lane.
Aquatic Therapy Links
Here are some links that we find very useful and informative
Here is a picture of our indoor therapy pool
