Aquatic Physiotherapy Program
with
Erna Stassen BSc.PT
Registered Physiotherapist
Water, opens up a new world of fitness for people of all ages and at all levels of fitness. The forgiving water environment is not only effective, but it’s fun! Water therapy heals the body more quickly and efficiently than any form of land based rehabilitation.
Join Erna in the water, discover a better way to build strength and endurance, increase body tone, lose weight, and speed your recovery from illness or injury!
The body’s natural response to injury is to tighten affected muscles and joints in an effort to guard the area from further damage. After the acute phase of injury is passed, these muscular holding patterns can become habitual and limit the return of flexibility and more normal range of motion. In Watsu©, the thermo-neutral (96 degrees F) temperature and the gravity-free, gentle nature of the movements allows the body to gradually increase the possibility of more normal patterns of movement. Every person carries their own particular set of circumstances, whether physical injury, joys or sorrow - our ability to just “be`` with someone is as important as any of the doing. In fact, it is the artful blending of “being`` and “doing`` that will allow each Watsu© session to flow in its own unique way, while maintaining an awareness of every client’s special needs.
Watsu© with Audrey Meuse can help in your rehabilitation from injury in these ways:
Heat reduces the viscosity of muscles and increases circulation.
Buoyancy causes joint decompression and unloads the resistance to stretching. This allows for freedom of movement not possible on land.
Movements that increase range of joint motion help to distribute synovial fluid evenly over joints so that they are more responsive to stretching.
Hydrostatic pressure increases lymphatic and venous return, helping to clear waste products. It increases blood and lymph circulation and provides a strengthening opportunity for the breathing muscles.
Sensory input (warmth, turbulence, vestibular stimulation) can help to inhibit or mask sensations of pain that restrict movement.
Gentle massage can help to restructure shortened fasciae tissue, release contractions, and remove metabolites.