Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy is a technique which combines various exercises and physical therapies into aquatic bodywork. Designed as a regime to assist with rehabilitation for injuries it has taken over as an all round health & fitness regime especially for the elderly.
Aquatic therapy is a proven method of support and restoration for many orthopaedic conditions. These programs are especially helpful to those where non-weight bearing exercises are important or where normal functioning is limited by inflammation or pain. In addition, neuromuscular impairment, acute orthopaedic or neuromuscular injury, can all be assisted by AQT. Water provides a controllable environment for muscular re-education and increases range of motion.
Shaw Swim Method
At the core of this swimming and fitness modality is the idea that through a series of fitness regimes, confidence and increased awareness about a patients body can be achieved. Which in turn will promote activity and fitness.
Techniques used in this instructive modality involve aspects of breathing, buoyancy.
The four main principles that underpin the Shaw Method are;
1. Using the neck in a low impact context while swimming by creating awareness about the relationship between the head, neck, back and shoulders. Thus improving posture and promoting
better muscular coordination.
2. The idea that every movement that propels a swimmer through the water should be followed by a movement that does not cause propulsion. This teaches the swimmer to alternate the phases of
active and recovery movements with a view to improving technique and creating a healthier more sustainable swimming stroke.
3. Shaw Method teaches to exhale slowly and effortlessly—as in the whispered word “ah.” This improves style mobility and assists with the swimmers endurance.
4. Enjoy the swimming and exercise. Live in the moment and feel the buoyancy and low impact movement of the body. Have fun
Watsu
A form of aquatic bodywork used for deep relaxation and passive aquatic therapy. Watsu is characterized by one-on-one sessions in which a practitioner or therapist gently cradles, moves, stretches, and massages a receiver in chest-deep warm water.
