Warm Water Therapy can allow relief and improvement to individuals with arthritis, spinal cord injuries, strokes, sports injuries, cancer, heart conditions, diabetes, obesity, cerebral palsy, autism, neurological conditions, hip, knee and shoulder replacements, Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, pregnancies, and many other body conditions. It is, without a doubt, the single most important activity that Molly has used to be so successful in her rehabilitation.
Molly uses hand floats to help her to walk in the Betty Wright Swim Center warm water pool.
For Molly, warm water serves as a muscle-relaxant, a spasm-reducer, and a gravity-reduction field—and each of these functions is critical to her particular condition. In the pool, she can experience the kind of movement that her body, in that relaxing and buoyant environment, is capable of.
Water Therapy Resources
Illustration of Vertical Pool Size
Swimmers Guide
Complete global resource to find a pool. Search for “warm water pool.”
Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute
A non-profit educational organization dedicated to the professional development of healthcare professionals involved with aquatic therapy. Wonderful classes and people.
The Vertical Pool
Peter Hold has designed a “portable” therapy pool that is brilliant. Most communities lack a warm water pool environment for healing, exercise and relaxation. Being able to be vertical has been a considerable asset to maximizing my abilities. From their web site: “Do more with less … and then reuse it.” This design to the length, reach, and breadth parameters of the body human translates into the least amount of energy, water, and space for the most exercise and traction. This pool’s shape is a result of pure function.
Watsu
Watsu is proving its effectiveness with chronic pain and a widening range of conditions. In addition to the physical benefits derived from the movements and stretches warm water facilitates, Watsu reduces stress. Dr. Andrew Weil’s website also discusses the benefits of Watsu.
Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association
Lists practitioners and classes in Watsu and the other major forms of Aquatic Bodywork.