If the thought of undressing for a massage makes you uncomfortable, and the idea of a stranger running his hands up and down the length of your body sends you heading for the hills, you may want to consider an aqua massage. Also known as "dry hydrotherapy units," aqua massage machines offer either a light or deep tissue massage without personal contact. Water does the work while you are fully clothed, and the best part is that you never get wet.
Identification
Aqua machines resemble capsule-shaped tanning beds, complete with a dome that closes over the top. The machine covers your entire body except for your head, so if you are claustrophobic--no worries. A waterproof barrier ensures that you do not get wet while 36 water jets travel up and down the length of your body. The aqua massager produces the sound and motion of water as it massages your body from feet to neck and vice versa.
Types
AMI Inc. offers two types of Aqua Massage machines for spa use. The standard model, available in a variety of colors, comes equipped with surround-sound and aromatherapy, a touch screen, water jets and jet drives, stainless steel pump and pre-wired GFI unit. The profiler model comes with the same options as the standard model with the addition of body profile controls that target specified areas for massage, a 3HP pump and a CD player with head phones. Waterbed versions of the aqua massage machine are also available.
Time Frame
Aquablue recommends an aqua massage once or twice a week to relax. Continual weekly visits will keep your muscles from tightening and reverting back to the days when you wish you felt like you really needed a massage. Of course, you can never have too much of a good thing, so feel free to aqua-massage whenever the need strikes you. Aqua massage sessions usually last between 15 and 20 minutes. Keep in mind that 15 minutes inside of an aqua massage machine is comparable to 30 minutes with a masseuse.
Benefits
Aqua massages are quick and require little time, so even the busiest of people can fit a massage into their schedule. According to Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, aqua massages are self-regulating, therapeutic forms of massage. The benefits of aqua massage include increased blood circulation and oxygen absorption, an increase in range of motion along with a decrease in inflammation and muscle tension, along with an increase in endorphins.
Considerations
While many insurance companies cover aquatic therapy as a necessary treatment for musculoskeletal problems, the jury is still out on aqua massage dry hydrotherapy. In fact, Aetna considers aqua massage experimental and still in the investigational phase. Although most insurance companies do not cover aqua massage, the out-of-pocket expense is minimal, usually costing approximately a dollar per minute.
Member Comments