Watsu Water Therapy

Slow movements in warm water are not just relaxing, but they may provide a new method of pain relief. This is the theory behind Watsu, a type of aquatic therapy used to treat chronic pain and various other conditions. The benefits of Watsu range from increased range of motion to a sense of relaxation. Consult your doctor to determine if Watsu therapy is an appropriate choice for you.

Background

Watsu, started in 1980 by Harold Dull, is a type of aquatic therapy in which a practitioner floats your body in warm water while moving and stretching your limbs. The smooth, gentle movements relax the patient and induce positive effects in the neuromuscular system, according to Peggy Schoedinger, a physical therapist who uses Watsu to treat individuals with special needs. Since its inception, Watsu has spread to more than 40 countries. Universities throughout the world offer training in how to administer Watsu.

Physical Benefits

The movements and stretches of Watsu provide numerous physical benefits. The effects include a decrease in spasticity, muscle tension, respiration, heart rate and muscle spasms. Watsu can also enhance your digestion and immune system response, increase the dilation of peripheral veins and arteries and increase the depth of your breathing, states Schoedinger. Patients may experience an increased range of motion along with a decrease in pain.

Mental Benefits

Watsu can be a powerful method of reducing stress. Many patients describe an enhanced sense of connection and a feeling of unity between different parts of themselves. The relationship between the practitioner and the patient may help create a sense of trust and connection, as the practitioner floats the patient in his arms to move and stretch him. Some patients also report a decrease in emotional pain.

Conditions

Watsu is used to treat patients with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, chronic pain, cerebral palsy, fibromyalgia, Parkinson's disease, strokes and arthritis. Special needs patients, such as those who have trouble with daily life skills, can also benefit from Watsu therapy.

Warnings

Watsu is not an appropriate therapy for everyone. According to Schoedinger, patients who should not use Watsu are those with a fever, cardiac problems, a lack of cough reflex, incontinence, open wounds, epilepsy, contagious diseases and certain other medical problems. If you have a sensitivity to chlorine or other pool chemicals, aquatic therapy may not be the best choice for you. Consult a doctor to determine if Watsu is safe for you.