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Introduction to Aquatic Therapy: Summary
The ten-point program includes: 1. Mental adjustment : Blowing bubbles 2. Disengagement from support : Becoming independent 3. Transverse rotational control : Going from upright to laying on back 4. Sagittal rotational control : Tilting to put ear in the water from standing 5. Longitudinal rotational control : Turning in a circle 6. Combined rotation : Rolling to the back after falling forward 7. Upthrust : Bunny hops/lifting feet off the floor 8. Balance in stillness : Floating 9. Turbulent gliding : Instructor makes turbulence under the participant, and they have to control unwanted rotations 10. Simple progression and basic back stroke : Performing simple propulsion techniques 3. Watsu : Watsu combines elements of Zen Shiatsu with gentle movement in warm water (92-96°F). It is characterized by one- on-one sessions in which instructor gently cradles, moves, stretches, and massages a receiver. Basic techniques are as follows: ○ Water breath dance ○ Slow offering ○ Free spine ○ One-/two-leg offering ○ Accordion/rotating accordion ○ Near/far leg rotation Benefits include the following: ○ Immediate effects: Increased range of motion, decreased muscle spasm ○ Long-term benefits: Improved sleep, enhanced healing response ○ Pain reduction: Both physical and emotional ○ Relaxation: Deep physiological and psychological effects
4. Ai Chi : Developed as an aquatic adaptation of tai chi. It is particularly effective for chronic pain conditions. Ai Chi improves movement efficiency for clients with chronic pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, COPD, balance issues and diabetes. Ai Chi focuses on: ○ Relaxation done prior to ROM activities ○ Breathing coordination with movement ○ Upper extremity patterns ○ Lower extremity patterns ○ Trunk stabilization ○ Balance training and proper alignment 5. Aquastretch : A newer technique developed by George Eversole helpful for chronic pain, myofascial pain, arthritis, pre/ post-surgical pain, disc herniations, spinal fusions, and repetitive injuries. It is a more intense technique than the Ai Chi or Watsu. It incorporates: ○ Myofascial release principles ○ Weighted resistance (5-15 pounds) ○ Active client participation ○ Intuitive movement patterns with manual pressure The basic AquaStretch procedure consists of four steps: 1. Play : Play with body movement to fine positions of restrictions 2. Freeze : In the position they feel pain or restriction 3. Pressure : Therapist puts pressure where they feel pain or restriction in the frozen position 4. Move (if you feel the need to move): While therapist maintains pressure 6. Burdenko Method : In the Burdenko Method, training focuses on functional ability of the body (enhancement). Exercises are performed in a vertical (functional) position in the water. This method integrates water- and land-based exercise through six essential qualities broken into six levels: 1. Balance 2. Coordination
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