Water Wellness: Aquatic Rehabilitation
This is aquatic exercise designed to meet the needs of people who have health conditions resulting in musculo-skeletal pain and dysfunction. When exercise on land is difficult or impossible, fitness and wellness can be improved with aquatic exercise. Aquatic post rehabilitation provides a vital link between medical care and community-based activity programs. On medical advice, or as follow-up to medical care or physiotherapy, people can receive aquatic (post) rehabilitation from a variety of providers, including: personal trainers, kinesiologists, physical, occupational, or recreational therapists, aqua fitness leaders and others. It is important that providers of aquatic (post) rehabilitation services receive training / certification in the delivery of such care.
Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute (ATRI) provides training and certification in aquatic rehabilitation, at a variety of regional training events, as well as conferences and symposia. Visit the ATRI website at (www.atri.org) for more information.
AquaStretch
A breakthrough in aquatic rehabilitation and training, AquaStretch was developed by George Eversaul (www.aquastretch.com). This trademarked program of facilitated myofascial release is performed one-on-one in warm water. Using weights, pressure and traction, AquaStretch facilitators assist subjects to explore intuitive movement in all affected body regions. People who have experienced AquaStretch have a variety of positive responses, including: increased range of motion, decreased pain with movement, better athletic performance, decreased muscle soreness after exercise or athletic events, normalized movement patterns, better sleep, and decreased pain. Current research is focused on recovery from joint replacement surgery. AquaStretch has shown excellent results. Connie Jasinskas is a qualified AquaStretch Practitioner and Trainer.
Hydrodynaics: The Physiological Effects of Immersion
Warm water aquatic therapy produces excellent results. When patients exercise in warm water, they experience less pain. Blood flow is optimized and swelling reduced, facilitating movement and healing. Muscles and connective tissues can be strengthened in a gently stimulating environment, allowing movement re-education / normalization. Aquatic exercise reduces or eliminates gravitational loading, yet requires three dimensional coordination and stabilization of movement. This type of therapy is ideal for balance training, improvement in core strength, and normalization of gait. This workshop explores the effects of (vertical) immersion on the body systems. It is a must for those of us working in aquatic exercise or rehabilitation.
Gentle Aqua
We know that everyone benefits from regular exercise. People with a variety of health conditions (including chronic pain, post cardiac, arthritis, FMS, back pain, MS, post stroke, obesity, and diabetes) can exercise safely and comfortably in water. Fatigue, pain, and fear of pain are reduced in aquatic exercise programs. Exercise adherence is improved. This practical workshop explores adapted aquatic exercise for a variety of health concerns. Aquatic exercise selection and modification for a variety of health issues will be experienced in the pool.
(a warm pool is required for this session – high 80s to mid 90s F.)
Aquatic Treatment for People with Breast Cancer
This session will address the physical and emotional issues involved with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, including how these relate to aquatic rehabilitation and training. We will discuss and practice aquatic training techniques to decrease brachial lymphedema, restore functional range of motion, build strength, and encourage a healthy, positive outcome for people who have experienced breast cancer.
Back Splash: Aquatic Post-Rehabilitation for the Spine
The majority of our population will experience back pain or injury at some point in life. This session will address common causes of back pain and the benefits of aquatic exercise. Crunches are out; balanced core strength is in. Learn how to create an effective core training program for the water, and useful aquatic techniques to help clients with back pain.
Vertical Training Techniques for Lower Extremity Rehab
The aquatic environment allows the elimination, reduction, or gradual re-introduction of gravity while rehabilitating lower extremity (LE) injuries. This workshop will explore specific exercises to improve LE strength, range of motion, balance, core stability and gait. Muscular imbalance related to dysfunctional movement will be addressed. Progressions using open and closed kinetic chain exercises for the lower extremity will be discussed and applied. Emphasis will be placed on optimizing functional recovery for active daily living.
Cervical Aquatic Treatment
Many people experience neck and upper back pain on a daily basis. Whether neck pain results from arthritis, injury, stress, repetitive strain, or poor posture, the right exercise can help. Learn to avoid aggravation of these structures, and make your land or water training sessions part of the solution to neck pain.
Persistent Pain Explained
People with persistent (chronic) pain need to know there is good news about their condition. Research is helping explain the chronic pain mechanism. Trainers who work with chronic pain clients can teach coping skills and simple techniques to reduce persistent pain and improve exercise tolerance and quality of life. Learn about a six-week educational program for people with persistent pain.
