What is Watsu?
Watsu® is a form of aquatic bodywork performed in 88-94 degree water. Rather than lying on a table, the client floats in a warm pool, with a rhythmic rocking motion; continuously supported in the arms of the giver, who ensures comfort and ease of breathing. Watsu incorporates passive joint release, meridian stretches, Shiatsu acupressure massage, and other manual therapy techniques. A skilled aquatic manual physical therapist, Carolina employs watsu-type techniques as a part of an integrated land/aquatic manual physical therapy treatment program to address therapeutic goals of decreasing muscle spasm and pain, and restoring articular balance and spinal alignment. Watsu releases gravity-induced pressure from the spine and joints, while calming the nervous system. The deep relaxation and energy balancing helps to relieve stress and prevent injury, as well as assists in gently healing injury after it occurs.
When should I consider referring for Watsu?
- Nearly anyone could benefit from Watsu, but there are specific indications when the addition of Watsu to a rehab treatment plan can greatly enhance the therapeutic outcome.
Watsu is indicated in particular cases where physical injury is post-traumatic with a strong emotional component, or where mental or emotional stresses are high, as in Post Traumatic Stress Disorders, or anxiety disorders. Watsu techniques can sometimes achieve the state of deep relaxation needed to allow the breakdown in habitual physical, mental or emotional holding patterns which is often necessary for complete recovery from somatic disorders. Coordinating treatment with a psychologist often reveals a synergistic effect, with better outcomes in a shorter time. This results in a higher quality, more cost effective rehabilitation. - Watsu is indicated for acute clients with severe protective spasm, to decrease tone in spastic clients or to mobilize a client who has just had casts or fixation removed allowing early mobilization and quicker recovery.
- Watsu can decrease pain and provide relief during pregnancy and prepartum edema.
- Watsu is helpful for people with chronic conditions leading to physical or mental stress. Positive effects on physical therapy treatment outcomes with diagnoses of CFIDS, MS, ABI, ALS, CP, SCI, DDD, DJD, cancer, spinal stenosis, chronic myofascial pain syndrome, complex regional pain, fibromyalgia, and other chronic orthopedic and neurological diagnoses have been noted with the adjunctive use of Watsu. Clients who received Watsu as part of their therapy report many psychological benefits including improved sense of well being, decreased pain, improved posture and range of motion.
Who provides Watsu?
Watsu is provided by practitioners certified by the Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association. Carolina A. Candelaria MSPT is a certified Watsu and Wassertanzen practitioner, certified aquatic therapist, and licensed manual physical therapist with 13 years clinical experience and an extensive background in Shiatsu and T’ai Chi. She practices Chi Kung, Ai Chi, Craniosacral therapy, Zero Balancing, Strain-Counter strain, Neural and Myofascial release, Muscle Energy, neuromuscular reeducation techniques and movement therapies such as Feldenkreis, Alexander work and Pilates, as well as many other types of aquatic and manual therapy, and maintains a private manual therapy practice at 618 N Howe Street in Southport, NC.
Watsu and Aquatic therapy are currently available at Sunset Beach, NC.
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