Benefits of Watsu®

The sympatholytic effects of Watsu and other forms of Aquatic Therapy lead to enhancement of the parasympathetic nervous system. Physiological changes then occur throughout the body. These changes may include:

Decreased heart rate
Decreased rate of respiration
Increased depth of respiration
Increased peripheral vasodilatation
Increased smooth muscle activity (digestion)
Decreased activation of striated muscles (skeletal)
Decreased muscle spasm
Enhanced immune system response

Watsu helps decrease muscle tension and increase range of motion. The support of the water provides relief from compression forces in the joints. The movements through the water provide gentle stretching into all ranges for the spine and extremities while these joints are unloaded.

Clients report decreased pain as Watsu decreases their muscle spasm and muscle guarding, increases their range of motion, and promotes profound relaxation. Many clients also report a decrease in their emotional pain.

Therapists utilizing Watsu as part of their aquatic therapy treatment programs report the following improvements in their clients:

1. Immediate Benefits with First Session

increased range of motion
increased muscle relaxation
decreased muscle spasm
decreased spasticity
decreased pain

2. Long-term Benefits after Multiple Sessions

improved sleep patterns
improved digestion
improved healing and immune system response
greater decreases in pain
decreased anxiety
many clients report a decrease in their emotional pain

Watsu is being incorporated into aquatic therapy treatment programs in hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation centers around the world. Therapists are impressed by the benefits for so many of their clients. Some of the many populations who have benefited include those with

traumatic brain injury
spinal cord injury
strokes
Parkinson’s Disease
arthritis
cerebral palsy
chronic pain
fibromyalgia

Many clients report that nothing else is as effective in decreasing their pain and improving their ability to move.