AquaStretch™: Manual therapy in the water!

Many people ask, “AquaStretch -  what is that? Stretching in the water?”

Aquastretch™ is a hands-on buoyancy-assisted aquatic manual therapy. What separates this technique from land-based passive manual therapy is that AquaStretch™ uses buoyancy and intuitive movement to assist in patient recovery.

AquaStretch is a myofascial release technique. Fascia is a connective tissue that lies beneath the skin and encapsulates; as well as separates, muscles and organs. This tissue essentially acts like a spider web throughout the whole body.  One AquaStretch™ technique can often provide relief in more than one area of the body.

This technique has many applications such as decreasing pain, increasing range of motion and improving sport performance. Many patients report that they also have improved quality of sleep. Outstanding results have also been seen in patients with long-standing frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), providing significant improvement to shoulder range of motion in as little as one visit.

AquaStretch™ pairs very well with therapist-prescribed aquatic exercise. The unique properties of water allow for a much different training environment than land-based exercise. Unlike exercising on land and working against gravity, water can provide support to improve range of motion and provide resistance.

Simply changing the surface area (ie. hand shape), lever length or speed of motion can drastically increase or decrease the difficulty of the exercise.  As a result, there is often no need for buoyant equipment or “water weights” to effectively exercise in the water.  

AquaStretch™ and aquatic exercise can be a great addition to therapy for shoulder rehabilitation, low back pain, pre and post-operative knee and hip surgery, etc.  Aquatic therapy has also proven to be very helpful for patients with lower exercise tolerance such as those with fibromyalgia or persistent pain.

Beginning a cardiovascular training program in the pool may be a great option for those who may have a lower tolerance to exercise.

Many techniques can also be prescribed as part of the patient’s independent program. Self-AquaStretch techniques can be effective for those with; IT band pain, plantar fasciitis, low back pain and shoulder and neck tension/headaches.

The amazing properties of water mean that aquatic therapy is appropriate for all ages and abilities. Anyone who doesn’t have a fear of water can benefit from the unique training environment it can provide.

Kyla Turner is a Registered kinesiologist and certified exercise physiologist who actively practises AquaStretch™ with Lifemark on Hespeler Road in Cambridge, Ontario. Kyla has seen exceptional results from practising AquaStretch™ and finds joy in seeing significant patient improvement in a very short period of time.

Please contact your local Lifemark clinic to see if AquaStretch™ is offered to help you achieve your fitness and rehabilitation goals.