What is Aquatic Massage Therapy?
Aquatic massage therapy involves a gentle, manual massage therapy procedure that utilizes the buoyancy of water in a therapeutic pool. In most cases, aquatic massage therapy benefits a client more because the body experiences an increased range of motion in water than it does outside of the water.
In a therapeutic pool, the massage therapist can guide her client through a series of gentles stretches without the impedance due to joint and muscle pain that the client normally experiences on dry land.
During an aquatic massage, the client floats on his back while the water helps the massage therapist support him. Many times, a floatation device such as a pool noodle is used to support the client's feet while the massage therapist supports the head and neck. Once the client is comfortable in the water, he will benefit from the warm, gentle freedom of motion that can only be found in an aquatic massage.
Aquatic massage therapy uses a variety of massage techniques similar to those used on land. However, this particular kind of massage commonly combines techniques taken from Jahara and Watsu massage.
Jahara massage involves a series of safe joint stretches to help lengthen the spine. The stretches are based on the body's muscle structure and proper alignment.
Watsu massage refers to a series of gentle Shiatsu stretches to enhance flexibility while the client is floating in warm water.
The temperature of the therapeutic pool is normally maintained at 95o F in order to keep the client relaxed and their muscles and joints loose during the aquatic massage session. The temperature and buoyancy of the water as well as the resistance provided by the gentle movements underwater allow the massage therapist to move the client's body through a smooth range of motion without eliciting pain to the client's muscles and joints.
Clients with a reduced range of motion are recommended to undergo aquatic massage therapy. Such therapy can give the client relief from arthritis, osteoarthritis, and post-surgical pain. Massage therapist may also recommend aquatic massage therapy for pregnant women, postpartum women, and clients with any type of nerve damage. Clients who suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia may find aquatic massage therapy to be very relaxing.
Micaela Romualdez is a freelance article writer for DFWChiroMassage. She enjoys writing on topics such as chiropractic, rolfing, massage therapy benefits, homeopathy, Ayurvedic medicine, nutrition, and other types of alternative health care.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Micaela_Romualdez
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