Water Therapy

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/8/00 12:14:05 PM Eastern Standard Time,

tynywonder@... writes:

> Also, one

> more thing, they do have " public swimming " where I could go and swim how I

> want to BUT the only problem there is that the " public swimming " schedule

> is

> during the times I am at work.......during the day!!

>

> Thank You!

> Tammy

>

>

Tammy,

How about checking out the YMCA, your local community college to see if

they have swimming available in the evenings and or weekends?

Helen

[Guest guest]

There are special flootation belts you can buy that are made specifically

for water aerobic-type activities. I don't know how well they would work

with achon proportions; they are a bit awkward for me, with a really short

torso, I tend to tip either forwards or backwards, but they are MILES better

than noodles. The school I go to has a supply of them so I don't know how

much they cost, but I expect it isn't much.

Noodles are fun to play with, though. :-)

--

Water Therapy

> I have been wanting to get involved with water therapy in my town with the

> Aquatic Centers we have here. We have three Aquatic Centers in my area.

I

> have ran into a couple of problems right up front. The first problem is

the

> fact that I am not a great swimmer; therefore, I must swim in most shallow

> ends..........but the place where I would like to swim is 48 " and I am

only

> 45 " (tall) so, I would need some type of flotation device, (second

problem)

> I have used the " noodles " before because they seem to work very well for

me.

> I can straddle a noodle and swing my arms and legs.........I don't feel to

> safe with the kickboards, plus, they do not let me " use " my arms, only my

> legs...........the place where I would like to swim said I could not use

ANY

> flotation devices that has not been " coast guard " approved???? They

> suggested I use a life vest.......... and in the past, I have had problems

> with life vests, they seem to " tilt " me upward and so, I feel like I am

> fighting to " stay down " . I know that that is the purpose of life

vests....to

> keep you " belly up " but in this case of doing water therapy, I feel I

would

> only be " fighting " the life vest in order to perform any sort of water

> therapy along with the rest of the class.

>

> The instructor I spoke with also said that I could hold on the hand

> rail.......I don't like that idea, I want to be able to be " involved " with

> the class rather than sitting on the " sidelines " !!!

>

> Could SOMEONE tell me or give me ANY suggestions of how to handle this and

> what you did in the past to be able to do water therapy............Also,

one

> more thing, they do have " public swimming " where I could go and swim how I

> want to BUT the only problem there is that the " public swimming " schedule

is

> during the times I am at work.......during the day!!

>

> Thank You!

>

> Tammy

> Have a Happy Day!

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I teach aqua classes and those belts are great - I can see though that they

might be a bit " tippy " for shorter individuals.

The 'good' ones run about $50 (ouch!). They do up in the front and are

almost rectangular except that there is a sort of half circle of foam that

goes against your lower back - BUT the cheap ones we average statured folks

love to hate because they don't hold us up well would probably work well for

you. They are really just a belt with a bunch of 6 " square foam pieces that

slide on - that way you could also adjust it by how many pieces you put on.

Try any sports store or look around online. Good luck.

Cori

Water Therapy

>

>

> > I have been wanting to get involved with water therapy in my town with

the

> > Aquatic Centers we have here. We have three Aquatic Centers in my

area.

> I

> > have ran into a couple of problems right up front. The first problem is

> the

> > fact that I am not a great swimmer; therefore, I must swim in most

shallow

> > ends..........but the place where I would like to swim is 48 " and I am

> only

> > 45 " (tall) so, I would need some type of flotation device, (second

> problem)

> > I have used the " noodles " before because they seem to work very well for

> me.

> > I can straddle a noodle and swing my arms and legs.........I don't feel

to

> > safe with the kickboards, plus, they do not let me " use " my arms, only

my

> > legs...........the place where I would like to swim said I could not use

> ANY

> > flotation devices that has not been " coast guard " approved???? They

> > suggested I use a life vest.......... and in the past, I have had

problems

> > with life vests, they seem to " tilt " me upward and so, I feel like I am

> > fighting to " stay down " . I know that that is the purpose of life

> vests....to

> > keep you " belly up " but in this case of doing water therapy, I feel I

> would

> > only be " fighting " the life vest in order to perform any sort of water

> > therapy along with the rest of the class.

> >

> > The instructor I spoke with also said that I could hold on the hand

> > rail.......I don't like that idea, I want to be able to be " involved "

with

> > the class rather than sitting on the " sidelines " !!!

> >

> > Could SOMEONE tell me or give me ANY suggestions of how to handle this

and

> > what you did in the past to be able to do water therapy............Also,

> one

> > more thing, they do have " public swimming " where I could go and swim how

I

> > want to BUT the only problem there is that the " public swimming "

schedule

> is

> > during the times I am at work.......during the day!!

> >

> > Thank You!

> >

> > Tammy

> > Have a Happy Day!

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Re: Water Therapy

> Hi!

>

> I am 4'4 " and attend aquabics-classes twice a week. We work-out in the

deep

> end of the pool. Everyone wears 'floation belts' they're like a belt that

> goes around your belly. They are MAGIC!!! Honestly, in my class there's

old,

> young, skinny, fat & HUGE and everyone is held up with these belts. I

> actually have to wear 2 of them thou because I have so much muscle & not

> enough fat. [Fat floats & muscle sinks] I was finding the water was

sitting

> at my chin rather than my shoulders like everyone else. Now with 2 belts

I'm

> a FISH!!!! hehehe

>

> I hope this helps you out somewhat...

>

> (Ontario Canada)

[Guest guest]

The exercise I am talking about is rather simple. You take a life

belt and strap it to your waist. (the belts used in water skiing)

Then you go into the deep end of the pool and pretend to jog around

the deep end. It sounds funny but I am one of about 30 regulars in

the pool who do this. The beauty of it is that you are " walking "

without the stress of walking. In addition the weight of the body in

the pool due to gravity acts as a traction on the spine. Hence within

minutes no pain!!! Wonderful stuff. I follow this by 15 minutes in

the steam room which I highly recommend. It seems to perform the

opposite of cold damp weather in me and poof goes the rest of the

pain. So you get a healthy workout, no stress to your body and as a

bonus while you are doing it no pain.

My physiotherapist is actually a sports medicine physio. His office

adjoins the Canada Games Aquatic Centre in Saint , NB. So all of

his " patients " use the facilities as part of their treatment. I was

told when my current session ended in November that I had lost far

too much mobility and that if I did not carry on with my pool time I

was going to be in real trouble. He was right too. I knew that deep

down. So I got a membership.

The pool is inside but due to budget cuts they have lowered the pool

temperature 2 or 3 degrees. No big deal for most people but I found

the cooler water did make me ache. So I use a summer weight wet suit

while in the pool. This has an added advantage of adding boyancy. So

I literally can float will upright without moving a muscle. Also it

holds in my body heat and really I think the added heat actually acts

like a heating pad. I wouldn't do without it.

Anyway I highly recommend it for those suffering chronic pain. It

will really make a difference while at the same time it prevents

stresses and strains from working out.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/6/02 6:11:37 PM Central Standard Time,

legerpj@... writes:

> Anyway I highly recommend it for those suffering chronic pain. It

> will really make a difference while at the same time it prevents

> stresses and strains from working out.

>

>

>

>

>

Thank you so much for the information, I will be spending the next couple of

days on the phone!

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for the deep-water exercises! I have copied this note

and will try them the first time I get a chance to use a pool with a

deep end.

Lana

[Guest guest]

I am starting water therapy. I am purchasing five gallon jugs of Reverse Osmosis

water. Then I am adding Willards Water, and Celtic salt to mineralize this. This

way my whole family will be drinking fortified water. Having the water cooler

makes drinking water more desirable for the children.

Here are a couple of links for the watercure

http://www.watercure2.com/

http://www.watercure.com/

Bernadette

[Guest guest]

Hi Mike. I use coral and sell it and I agree with this. But Bernadette is

already on a program with minerals and they will likely do alot to give her

water a good ph.

Blessings

Donna

http://www.excellentthings.net

Re: Water Therapy

use coral calcium to alkalinize your water

--- CountryGirl <ruthful@...> wrote:

> Hi Bernadette. Can you test the ph of the water

> before you drink it. I am interested to see what

> the ph is. Reverse osmosis water is supposed to be

> very acid and not good to drink. I am thinking tho,

> that the minerals will balance it.

>

> Blessings

> Donna

> http://www.excellentthings.net

>

[Guest guest]

Speaking of coral calcium...

I have been using coral calcium for one full week now, and let me just say, I

feel absolutely wonderful. I have had problems with my bowels on and off for

a while now, and although i am working on the issue, sometimes I get

constipated. Normally in the past, if I get constipated I feel horrible, and

I get moody and I feel all " stuck " and full and bloated. Now that I'm on the

coral calcium, I'm just so happy no matter what my day to day situation is.

I've tested my PH in my urine and saliva and I used to be a 4.5, now I'm a

7.0. For those of you who don't know about PH...picture this::

There is a scale from let's say 0-14 , and let's say 7 is the happy

medium..right where you want to be around. 0-6.5 is acidic, and anything over

a 7 is alkaline.

DISEASE ONLY LIVES AND THRIVES IN AN ACIDIC ENVIRONMENT.therefore, you would

want to become more alkaline. you can do this through diet, although it's

rather difficult through diet alone. green vegetables, some nuts, and some

although not many fruits are alkaline. meat and chips and other foods are

acidic.

You want a balance more or less in your body. You can buy PH paper and test

your urine and saliva. you want to get your urine between 6.5-7.0. Anywayz,

i'm sure there's a lot of info online about the acid/alkaline balance if

anyone wants to learn more about it. I've been taking coral calcium for a

week though, and when i started my urine was a 4.5, now it's a 7.0, and I

feel just wonderful, where as one week ago I was miserable (and i've been

moving my bowels at least once day.

just thought I'd share).

emily

[Guest guest]

hey i tried to email you but it bounced back. could you send me an

email so i have your addy and i can try sending directly from OE?

btw... youre at Guelph??

thanks,

Kendra

> A young adult (relative of affected with SMA) has contacted me

looking for people with SMA who would be interested in doing a water

therapy study. If you are interested, you can email me for more info

or you can email her directly - Katlyn Hutchins at katylyn13@h...

> Best to all,

> Bettylou

>

>

[Guest guest]

Many people with disabilities I know bring there attendants along free of

charge for admission to the local Y and the university's rec facility to

swim. The university even has an adaptive rec program with a discount

membership for the disabled community at-large and has volunteer assistants

who receive free membership in exchange. The pools have lifts. If you're

not comfortable with being transferred by their staff, you may feel safer

bringing your own PA. This may be necessary anyway if you need help dressing.

The city here also provides a program:

Senior/Disabled Swim Program - Berkeley High Warm Pool

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/recreation/inclusionprogram.html

The Senior/Disabled Swim Program at Berkeley High School provides senior

(55 and older) and disabled swimmers the chance to get exercise and swim in

a warm water pool . The atmosphere is non-stressful and admission is

affordable. Attendants for disabled swimmers are not charged

admission. The Warm Pool at Berkeley High School is located at 2246 Milvia

(at Durant).

Hours of Operation:

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

[Guest guest]

Hi Alana,

Thank you so much for the information. You are so resourceful! I

am in Bronx, NY. I wish I lived in Ca though, it seems that there

are many services for the disabled community there. I went to

Lehman College which has a beautiful pool but unfortunately lacked

access for disabled, as most of the community recreational centers

do in my area do. I will bring my attendant along to this

recreational center I found in NYC but am still a bit nervous cause

transfers are difficult without hubby or a hoyer lift. I weigh

124lbs and have no significant strength to help in my transfers. I

wish I had a portable hoyer. ;0) I will continue looking for an

adaptive rec program, hopefully a little less espensive, in my area.

Thanks again. -na

> Many people with disabilities I know bring there attendants along

free of

> charge for admission to the local Y and the university's rec

facility to

> swim. The university even has an adaptive rec program with a

discount

> membership for the disabled community at-large and has volunteer

assistants

> who receive free membership in exchange. The pools have lifts.

If you're

> not comfortable with being transferred by their staff, you may

feel safer

> bringing your own PA. This may be necessary anyway if you need

help dressing.

>

> The city here also provides a program:

>

> Senior/Disabled Swim Program - Berkeley High Warm Pool

> http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/recreation/inclusionprogram.html

>

> The Senior/Disabled Swim Program at Berkeley High School provides

senior

> (55 and older) and disabled swimmers the chance to get exercise

and swim in

> a warm water pool . The atmosphere is non-stressful and admission

is

> affordable. Attendants for disabled swimmers are not charged

> admission. The Warm Pool at Berkeley High School is located at

2246 Milvia

> (at Durant).

>

> Hours of Operation:

>

> Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

> Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

[Guest guest]

you're welcome, rosana. i actually do this type of of information and

referral for a living. i enjoy it. i hope the swimming works out. when i

was able, i loved it. now i just can't manage. i can relate to fear of

transferring. me, too. i'm only 52 lbs but am long and very fragile. now

about half of my assistants are men. that has helped. good luck!

alana

[Guest guest]

Before I moved to CA I was in water therapy 2-3 times/week for the

last two years. It was with a local PT and my insurance covered every

little bit of it (Medicaid). I LOVED IT! I hope to find a new water PT

here very soon.

You're near NYC? Try looking for a PT Center called Nicollo PT.

They have quite a few centers in NYS. I was at their location in

Albany but I know they have a few closer to the city. My PTs always

helped me transfer to a hydraulic chair lift. We had stand-and-pivot

and craddle lift transfers. They were comfortable and professional

with both.

The chair lift is great. I was a bit nervous on it at first but it's

fun after you get used to it. I also had a ton of great floating

devices and toys in the pool to help me balance and give me more

resistance after I had gotten to a level where I could do more. There

was also a treadmill in the water and I loathed the machine at first

because I became SO tired so quickly. I have not walked in 8 years so

to re-use those muscles was very difficult. I began walking on the

treadmill in the water at the lowest speed (which is something like

0.5 miles/hr) for just 20 - 30 seconds. By the time I left I had been

able to up my speed to 0.8 miles/hr at 10-12 minutes at a time. I was

so surprised in the strength I gained. It was hard at first. I was

very sore and constantly exhausted but after I gained the stamina and

a little strength it made me more lively and energized and I was no

longer leaving the pool feeling sore and achy.

Good luck!

-Kendra

> Hi,

> I was wondering if anyone does water therapy. If so, where? Does your

> insurance cover it? I have been trying to get referred to it but have

> had difficulty finding a hospital in my area that has it and have

> actually contacted a recreational center in nyc that offers water

> excercise classes for adults with diabilities. The thing is that they

> don't accept insurance and I only qualify for one-on-one ($110 an hour

> per week) training because the regular classes (which are $280 for 15

> sessions) are for those who have the ability to move on their own. I

> would also appreciate you experience with it. I am terrified of the

> transfer to and from the pool. I use my hubby or a hoyer at home

> and my pa is unable to physically lift me. The people at this center

> assured me they help disable people transfer to a chair that goes into

> the pool or use a seat lift the takes you in but still I worry. Thank

> you for your input. - na

[Guest guest]

OH ALANA I LOVE YOU!!

-Kendra

> Many people with disabilities I know bring there attendants along

free of

> charge for admission to the local Y and the university's rec

facility to

> swim. The university even has an adaptive rec program with a discount

> membership for the disabled community at-large and has volunteer

assistants

> who receive free membership in exchange. The pools have lifts. If

you're

> not comfortable with being transferred by their staff, you may feel

safer

> bringing your own PA. This may be necessary anyway if you need help

dressing.

>

> The city here also provides a program:

>

> Senior/Disabled Swim Program - Berkeley High Warm Pool

> http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/recreation/inclusionprogram.html

>

> The Senior/Disabled Swim Program at Berkeley High School provides

senior

> (55 and older) and disabled swimmers the chance to get exercise and

swim in

> a warm water pool . The atmosphere is non-stressful and admission is

> affordable. Attendants for disabled swimmers are not charged

> admission. The Warm Pool at Berkeley High School is located at 2246

Milvia

> (at Durant).

>

> Hours of Operation:

>

> Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

> Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

[Guest guest]

Kendra,

Wow, I really had no idea that Medicaid would cover this. I have

always been told by my doctors, PTs, etc. that Medicaid will only

cover phys therepy for acute, not chronic, conditions. Due to this

I only get PT maybe once or twice a year for 6 weeks cause I get my

doctor to write up some referral for an " acute " problem (shoulder

pain for ex). I then get 6 weeks and back to the beginning again.

I used to do this constantly so that I could get therapy at least

three times a year, always making up an acute problem, but got tired

of it. I have always wondered why Medicaid would not cover constant

phy therepy. I guess they reason it is not a cure and I would not

become drastically stronger but I feel Medicaid should consider PT

worth paying for, since it is something that can help maintain and

prolong life.

The recreational place that I found does not accept insurance but I

was also calling around to find a hospital pt center that did in the

Bronx and Manhattan. I think Cornell Medical Center does but I have

to call again next week. I will definitely look up Nicollo

PT.

I love pools. When we go on vacations, all I care about is being in

the water. And funny enough I always feel a bit stronger by the

second to third week we are at the resort. I am really looking

foward to starting water therapy. I have never walked but can move

my legs around in the water, I guess gravity really does work

against us . I am glad to hear that you had such improvment. I

hope I do too!

Thank you for your help. I wish you luck finding water PT in CA!

-na

> > Hi,

> > I was wondering if anyone does water therapy. If so, where? Does

your

> > insurance cover it? I have been trying to get referred to it but

have

> > had difficulty finding a hospital in my area that has it and

have

> > actually contacted a recreational center in nyc that offers

water

> > excercise classes for adults with diabilities. The thing is

that they

> > don't accept insurance and I only qualify for one-on-one ($110

an hour

> > per week) training because the regular classes (which are $280

for 15

> > sessions) are for those who have the ability to move on their

own. I

> > would also appreciate you experience with it. I am terrified of

the

> > transfer to and from the pool. I use my hubby or a hoyer at

home

> > and my pa is unable to physically lift me. The people at this

center

> > assured me they help disable people transfer to a chair that

goes into

> > the pool or use a seat lift the takes you in but still I worry.

Thank

> > you for your input. - na

[Guest guest]

I'm currently in PT three days weekly - and each 3 hour visit is about split evenly between the pool and floor exercises. I was skeptical in the beginning, but have come to really love the water! It's the only time I'm able to move about pain-free, and I can really feel the benefits afterwards. You don't even need to know how to swim either. To all who are able, I would highly recommend aqua therapy.

~~

[Guest guest]

, I very loudly and whole heartedly agree!!!!!!! Theresa

[Guest guest]

Ditto! A couple of years ago I joined the YMCA and took some classes

there. Who would have thought you could work up a sweat in the water?

Since then, I have put a pool in the back yard so I can get in pretty

often. I feel better even if I just get in and walk around for a while.

> , I very loudly and whole heartedly agree!!!!!!! Theresa

[Guest guest]

,

I am sure you know this but others may not. The beauty of the water

temp to sweat ratio is one reason why it is such a desirable activity.

Because the water temp in the average pool is around 80deg it keeps

your body cool while working at a higher heart rate...so it never

feels like you are working as hard as you actually

are...cardiovacularly speaking.

I believe that prepping for the rigors of one or two long surgeries by

doing all you can to see that your heart and lungs are in good shape

is very improtant...you will not be sorry you spent the time.

Speaking of pools...my husband and I did start kicking around the idea

of putting in a small pool with the " endless " feature so you can swim

in place. I am torn because what I really think makes more sense is a

hot tub with a good jet system for the back...and I can just take

myself down to the community pool to work out. If anyone has any

experience with any swim or spa systems I would love to hear input.

Cam

[Guest guest]

Same here Theresa - I'm in water therapy 3 times a week now and it's mainly - stretch stretch stretch, walk walk walk, with arm and leg exercises before, during, and after. I don't think I could swim either as my lower body feels like it's weighted down with anchors. I don't miss it though....just the freedom of movement in the water is good enough for me!

~~

[Guest guest]

Hi Cam, I have found that swimming puts a strain on my neck and it begins to hurt after a while. It is much easier for me to walk, or rest my upper body on a float and kick around for a while. There are a lot of exercises I can do that work better for me than actually swimming.

You may want to take a couple of test runs in the community pool, if you haven't already to see what works best for you.

cammaltby <cammaltby@...> wrote:

,I am sure you know this but others may not. The beauty of the water temp to sweat ratio is one reason why it is such a desirable activity. Because the water temp in the average pool is around 80deg it keeps your body cool while working at a higher heart rate...so it never feels like you are working as hard as you actually are...cardiovacularly speaking.I believe that prepping for the rigors of one or two long surgeries by doing all you can to see that your heart and lungs are in good shape is very improtant...you will not be sorry you spent the time.Speaking of pools...my husband and I did start kicking around the idea of putting in a small pool with the "endless" feature so you can swim in place. I am torn because what I really think makes more sense is a hot tub with a good jet system for the back...and I can

just take myself down to the community pool to work out. If anyone has any experience with any swim or spa systems I would love to hear input.Cam

Start your day with - make it your home page

[Guest guest]

Hi ...

I had the same problem, which I resolved by starting to swim with a

mask and snorkle.

--

>

> Hi Cam, I have found that swimming puts a strain on my neck and it

begins to hurt after a while. It is much easier for me to walk, or

rest my upper body on a float and kick around for a while. There are a

lot of exercises I can do that work better for me than actually swimming.

> You may want to take a couple of test runs in the community pool, if

you haven't already to see what works best for you.

>

[Guest guest]

Hey , My water therapy didn't involve swimming. It consisted of

walking different directions, marching, leg stretches, arm exercises

and things like that. I actually did try to swim last summer when I

was 4 months post-op and felt like I had a ton of bricks on my back.

It was as if someone was trying to push me under the water by

pressing on my back, I couldn't stay afloat. Also along those lines,

I can't lay on my belly unless I have pillows under my chest or hang

my head off the end of the bed. I don't know if it's from the fusion

being high or so low? Either one, I could do those things before.

Theresa

> ,

>

> I am sure you know this but others may not. The beauty of the

water

> temp to sweat ratio is one reason why it is such a desirable

activity.

> Because the water temp in the average pool is around 80deg it

keeps

> your body cool while working at a higher heart rate...so it never

> feels like you are working as hard as you actually

> are...cardiovacularly speaking.

>

> I believe that prepping for the rigors of one or two long

surgeries by

> doing all you can to see that your heart and lungs are in good

shape

> is very improtant...you will not be sorry you spent the time.

>

> Speaking of pools...my husband and I did start kicking around the

idea

> of putting in a small pool with the " endless " feature so you can

swim

> in place. I am torn because what I really think makes more sense

is a

> hot tub with a good jet system for the back...and I can just take

> myself down to the community pool to work out. If anyone has any

> experience with any swim or spa systems I would love to hear input.

>

> Cam

>

>

>

>

>

>

> scoliosis vetrans * flatback sufferers * revison candidates

>

>

>

>