Frequently Asked Questions

What is Watsu?

Watsu is a passive form of aquatic bodywork/therapy that supports and gently moves a person through warm water in graceful, fluid movements. Watsu promotes a deep state of relaxation with dramatic changes in the autonomic nervous system. Watsu helps decrease muscle tension and increase range of motion.  The support of the water provides relief from compression forces in the joints.

-Watsu.com

Why should I try warm water aquatic therapies?

Warm water therapies are unique in that they work with your body outside the constant pressures of gravity. This can allow your body to relax, unwind and release chronic holding patterns.* 

Some clients have reported the following improvements after just a few sessions:

  • Increased range of motion
  • Increased energy
  • Increased muscle relaxation
  • Decreased muscle spasms
  • Decreased pain
  • Decreased anxiety
  • Improved sleep patterns
  • Improved digestion
  • Improved immune system response
  • Improved ability to manage stress
  • Added ease to inhale/exhale
  • Renewed sense of balance

Who can benefit from receiving warm water therapies?

One main benefit of Aquatic bodywork is that water can hold all bodies regardless of ability, mobility, tensions or restrictions. 

Some of the conditions that may benefit from incorporating Aquatic Bodywork include:

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Stroke 
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Arthritis
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Chronic pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Sleep disorder
  • Chronic anxiety
  • Multiples Sclerosis
  • Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

What can I expect during my aquatic therapy session?

How long does the  Aquatic Bodywork session last?  Typical sessions are expected to last 60 minutes. However, session length can vary depending on how tolerant each individual is to receiving the work. 

How warm is the water in the therapy pool?  The pool temperature can vary between 93º-97º F. The variance usually depends on the ambient temerpature outside of the pool. The goal is to allow the body to feel neutral so that it has a chance to fully relax. 

Will my hair get wet during my session? Yes. While there are some aquatic bodywork sessions that are more active, standing bodywork that may not require you to put your head in the water. A passive session such as Watsu requires you to float horizontal in the water with your hair below water level. 

Will my ears be under the water during the session? Yes. While there are some aquatic bodywork sessions that are more active, standing bodywork that may not require you to put your head in the water. A passive session such as Watsu requires you to float horizontal in the water with your ears below water level. If you can't put your ears in the water. Discuss other bodywork options with your bodywork provider. 

Can I use earplugs during my session? Yes. We have aquatic earplugs available for you to use during your sesssion. Or you can bring your own if you have a specific style or type that work best for your ears. 

What do I need to bring for my session? You only need to bring a comfortable swimsuit for your session.  Your Aquatic bodywork practitioner will let you know if anything else is needed. 

Can you work on more than one person at a time? Depends. Size of pools vary. The pool at Watsu Austin with Tiffani can only fit one person per session. However, with advanced notice another pool can be arranged for more than one person to receive at a time. Multi-receiver sessions can be arranged with one giver or multiple givers. Ask your preferred provider for more details and to arrange preferences. 

What if I get nervous in water, but want to try receiving an aquatic bodywork session? Each session will be entirely unique and can be adapted to the individual needs of each receiver. Just like any bodywork session, they can always be stopped for the comfort of each individual. If you ever need to pause or end a session for any reason, please communicate with your provider.  

 

Disclaimer

Aquatic bodywork, ie: Watsu and other warm water therapies, are not a substitute for medical examination or treatment, and you should see a physician or other qualified health specialist for any mental or physycal ailment that you are aware of. Massage therapists and aquatic bodyworkers do not diagnose illness or disease, and nothing mentioned on this website or during a session should be construed as such. 

Watsu and warm water therapies are meant for the purpose of relaxation. Individual response to bodywork sessions will vary per individual. The information above is meant for educational and informative purposes only and are not meant to imply treatment of any medical condition. If there are any concerns about receiving warm water therapy, you are encouraged to consult yor physician before scheduling a session. Your provider may also ask you to get approval from your doctor for certain conditions before your session. 

Watsu Austin is operated by sole practitioner Tiffani Hammack, LMT • License #MT105347

To book sessions with other practitioners, please reach out to them directly. Contact information available via the community page. 

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