Aquatherapy ("Just Dive Right In" by Chris Lombardi) is one of the features in the July 2002 issue of New Mobility. Aquatic therapy is flourishing for fitness, for functional rehab, and for the psychological freedom found in water and weightlessness. Whether it's elderly people recovering from strokes and surgery or persons with disabilities ranging from SCI, MS, fibromyalgia, and other conditions, everyone benefits from water.

In order to get started, a person needs access to a pool. The need for therapeutic assistance will, of course, depend on level of disability. Pool fitness can be done on an individual basis or through aquatic classes with a trained instructor. "Aqua therapy," recognized by the Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute (ATRI), is conducted by one or more specially trained physical or occupational therapists and is usually under the supervision of a physician. Aquatherapy facilities also have the knowledge of appropriate water temperatures to maintain, which can depend upon a person's condition.

Many persons combine aqua therapy with exercise regimens. Doing routine range of motion, toning workouts or walking is just more fun in the pool. In addition, water offers its own resistance to aid in strength and conditioning. Attached to wrists or legs, flotation rings create resistance when pushed down on and strengthen muscles. Water negates the effect of gravity, relieves pressure on the joints and makes it easier to perform land-based exercises that otherwise might be difficult or painful. Much of the equipment that you normally find in a gym has a pool fitness counterpart, such as aquatic treadmills, underwater hand cycles, stationary bikes, rowers, and steppers. There are also a variety of water exercise, water yoga, and body toning videos available.

Any fitness goal a person has on land can be accomplished in water: weight loss, relieving depression, preventing osteoporosis, recovering from surgery, improving coordination and balance, increasing flexibility and endurance. Persons with some disabling conditions have been able to recover walking ability through water therapy. Beyond the exercise, group aquatherapy can build companionship through socialization.

Many individuals drawn to participate in aqua exercise, swimming, scuba and other water sports do so for the freedom of movement. For a while, life is uncomplicated by barriers. There is no need for braces, walkers, crutches or wheelchairs. For a while in the water, there are no limitations ... you're just like everyone else. Aqua resources can be found at http://www.ncpad.org/676/2938/2002-08-01