In anticpation of upcoming AquaStretch Foundations Courses in Florida, I have had the opportunity to offer demonstrations of this amazing technique to industry professionals.  Once those participating experienced the power of AS they were hooked!  Melbourne, FL February 17 is sold out and course in Brandon, FL March 10 has only a few positions left.

Below are some comments I received after the demonstrations:

·    I had a rotator cuff injury from 3 years ago, did therapeutic exercises, but my right arm still had range of motion limitations reaching backward. After one session with Laurie, I was able to reach behind my back further than I have in years.  I look forward to another session to restore more mobility. – Anne, Founder of Peyow™ Aqua Pilates Program & Recognized Industry Presenter

·    My low back feels great this morning.  I noticed when I woke up that there was less tension there than usual.  Can't wait for the 'full body' effect! – Cheryl, Personal Trainer

·    Laurie worked on me the other day and I thought it was fantastic. It is an amazing concept for intense athletes.  Check it out … it is cutting edge in aquatics.  I am already signed up... Income builder and sport enhancer. – Melinda, Personal Trainer

·    I am definitely planning to attend the AquaStretch Foundations Course.  I am sooooo excited about AquaStretch and what we can do for people here!   The "tweak" in my back hasn't come back since that day in the pool (4 weeks ago)! – Sue, Personal Trainer

·    In just four sessions, AquaStretch has restored flexibility and sped up the healing process from my overuse sports related injuries. It has relieved the chronic pain in my ankles and increased movement in my hips and low back.  – Ann, Personal Trainer & Recognized Industry Presenter

·    Laurie, I cannot thank you enough for the session yesterday.  I felt almost a complete release through my body a little while after I left.  I understand why you are excited about this technique.  Thank you for your time and effort. I want to learn more! – Lauren, Personal Trainer

_ While teaching the Ortho/Neuro Certificate course for ATRI this weekend in Portland, Oregon, I introduced AquaStretch (AS).  I had the privilege of sharing AS with a group of talented professionals.  They inspired me to start this Blog.

You might be reading this wondering what is AquaStretch?  Or you may be among the growing numbers who have been exposed to this revolutionary new aquatic fitness, wellness and therapy technique. 

I first experienced AquaStretch in September 2010.  For several years I had been experiencing interrupted sleep, inability to focus, brain fog, and lack of energy attributed to a thyroid disorder.  After a single AS session, my clarity of thought was back and I was feeling energized.  I was amazed at the benefits of a single session, yet a little skeptical - was this for real?  At the time I was with several of my colleagues, gathered together in Las Vegas for an aquatic therapy conference. I encouraged them to come and experience it for themselves.  Leading experts in their professions; a doctor of physical therapy, massage therapist, athletic trainer, and physical therapist assistant, I needed to hear their feedback.  Their reactions were much the same as my own, all intrigued to learn more.

One month later I returned to Las Vegas to study AquaStretch from creator, George Eversaul.  After in-depth training and practice, I was eager to go home and try it with my clients.  The results were astounding and after one year of practice, still proving to be just as remarkable.

Some comments from my clients include:

“My migraines are what motivated me to try AquaStretch.  During the session, I felt wonderful.  It was great to be stretched in the water.  Very relaxing and at the same time, great to feel such a range of motion (much different than stretching on land).  Immediately after the session I felt very relaxed and very flexible.  I noticed I walked with much more flexibility in my hips (a lot less stiff than before my session).  The first sleep after my session was amazing.  I slept so well and even slept in the next morning (something that never happens).  AquaStretch has helped me with my migraines.  They are less painful than before. Thanks Laurie!” - Jackie Barr 

“I am feeling so good right now.  I probably should knock on wood.  I first tried AquaStretch with Laurie because of low back and sciatic pain.  It felt really good to be stretched like that.  I felt like my body had really opened up.  My stride was much longer when I walked.  After four sessions, I have no lower back or sciatic pain.  I would definitely do it again and recommend it to anyone.” - Cindy Hillman

If you are still wondering, what is AquaStretch?  It is like being stretched by an athletic trainer, only in shallow water, with 5 to 20 lb weights attached to your body.  Because of AS’s immediate (often first session) and dramatic impacts on potentially several physiological functions (muscular, neurological, & vascular), it has been described as a “breakthrough in preventive medicine and pain management”. - F. Royal, M.D.

AquaStretch works to break down and dissolve fascial adhesions (calcifications that form in the connective tissue).  The combination of intuitive movement, accented movement, and the properties of water make this a perfect environment for joint and soft tissue "releases" to occur.

Fellow AS Instructor, Jessica Huss, DPT, stated in a recent article: 
“Nothing compares to this breakthrough in aquatic exercise. Since making its first splash on the aquatic scene, AquaStretch has proven to be a must know modality for aquatic therapists, physical therapists, massage therapists, fitness trainers and physical therapy assistants. Soon, AquaStretch will be accepted as the gold standard in aquatic therapy and as an indispensable fitness and wellness service.

If you answer yes to either of the following questions, it is worthwhile for you to try AquaStretch:
1.  Do you have chronic pain more than 3 months after an injury or surgery?
2.  Do pain medications, chiropractic adjustments, or massage only provide short-term relief?”

In this blog, I hope to share with you some of my client experiences with AquaStretch to help you with your journey. 

I encourage you to contact me with any questions or concerns.

If you are interested in becoming an AquaStretch Facilitator, education courses are available! 

For more information visit ATRI (www.atri.org) or visit the calendar of events on our website Exercise Elements (www.exerciselements.com).

Laurie Denomme, B.Kin. FAFS