Dimax Watsu therapy is done in our main pool. The water is heated to 95°F (35°C), which is close to the same temperature as your skin.

During Watsu, a therapist gently moves your body in water. This is known as passive hydrotherapy because you don’t need to actively perform the movements.

Your therapist is in the water with you. They move your body in specific motions, which may include:

• gentle twisting
• rocking or cradling
• stretching
• massaging pressure points

The goal is to release tightness in your muscle and fascia tissue. It’s also meant to promote a healthy flow of energy, or qi.

Dimax Watsu is done in a peaceful setting to increase relaxation. You may request to play soothing music during the session. A range of relaxation music is available to choose from, but we do recommend peace and quiet for best results.

As a therapeutic treatment, Watsu is used to alleviate pain and tension. People also use it to enhance physical movement and joint mobility.

It may provide relief for people with:

• muscle tension
• low back pain
• chronic pain
• fibromyalgia
• discomfort during pregnancy
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• anxiety
• depression
• sleep disorders
• stress-related conditions
• neurological conditions (like multiple sclerosis)
• spinal cord injury
• injury rehabilitation

Decreased pain

Research has found a positive correlation between Watsu and pain relief. In a small 2015 study, nine healthy pregnant women experienced lower pain levels after Watsu therapy. The researchers attributed this to the therapeutic effect of water immersion on joint impact.

A 2013 study found similar results. After completing 15 Watsu sessions, 12 people with fibromyalgia reported fewer symptoms of pain. In a 2019 study, a group of children with juvenile arthritis also experienced less pain after receiving Watsu.

Reduced anxiety

In general, pain increases anxiety. However, by managing pain, Watsu may help relieve anxiousness.

In a small 2014 case report, a person with temporomandibular disorders experienced lower anxiety levels after Watsu. The researchers associated this benefit with Watsu’s beneficial impact on pain.

Although these findings are encouraging, it’s important to note that these studies are very small. More research is needed to better understand the link between Watsu and anxiety.

Increased joint mobility

Like other types of water therapy, Watsu may help improve joint range of motion.

In the 2019 study mentioned above, 46 children with juvenile arthritis received either conventional hydrotherapy or Watsu. The researchers analysed the participants’ joint range of motion before and after therapy.

They didn’t find statistically significant differences between the two treatments, suggesting that Watsu may have similar benefits to traditional hydrotherapy.

But the researchers also acknowledged that the active movements of conventional hydrotherapy may not be ideal for juvenile arthritis. The passiveness of Watsu, however, might provide better relief.

Watsu has some drawbacks. As a passive form of therapy, you can’t actively move your body during treatment. You must be willing to let a therapist do it for you.

You’ll also be in close contact with the therapist. For some, this might feel uncomfortable.

You should also avoid Watsu if you have:

• fever
• uncontrolled epilepsy
• serious cardiac problems
• open wounds
• skin infections
• serious urinary tract problems
• bowel incontinence
• respiratory disease
• allergy to pool chemicals
• These conditions may be worsened or complicated by water therapy.
• Your therapist should also take extra precautions if you have:
• osteoporosis
• spinal problems
• balance problems

If you’re pregnant, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before trying Watsu. Many pregnant people like the gravity-relieving sensations of floating in water while carrying a baby, but your healthcare provider can confirm you’re a good candidate for this type of therapy.

Your Watsu session will be customized to your specific condition. It will involve massages, stretches, and movements designed to alleviate your symptoms.

Although Watsu sessions will vary depending on specific needs, here’s what you can typically expect during a session:

1. Your therapist might have you wear floating devices on your arms or legs.

2. You’ll enter the water and float on your back. The back of your head and knees will typically rest in your therapist’s forearms.

3. Your therapist will slowly rotate, moving your body in large circles.

4. Your therapist will alternate between extending their arms and drawing them in, moving you back and forth in the water as they do so.

5. Your therapist will extend your arms and legs in gentle, repetitive patterns. They might also bend, lift, or twist different parts of your body.

6. They may rest your head on their shoulder and move you in large circles.

7. Throughout the session, your therapist will massage pressure points on your body.

8. Usually, a single session lasts for about an hour.