Question 1

Do I have to be able to swim to do aquatic therapy?

Accepted Answer

No.  You will be fully supported during the session, however, receiving Watsu provides a level of comfort in the water for those who may have water-related anxiety such that many folks have then decided to learn swimming once their fear subsides.

Question 2

Is your facility Handicap and/or Wheelchair Accessible?

Accepted Answer

Table massage is in the house and requires mounting 3 steps as there is no ramp available at this time. The client, alone or with the aid of their attendant, must be able to mount to the table from the chair.

The Watsu pool is accessible by ramp but the client, alone or with the aid of their attendant, must be able to dismount from the chair, descend a ladder into the pool, ascend at the end of the session and remount onto the chair. There are no impediments to the treatment itself once in the water.

Question 3

What chemicals do you use in the pool?

Accepted Answer

The pools are chlorinated since salinzation does not work with warm water.

Question 4

What if I don’t own a swimsuit?

Accepted Answer

There are a couple of options.  I have swimsuits and swim trunks available to borrow or you can wear light shirt and shorts instead of a swimsuit.  However, the fabric must be colorfast so choosing basic white is preferable.

Question 5

How long are the sessions?

Accepted Answer

The sessions are tailored to each client’s needs and so session lengths vary.  You can plan on at least 90 minutes for the initial session.  AquaTerra combines both aquatic and land-based treatments so allow three and a half hours.

Question 6

Can my spouse/friend/and I have an appointment together?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may have concurrent treatments at the same time but not the same treatment at the same time.  This requires scheduling an additional therapist so advance planning is required.

Question 7

Does your facility accommodate wheelchairs and/or walkers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many clients have mobility issues that require assistive devices.  However, the facility is not ADA compliant.

Question 8

What oil or lotion do you use for massage?

Accepted Answer

Organic coconut oil is used for massage and may be combined with other balms and ointments for the administration of hot and cold therapy as needed.

Question 9

I just had my hair chemically treated.  Can I get in the pool?

Accepted Answer

Yes, allow one week after treating your hair before receiving Watsu.

Question 10

How often should I come for therapy?

Accepted Answer

Frequency is dictated by the client’s condition and goals.  However, the benefits of aquatic therapy and most especially aquatic therapy coupled with traditional massage are reported to last longer than some other modalities.

Question 11

Besides Infant Massage, do you treat children at your practice?"

Accepted Answer

Babies respond well to Watsu.  Adolescents and teens can receive therapy with their parents’ permission and presence during sessions.

Question 12

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

No, but I suggest you check with your insurance company to see what might be covered by your particular healthcare plan.  If they do not honor claims provided by alternative therapists, please encourage them to consider doing so. In recent years, many insurance companies have agreed to cover alternative healing methods as they have increased in demand.

Question 13

Why is Watsu more expensive than table massage?

Accepted Answer

Watsu requires a warm-water therapy pool.  The specialized equipment requires daily maintenance in addition to the cost of propane and sanitizing chemicals, the cost of which have soared.  Pool use requires showering and towels.  This provision also adds time and expense to the session.

Question 14

Do you have a shower for clients to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Question 15

What should I wear for a Watsu session?

Accepted Answer

A simple bathing suit or T-shirt and shorts.

Question 16

What products are used in a table massage session?

Accepted Answer

Organic Coconut Oil
Borghese Splendide Mani Soothing Hand Creme
J.R. Watkins Soothing Chest Ointment 
J.R. Watkins Pain-Relieving Liniment
Tiger Balm
Prossage Heat Warming Massage Oil
Salonpas Pain-Relieving Foam
CBD Salve hand-crafted in small batches at Splendor Mountain Spa, Glenwood Springs, CO.
Colorado River Rocks

Aquaterra Therapies
Formerly Healing Waters

Frequently asked questions