MW AQUATICS
Mary O. Wykle, Ph.D., ATRIC
Aquatic Therapy and Rehab
This is a rapidly growing field because doctors, therapists, patients, and clients recognize the benefits provided by immersion in warm water. Activities specifically designed by qualified personnel aid in the restoration, extension, maintenance and quality of function for persons with acute, transient, or chronic disabilities, syndromes, or diseases.

Ai Chi/Ai Chi Ne
Ai Chi is a water exercise and relaxation program ideal for creating improved range of motion, balance, and mobility. The benefits have been proven through documented research. It is performed upright in chest deep water using slow, broad movements of the arms, legs, and torso. Ai Chi was created in Japan by Jun Konno in the early 1990's combining Tai Chi concepts with Shiatsu and Watsu techniques. Ai Chi Ne is Ai Chi with a partner or assisted by the therapist.
Athletic Rehab
Whenever an injury occurs to an athlete, rehab in the water permits the athlete (or weekend warrior) to return to activity sooner than waiting for the ability to do weight-bearing exercise on land. Whether working on a tennis, golf, or baseball swing or rehabbing a football or basketball leg injury, training can begin much sooner and less loss of fitness occurs. Rehab protocol is designed specifically for each person.
Backrehab
One of the most common complaints and reasons for missed work is back pain. Exercises include core strengthening of the abdominals and back muscles in combination with walking patterns make up the program. Careful attention is given to correct posture.
Balance Training
Balance is one of the first physical skills to diminish and directly affects everyday life. Balance activities are added into other skills being practiced. Attention is given to strengthening activities. Basic are challenge standing positions, yoga poses, PNF patterns, and fun activities such as doing the "Twist."
Fluid Chi
Chi is energy and we create energy around us in the water when we move. Fluid chi adds balls and hoops to the large movements in the water. Fluid chi often combines parts of Ai Chi, yoga, and Pilates into a flowing program. This program is excellent for balance training and re-training the body to perform flowing motion.
Aqua Pi-Yo-Chi
Aqua Pi-Yo-Chi intertwines the poses of yoga and the exercises of Pilates. Each movement flows together with assistance from selected Ai chi moves. Each exercise and move is practiced individually before combining several together. Feel the large muscle influence on body positioning in yoga and the isolated muscle initiation of Pilates. Flow it together with the round movements of Ai Chi. Energize, stretch, strengthen, and relax in one program.
Military Water Rehab
The military stresses fitness and prides itself on individual readiness. Training that is predominantly land based results in overuse complaints and repetitive movements leading to muscle imbalances, not to mention boredom. Physical training is predominantly done on land. Soldiers with minor injuries that do not require referral to physical therapy are excused from physical training while recovering. The option to do rehab in the water opens a new dimension to the military's physical training program and maintaining unit readiness.
Warrior Aquatic Physical Training

This course provides specific training for conducting aquatic therapeutic fitness in the Warrior Transition Units using the properties/benefits of Water Exercise to provide Physical Training for Wounded Soldiers, Soldiers on �PROFILE�, and included for all Soldiers to enhance the Physical Training opportunities.  The U.S. Army recommends that it should be part of regular Physical Training whenever pools are available.  Training is based upon the following standards/guidelines: AEA (American Exercise Association), ATRI (Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute) guidelines, and Risk Management in therapy settings. 

Training is provided for Therapists, Aquatic Exercise Instructors, Unit NCOs�, Swimming Instructors, and Lifeguards.

Orthopedic Lower Extremity Rehab
Injuries to the legs, knees, hips, ankles, and feet usually result in non-weight bearing while healing. Knee replacements and hip replacements also require long rehabilitation periods. Arthritis, especially osteo-arthritis, restricts weight-bearing activity. Water gives the option of early mobility and results in faster return to normal activities. Protocols are specific to the individual.
Therapeutic Aqua Pilates
The basic mat exercises developed by Joseph Pilates are modified to be performed in the water. The side of the pool replaces the mat used in the studio to reinforce the "Powerhouse" surrounding our torso. Careful attention to correct muscle initiation is central and requires one-on-one instruction. Advanced Aqua Pilates moves to the center of the pool and to deep water using flotation supports for increased challenge.
Therapeutic Aqua Yoga
Yoga is centuries old, but yoga in the water is still in its infancy. Using Iyengar style of yoga, poses are transitioned into the water in form and alignment as close to land practice as permitted. Modifications are designed for the ability of each person. Water adds additional isometric strengthening, range of motion, and depth of breath to your yoga practice. One-on-one training is recommended.
Lumbar Stability for Spinal Fusions
This course provides an overview of various diagnoses and aquatic rehabilitation guidelines for various levels of spinal fusions.  Lumbar stabilization progressions, specific exercise programs, postural re-education, trunk muscle endurance, and leg strengthening are components of the shallow water program.  Basic skills for lumbar stability emphasized are control of pelvic tilt, neutral pelvic position, abdominal hollowing/bracing, and contraction of powerhouse muscles.  Exercises are closed chain.
Advanced Lumbar Stability for LB Diagnoses

This course is appropriate for clients/patients who demonstrate core control and fusion for fusion surgery patients.  In deep water with various floatation supports, all activities are non-weight-bearing but require advanced core control.  This course is also the introduction into swimming backstroke and freestyle emphasizing axial elongation and rotation throughout the body to avoid any torque in the stroke.
Suspended Pilates with a Noodle
Flotation equipment adds a new dimension to Aqua Pilates.  Noodles are our versatile piece of equipment.  Suspended Pilates challenges core strength and provides a great work out.  The basic positions include the noodle providing direct support for suspension by placing it across the back at scapular level.  Maintaining a plank position � prone, or upward plank position � supine, is the ultimate challenge as the arms must be directly under the shoulders.  These can be learned in shallow water with the pool bottom providing needed support and then moved to deep water. 
Warm Water Body Work
Treatment session is one-on-one in very warm water. The therapy is relaxing, and can provide emotional release. It is based on a technique called Watsu. Gentle stretching movements initiated and controlled by the therapist address all the meridians in the body, increase range of motion, and release tension. The client or patient must be very comfortable in the water.