Floating Your Way to Pain Relief with Watsu Therapy

How Gentle Water Movements Help Relax Muscles and Ease Tension

Imagine floating effortlessly in warm water, your body supported, your mind drifting into deep calm. This is Watsu, short for Water Shiatsu, a gentle form of aquatic therapy that blends flowing stretches, slow movements and mindful stillness.

First developed in the 1980s, Watsu is now practised around the world in hospitals, clinics and wellness centres. At the Aquaphysio rehab centre, located in Camden Medical Centre, it is used to support recovery from injury, ease muscle tension and help people feel more comfortable in their own bodies. Some people also choose Watsu to regain confidence after water-related trauma.

What Happens in a Watsu Therapy Session

The session takes place in a comfortably warm pool around 35 to 36°C so your body can fully relax without feeling chilled. If needed, soft floats are placed around your legs for extra support.

Your Aqua-Physiotherapist will guide you into a back-floating position, keeping your face above water while your ears stay submerged for a soothing, cocoon-like effect. With gentle rhythmic movements they stretch, bend and rotate your body to ease joints and muscles.

There are moments of stillness too, giving your body and mind time to absorb the experience. Many people notice their muscles releasing tension and their breathing slowing down, leaving them calmer and lighter by the end.

How Watsu Works in the Body

Warm water and gentle movement can activate the body’s rest and digest mode, reducing stress responses. This shift may:

• Slow your heart rate

• Deepen your breathing

• Improve blood flow

• Soothe muscle stiffness and spasms

• Help digestion

• Support immune function

  
  

Supporting Different Needs

For muscles and joints

The water removes pressure from your joints, making movement easier and more comfortable. Gentle stretches can increase flexibility and reduce tightness.

For the nervous system

Slow rocking and lengthening movements may help relax muscle rigidity and encourage smoother more natural movement.

What You Might Notice

After one session some people feel:

• Looser more relaxed muscles

• Less tension or stiffness

• Easier movement

  
  

With regular sessions they may also notice

• Better sleep

• Less day to day discomfort

• Improved flexibility

• Reduced stress levels

• A greater sense of emotional balance

  
  

Who Can Try Watsu

Watsu Therapy can be adapted for children, pregnant women, older adults and people living with disabilities. It may be helpful for those experiencing:

• Muscle tension or soreness

• Stress and anxiety

• Recovery after injury or surgery

• Joint stiffness including arthritis

• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or cerebral palsy

• Chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia

• Post-trauma rehabilitation including PTSD

  
  

Many clients at the Aquaphysio rehab centre have shared that Watsu sessions leave them moving more freely and feeling more at ease.

Find Your Moment of Calm

Let the warm water carry your weight, ease your muscles and quiet your mind. At the Aquaphysio rehab centre in Camden Medical Centre, Watsu offers a gentle space to relax, move with comfort and reconnect with yourself. Reserve your time in the water and give your body the care it deserves.