Frequently Asked Questions

Aquatics and Bodyworks FAQs

With the various aquatics and bodyworks services we offer, these faqs will help you find answers to frequently asked questions. On this page, you will find answers to aquatic therapy, swimming lessons, and massages faqs. Simply click on a topic below to go to that section’s faqs pertaining to that specific service.

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Whether you’re looking to learn how to manage pain or recover from an injury, our skilled therapists are ready to assist you. Give us a call at (619) 919-5574 so we can get started helping you get back to living a full life.

Massage FAQs

Whether you’re suffering from a chronic condition or recovering from an injury, massage therapy has many benefits, such as:

  • Reduced muscle spasms and cramping
  • Pain relief from migraines
  • Increased circulation
  • Improve range of motion
  • Increase joint flexibility
  • And more

One massage a month is common if you use massage to manage daily stress or as preventative care. On the other hand, weekly sessions may be more suitable for injury recovery or to relieve chronic tightness. However, for optimal therapeutic relief, many people incorporate therapy at lease twice a month.

A license means a massage therapist has met the education requirements and paid the fee to legally practice massage in your state, city, and/or county. In general, a massage therapist has to complete a minimum number of training hours at an accepted training center or school. They also undergo a full background check prior to receiving that license. Keep in mind that each state has specific licensing and/or certification requirements for massage therapists.

To keep you warm and comfortable, you will be properly draped or covered at all times. No areas will be exposed without your consent and only the area being worked on will be exposed. If you are uncomfortable during your massage session, you should always let your therapist know.

The length of your massage depends on the type of massage you are receiving. For example, a lymphatic drainage massage may require more time than a myofascial release massage. In these cases, 60 to 90 minutes may be required. But in general, a standard full-body massage lasts between 30 to 45 minutes.

A session consists of massage, time for you to dress and undress, and communicate with the therapist to make your massage truly customized. This is done to ensure each and every massage session you receive from us meets or exceeds your expectations.

Most people feel extremely relaxed after a massage session, and many say their pain is reduced or eliminated. You could experience some soreness, similar to what you might feel after a really good workout. However, once the soreness subsides, you could experience an increase in energy, heightened awareness and greater productivity that can last for a few days.

While a neck rub from your significant other may feel relaxing, you should contact a certified massage therapist for massage therapy. He or she will ask you about the type of pain you have, what caused it and where it is. That helps determine the most effective type of massage therapy to use to treat your issue.

An adaptive massage is a personalized, tailored experience designed to address your specific needs and preferences. Whether you are seeking relief from muscle tension, chronic pain, or stress, Maryam Aquatics & Bodyworks therapists will assess your individual needs. Through a thorough consultation, they will determine which massage methods to use to achieve your goal.

Yes, adaptive massage is specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. It involves modifying massage equipment, positioning, techniques, equipment, and pressure to accommodate various needs and limitations. This approach ensures that people with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities can still experience the therapeutic benefits of massage.

Therapists often adapt techniques to accommodate limitations in movement or sensitivity when working with physical disabilities. For instance, individuals who use wheelchairs may benefit from massages that focus on the neck areas, back, and shoulders which are prone to tension from prolonged sitting. Using these positioning aids or adaptive equipment ensures comfort throughout the session.
Yes, because for both physical and development disabilities, sensory sensitivities are very common. At Maryam Aquatics & Bodyworks, our massage therapists choose techniques and settings that minimize overwhelming sensations. For example, reducing ambient noise makes the session more effective and enjoyable.
For individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder, communication and sensory sensitivities are key factors to consider. Therapists at Maryam Aquatics & Bodyworks are trained in working with neurodiverse individuals. As such, we use calming, predictable movements and create a soothing environment to build trust and ensure a positive experience.
Poor circulation is a common issue many individuals with disabilities face, particularly those with limited mobility. Maryam Aquatics & Bodyworks therapists use massage therapy to promote blood flow. This ensures that oxygen nutrients are delivered to tissues more efficiently. Our massage techniques not only support healing, but also helps prevent issues like pressure sores.
Yes. Muscle spasms and tension are frequent concerns for people with neurological or muscular disorders. Our adaptive massage therapy help relax these muscles, preventing further complications. It also provides relief from discomfort. In fact, our circulatory massage is effective for managing these symptoms.
For individuals with conditions that limit movement, such as arthritis or muscular dystrophy, significantly improves day-to-day activities. Massage therapy at Maryam Aquatics & Bodyworks improves joint flexibility and enhances mobility by loosening tight muscles.

Yes, because stretching is crucial for everyone’s safety and function, especially for elderly adults. As we age, our muscles become less elastic and stiffer, which can limit function, balance, and ambulation. For older adults, stretching is important for fall prevention.

Therapeutic stretching involves guided, intentional stretching designed to target specific muscles and connective tissues in the body. Unlike casual stretching before a workout, this therapy is often administered by trained professionals who understand biomechanics and tailor each session to a person’s unique physical needs.
Yes. The two most common forms of stretching are Dynamic and Static Stretching. Dynamic stretching is generally used as part of a warm-up routine before an athletic event. This form of stretching improves speed, agility and acceleration. It involves the active tightening of your muscles and moving your joints through their full range of motion throughout the stretch. Static stretching involves moving a muscle as far as it can go without feeling any pain, then hold that position for 20-40 seconds. Generally, this type of stretch is used as part of a cool-down routine to prevent injury.
For best results, stretching should be performed daily because gains associated with stretching only last for about 24 hours. This is particularly important with sedentary workers who sit most of the day.
Assisted stretching is a technique in which a trained practitioner helps an individual stretch their muscles and fascia (connective tissue). Unlike self-stretching, where a person relies on their own body mechanics, assisted stretching allows for a deeper and more controlled stretch. This technique is often used to improve flexibility, reduce pain, and enhance overall mobility.
At Maryam Aquatics & Bodyworks, we believe that assisted stretching is more than just a service, it’s a path to better health and wellness. Our trained stretch therapists are here to help you move better, feel better, and improve your overall quality of life. Whether you’re looking to reduce pain, prevent injury, or simply enhance your daily performance, our team is dedicated to providing personalized care that meets your unique needs.
Yes, assisted stretching can help alleviate lower back pain by targeting tight muscles and improving flexibility. Specific techniques are used to reduce pressure on the lower back, providing relief from pain.
While you can stretch on your own, assisted stretching with a professional ensures that stretches are done correctly and effectively. A practitioner helps you achieve deeper stretches safely, reducing the risk of injury and maximizing the benefits.

Generally speaking, aquatic therapy is beneficial for people who have weight-bearing restrictions, arthritis, certain fractures or muscle issues and even chronic pain. But aquatic therapy can be utilized to help many other conditions as well, for example someone who has difficulty with gait and balance or for an athlete with post-operative limitations.

It’s not for everybody though. People with open wounds and some skin conditions, certain cardiac conditions and incontinence are not appropriate for aquatic therapy. Also, uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure can be problematic. You will meet with an evaluating therapist who can determine your eligibility for water therapy.

Aquatic therapy is water-based rehabilitation involving the use of water for pain relief, physical rehabilitation, and therapeutic exercised. It’s conducted in a warm water pool to treat a variety of medical conditions and injuries. The unique properties of water, such as buoyancy, and resistance makes it ideal for effective and safe therapy.

Yes, generally our aquatic therapy patients are referred to us by their specialists or primary care physicians. Additionally, when we do our own assessment of a patient’s physical therapy needs, we may recommend aquatic therapy. I’d suggest speaking to your specialist or primary care physician to see if aquatic therapy is right for you. We are always here to provide more information as needed.

The water is warm – about 90 degrees- which promotes muscle relaxation for painful conditions. It supports your weight, so it becomes easier to hold yourself up and focus on the exercises without pain. If you are in chest deep water, for example, you only weigh about a quarter of your body weight. The hydrostatic pressure of water decreases swelling and supports joints. Additionally, water naturally provides much greater resistance than air which assists in building strength. All of these unique properties help people regain function and mobility in a very different way than traditional therapy.

A patient will enter our 11-foot by 15-foot pool monitored by a therapist for what is typically a 45-minute session. Some patients may use an underwater treadmill, some may use flotation devices and still others may use resistance equipment. It all just depends on what the person is being treated for.

Regardless of the approach, we’re looking to decrease pain, improve muscle strength and endurance and even to improve a person’s balance. For some, it’s about correcting their walking patterns, which an injury is precluding them from doing on land.

Yes, watsu therapy is a powerful blend of physical and emotional healing that harnesses the therapeutic properties of warm water, gentle movement, and compassionate touch. It’s not just a treatment, it’s an experience of being held, supported, and moved with care.

Adaptive swimming programs are designed for individuals with disabilities, cognitive challenges, or developmental delays. Therefore, it offers modifications and support tailored to their specific needs Regular swimming lessons are not specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
You do NOT need to know how to swim. You will have floaties on your legs and be supported at all times by your practitioner. There is no danger of drowning.