Frequently Asked Questions:

• How do I get certified in AquaStretch™?

• A question from Pam Runyan, Indianapolis:  How has AS been doing on clients with fibromyalgia?  I've had mixed results so far.  One client was much better after AS, another felt worse the next day.  Any suggestions or what's typical to expect?

• Can AquaStretch™ be used for group aqua fitness classes?

 

• I see AquaStretch™ courses of different lengths, with slightly different names.  How do I know which one to take?  What's the difference between the courses?

 

• Are there restrictions - some people who should not be AquaStretched?

• Can I come to one day of a two day course?

• Can I come to a course and 'observe' / take notes from the pool deck if I don't want to get in the water?

• If I take an AquaStretch™ Certificate Course, am I qualified to teach AquaStretch™ to others?

 

• After I take an AquaStretch™ Course, am I done?  Am I ready to offer AquaStretch™ to clients / patients?

• Is there a more advanced level of AquaStretch™ training available?

Answers:

• There is no such thing as AquaStretch™ certification.  There are a variety of initial and advanced training courses.  Your course trainer will have been trained by George Eversaul (the creator of AquaStretch™), or be an ATRI approved trainer.

• Like you, Pam, I have very mixed results. I find some people are so sensitive to touch, they can tolerate almost no contact.
  Some strategies I have found helpful for people with FMS are: 
  • Use a VERY light touch / pressure on your grips and holds.
  • Perform no accentuation - let them determine how the movement will happen.
  • Don't spend too long in one position (ie: wall hang), and make sure they are comfortable in each position.  Some people I work with cannot tolerate wall hang at all, so we might do the L/E procedures sitting on a bench / step / chair lift in the pool.
  • Teach them how to do: play, freeze, pressure, move - to themselves.  This works with any sore body areas they can reach with their own hands.
  • Have shorter sessions (ie: ≤15 min to start); leave out any procedures that are too uncomfortable to do.
  • Emphasize deep breathing and relaxation throughout the session.
  • Follow the AS session with gentle movement and stretch or flotation / relaxation - depending on tenderness, water temp, etc.

• AquaStretch™ is a one-on-one, facilitated myofascial release technique.  The AquaStretch™ facilitator is trained in specific Procedures and Technique.  Having group aqua fitness participants attempt to perform AquaStretch™ on each other is not appropriate.

• The main difference between 8 hour / 15-16 hour courses is TIME.  The fundamental AquaStretch™ Procedures and Techniques taught will be the same.  Longer courses will include several more Procedures than 8-hour courses.  Longer courses will allow more time to practice AquaStretch™, and may include specific applications for a variety of health conditions.

• Yes.  Contraindications for AquaStretch™ are outlined in the training manual and emphasized by AquaStretch™ course trainers.  These restrictions include: muscle tears, recent injury / surgery, joint instability / hyper mobility syndromes, some forms of arthritis, extreme fear of water, and any health condition which would exclude the person from using public pools.

• AquaStretch™ is taught as a holistic program.  Procedures and AquaStretch™ Technique are built from the bottom up, one upon the other.  It would not be appropriate to parachute into part of the course. However, there may be courses offered with AquaStretch™ Foundations (a complete 8-hour course) on day one, and AquaStretch™ Certificate (another 6 - 8 hours of training) on the following day.  It would be appropriate to come to only day one, or to elect the two-day option.

• AquaStretch™ is a hands-on, one-on-one modality that uses the properties of the water, the AquaStretch™ Technique, and weighted resistance to achieve results.  This is an experiential course.  Unlike aqua fitness choreography (where observing and taking notes is a valid way of learning), AquaStretch™ training requires that you participate in the water.  You may elect to restrict your participation on any Procedures that are not appropriate for your body.

• At present, AquaStretch™ Instructors (those who teach others how to do AquaStretch™) are trained by AquaStretch™ creator, George Eversaul.  ATRI has also designated some manual therapists to deliver AquaStretch™ courses for ATRI.

• First, you need to work within the scope of your insured qualifications.  Second, AquaStretch™ is a manual technique that requires practice.  Your AquaStretch™ course trainer will do her / his best to assure that you have grasped the Procedures and Technique during your course. However, like any skill, AquaStretch™ takes repetition and practice!  Many of us offered free AquaStretch™ sessions to family and friends to develop our skills.  AquaStretch™ developer / trainers assume no responsibility for your actions upon leaving a training course.  So proceed with caution, develop your skills, and work within your insured scope of practice.  

• IF you desire more in-depth work after using AquaStretch™ for a period of time, consult your AS trainer to arrange one-on-one or small-group advanced training.  This is the best way to have your skills checked, and advance your understanding of AquaStretch™.  Stay tuned for more AS training resources and courses in the coming months.  Advanced courses will include more in-depth training, new Procedures, and fine-tuning of AS technique / skills. 

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​The AquaStretch™ Facilitator Pool Guide and full colour AquaStretch™ Foundations Manual are available for purchase on the Store page of this website.  Check special rates for combined purchase.

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