Although Watsu therapy
has been around since 1980 and it is practiced in more than
40 countries, it is still a little-known secret in Minnesota.
But it won’t be for long if Mary
LeSourd has her way. LeSourd, a certified Watsu practitioner and senior
recreation aquatic therapist at Courage Center, was sold on
Watsu the first time she tried it a decade ago.
Today, LeSourd and her
co-worker, Derek LaBerge, have seen a sharp increase in people
interested to try Watsu. Last April, Courage Center offered free
Watsu trials during World Watsu Week. Since then, the buzz has
been building. “Once we get people to experience it,” says
LeSourd, “they know why we’re so passionate about Watsu.”
Watsu is a gentle form
of bodywork therapy performed in warm water. It combines elements
of massage, joint mobilization, muscle stretching and dance. The
deeply relaxing effects of warm water and nurturing support combine
with Watsu’s movements,
stretches, massage and point work to create therapeutic benefits
and potential healing on several levels.
The benefits of Watsu include: decreased pain and spinal pressure;
improved sleep patterns and reduced anxiety; increased joint mobility
and muscle relaxation; and renewed sense of alertness and mind/body
connection.
This complementary therapy is appropriate for people with traumatic
brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, arthritis, fibromyalgia,
cerebral palsy, anxiety and chronic pain.
Courage Center, a nonprofit rehabilitation and resource center, has
always been a local leader in innovative therapies. Now, they are at
the forefront of a movement to spread the good word on this holistic,
whole body water therapy.
Audrey Kintzi, Courage
Center’s Director of Development
who has arthritis and fibromyalgia, wanted to try it for herself.
“I came out of the session with tears pouring down my face,” says
Kintzi. “For one hour, I forgot what it felt like to not have
pain. It all melted away. It was such an emotional release. That
night, I slept like a baby for the first time in years.”
Kintzi continues, “I
have tried everything to deal with the pain. This was truly a blessing.
I’m telling everyone about it.
It is absolutely heavenly.” ![]()
New patients must undergo
an evaluation before receiving treatment; however no doctor or therapist
referral is necessary. For more info, please visit www.courage.org or
call Mary LeSourd at 763-520-0485.
