BIG STRETCH Mary MacIntyre stretches at Oaklands Pool during an AquaSonix therapy program.

The combination of warm water, sound pressure waves and low impact exercise are giving people with osteoarthritis, fibromyaligia, lower back pain, plus those with pre and post joint replacement surgery a break from their pain. Plus, this unique water fit program known as AquaSonix Therapy is giving them a greater flexibility thus improving their wellbeing.

"Therapy includes water and exercise," said Gerry Hruby, Vice-President of Patient Services for HealthSonix, the company that is providing AquaSonix Therapy.

But, this therapy goes one step further. In addition to the low impact exercises taught by a trained instructor, the water temperature is set between 30 and 34 Celsius and the participants benefit from the sound pressure waves emanating from an under water transducer sitting on a tripod.

For those in the program, it's a physical workout, one that loosens the muscles and alleviates the pain. Like those participating in any other water sports, they bring bottled water.

AquaSonix Therapy has been offered at the Oaklands Regional Centre's warm water pool for about two months and already there's a need to add more sessions to the three groups.

"The 45-minute sessions not only relieve pain, but they also improve balance, coordination and flexibility," said Hruby.

After 15 sessions - twice a week for eight weeks, 80 per cent of the participants respond positively to the therapy.

A physiotherapist and/or kinesiologist assess participants before they start the program, after four sessions and at the end to determine if the individual should continue this therapy program. Many opt to come weekly or once every two weeks depending on their progress.

"We've measured an 83 per cent success rate in improved flexibility and a reduction in stiffness and pain," said Hruby.

"Some of these people have had chronic pain for 10 years. We tell all of new participants to go slow," said Hruby.

"Some come in wheelchairs or with canes and walkers, and improve their balance by using noodles to support themselves in the water." They are allowed to bring a helper.

Most participants are in their 60s however some are as young as 35 and there's a 100-year-old in the Hamilton program.

"It works," said Beth Bennett of Burlington, a 35-year-old recovering from a stroke.

"I've been in the program since May and I don't plan on stopping because it works."

Bennett said the exercise helps relieve the tension in her lower leg and foot. "Without this exercise the tension creeps back in and it's quite uncomfortable. Otherwise I don't have a lot of tension in my body but some people who have had a stroke are really tight and they need needles to relieve the tension in the body - I don't have to do that. I think these people would benefit from this exercise."

Bennett learned about the program through the Oakville Strokers. One of its volunteers is a friend of Jocelyn Garrett, Vice-President of Corporate Services for HealthSonix. She oversees the AquaSonix Therapy programs in this area.

"AquaSonix works on three proven therapies," continued Hruby, "exercise, sound pressure waves and an elevated water temperature.

"The buoyancy of the water allows the participants to do certain movements which they cannot do on land as water gives the sensation of losing 75 per cent of your weight so you feel lighter and move a lot easier."

An added benefit is the camaraderie. "They tell others about the program because they feel so much better," said Hruby. "They feel very motivated by their success."

Mirella Kasslack, 59, who has battled fibromyalgia for four years, is less dependent on her pain medication thanks to AquaSonix.

"It has lessened the pain to almost non-existent," said Kasslack. "I can go one or two days without any painkillers."

Kasslack, of west Mississauga, started AquaSonix therapy in August. Her family doctor referred her to the program.

"I've had 14 sessions and it's helping a lot with my fibromyalgia, especially my upper body and arms. I find I have less frequent episodes of muscle spasms and pain.

"I find the exercises are really beneficial. We do a lot of stretching and resistance training," concluded Kasslack.

Hruby described AquaSonix Therapy as a "necessary non-pharmacological therapy in combination with what physicians prescribe."

The program is offered at 18 warm water pools from Toronto to Guelph and in Niagara. "We've had a call from a facility with a warm water pool in Cambridge asking for the program," said Hruby.

Most of the programs are offered in physiotherapy centres, hospitals, long-term care centres and government facilities similar to Oaklands.

For more information, call 416-622-2121. Sessions cost $19.50 each and most private health insurance plans cover this therapy if prescribed by a doctor or physiotherapist. "We prefer to have a doctor recommend the exercise," said Hruby.

- Wilma Blokhuis can be reached at blokhuis@haltonsearch.com.