Video Shorts: Aqua Therapy for Muscular Dystrophy

As is the case with many folks with compromised mobility, the pool is a happy, healing place for me. Below you will find a series of video YouTube shorts highlighting key exercises that my husband (a.k.a. Aquaman) and I do in our neighborhood pool three or four times a week.

Aqua therapy offers innumerable benefits for those of us with muscular dystrophy, in my case facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD). Pool work tones muscles, deepens breathing, and improves vocalization. Thanks to water buoyancy, I enjoy an improved range of motion, a welcomed degree of greater independence, and all the fun that comes with sharing time in the sun with friends.

Splish, splash!

Click the links below to view video YouTube shorts.

Whole Body Work

• 1. Extension/Flexion/Stabilization
• 2. Scapular Retraction
• 3. Backwards Walking
• 4. Batting the Ball
• 5. Water Angels
• 6. Water Walking
• 7. Jumping at the Bar
• 8. Backstroke from the Bar

Leg Work

• 1. Twists
• 2. Adduction and Abduction
• 3. Frog Kick
• 4. Knee Bends
• 5. Repels
• 6. Alternating Hip Extensions

Hip Work

• 1. Flexion Stretch
• 2. More Flexion Stretch
• 3. Hip Flexors

Breath and Body Work

• 1. Dunking
• 2. Jumps at the Bar
• 3. Bubbles with Neck Twists

Core Work

• 1. Torso Bends
• 2. Crunches

Foot Work

• 1. Toes Up/Down
• 2. Ankle Rolls

Arm Work

• 1. Sponge Toss
• 2. Assisted Hand Movements

Vocal Work

• 1. AEIOU and Red Leather, Yellow Leather
• 2. Peggy Babcock and More

Equipment

• 1. DIY Water Dumbbells

Safety

• 1. Hydration

Many thanks to Lindsay S., Josh M., Melissa T., Mark R., Maureen B., Pam S., and of course Aquaman (Lou C.).