Immersion Therapy is transforming lives, one underwater session at a time

For 55-year-old Chris Brady from Preston, living with multiple sclerosis for 30 years has meant facing many challenges. But over the past seven months, Chris has been undergoing Immersion Therapy at WaterMarc, achieving remarkable improvements not only in his physical abilities but also in his confidence.

So much so, in fact, that for the first time since his diagnosis, Chris is not only going to rock concerts, but now has his sights set on playing Boccia in the next Paralympics.

Chris is just one of many clients whose life has been transformed by this award-winning therapy. In a weightless underwater environment using SCUBA equipment, Immersion Therapy offers the freedom of movement and increased mobility to people living with autism, anxiety, depression, MS, spinal cord injuries, amputations, soft tissue injuries and a range of other conditions, all with guidance from specially trained Accredited Exercise Physiologists.

Through Immersion Therapy, Chris has experienced physical improvements and a boost in confidence he hadn’t thought possible. Reflecting on his journey, he shares, “When I started, they mentioned the mental benefits, but I was sceptical. After just a few weeks, I started noticing changes, and now my confidence is at an all-time high, which changes everything.”

The physical results are just as impressive. “My right arm has made incredible progress. Before, I couldn’t lift it past 90 degrees; now I can raise it to almost 180 degrees, near my head. The stretching and bending exercises have really improved my flexibility,” Chris explains.

He continues, “The way I walk has changed too. I used to walk cautiously because I couldn’t trust my leg, but now there’s more movement, and I can get a bit of the lower leg swinging. It’s all thanks to Immersion Therapy.

“In each session, we cover a range of exercises, including walking up and down the pool while focusing on my legs. The weightlessness feels like being in space, taking all pressure off my joints. I can do full squats underwater, which I couldn’t attempt on land. Thanks to Immersion Therapy, I feel fitter, more confident, and my life feels so full.”

Immersion Therapy Is Transforming Lives One Underwater Session At A Time
Chris has reported significant improvement in all of the following areas, thanks to Immersion Therapy:

• Physical mobility 

• Muscle strength and condition 

• Confidence and self-esteem 

• Mental health and well-being 

• Community involvement 

• Relationships and social skills 

Daniel Alford, Senior Exercise Physiologist for Belgravia Leisure has been tracking Chris’ progress and commented that “The increase in self-esteem and confidence with Chris has been amazing, he is now more motivated in every aspect of his life.”

So compelling is the evidence that Immersion Therapy improves health-related quality of life for people of all ages, that the University of SA and Determined2 have spent seven years and $1 million on research including a three-year clinical trial beginning last year. This service is currently offered in SA and Vic, and will expand across the country in the coming years.

Immersion Therapy just won the AUSactive Industry Innovation Award and will no doubt continue to make waves as it expands across Australia.