Jennifer Simm's Page
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- How are you involved in aquatic therapy?
- I am an Aquatic Specialist who has worked in a Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Center with patients from work or car accidents to special populations like MS, Arthritis, Autism, Fibromyalgia, Lupus, etc. I have experience and certifications in Watsu, Burdenko, Ai Chi and many other area's. I worked with my family business Muscle Therapy Northwest which ran for a successful 14 years. The family business is no longer in operation due to the passing of our clinic owner and my mother Pamela Estrella. She passed about 3 years ago and with her passing and where I was at in my life, it was a far too big of a task to continue on her dream. It was hard to let go such a wonderful place, but a part of it still lives on as it was sold to our head physical therapist and now known as Axis Physical Therapy. There is a little bit different type of focus now with this clinic, but they still do help the community in a big way.
Muscle Therapy Northwest Article about our Multiple Sclerosis & Special Populations Patients:
The MS Program at Muscle Therapy Northwest in Edmonds, Wash., combines massage and physical therapy modalities with aquatic therapy, acupuncture, and patient education for holistic rehabilitation. "There's no cookbook approach," says the late clinic administrator Pam Estrella, who has relapsing-remitting MS herself. Speaking to the difficulty many MS patients have regarding job loss, financial stress, and limited medical coverage, she notes the clinic offers pro bono services to clients who otherwise can't afford them. "But they have to participate, too," she adds, emphasizing the need for self-care and responsibility.
On-staff aquatic practitioner Jennifer Estrella applies training she received from ATRI , ARN & other aquatic resource groups in her work with MS clients. "Positional release helps with ambulation and does have a more prolonged effect in the water," she says. "It's also good for people with MS to have physical therapy as well, depending on the extent MS has impacted them, more to help with core stabilization." Jennifer also uses Hanna Somatic Education to help with loss of sensation, and includes effleurage "and more 'feel good' stuff to help with relaxing, to make them feel like they're getting some nurturing touch."
Muscle Therapy Northwest tailors treatments to the individual and emphasizes respecting comfort boundaries. "When you're confined to a wheelchair or walker, people tend to treat you differently." She sees the therapy session as a safe place where clients can talk, and be heard and respected. Muscle Therapy Northwest schedules extra time for MS clients and our special population patients, especially those with mobility issues, to allow for a complete session. "It's not fair to compromise their treatment because they have limitations."
I still want to practice aquatic therapy is a rehabilitation aspect once again. After my upcoming marriage in September 2008 and going through my immigration process to become Canadian, I plan to once again take along with me my expertise and background to help the special population community again. My love is the water and my mother showed me how to share my love with others in a healing matter. She means so much to me and I vow to keep her dream alive in me for the rest of my life.
- Location (city, state, country)
- Edmonds, WA
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I have known of persons who sponsored and taught caregivers and those being given care to share Watsu(R)
It provides a sense of sharing and giving back for the caregiver to receive....
Other thought: to provide another opportunity nearby for the car…
This group is for discussions about the practice and promotion of aquatic bodywork in spas, other leisure settings, and private venues. A place to share some of the issues faced and support each other.
Couples Watsu would be an activity that the Spa could promote as well as Mother daughter days .
For pediatric aquatic therapists/instructors who work with children on the autism spectrum. We will be sharing our coolest treatment ideas and creating a mock protocol for the infant, toddler, and school aged child demonstrating autism traits.
- WABA Assistant Training Course OCT 7-9, 2010 on October 6, 2010 to October 8, 2010
- AQUATHERICS® underwater OCT 9-13, 2010 on December 17, 2009 from 6pm to 7pm
- AQUATERNATIVES® OCT 1-6, 2010 on October 1, 2010 to October 5, 2010
© 2009 Created by Andrea Salzman
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It would be great if you'd consider joining the newly started Autism Work Group (click Groups above) and help us get some interesting discussion going there.
And perhaps you'd like to start a Group that addresses one of your other areas of expertise too when you've found your way around the network.
Good to have you, Sulis