The Scuba Gym: The underwater therapy achieving incredible results.

[Image description: A participant at The Scuba Gym is pictured underwater in a pool wearing scuba diving equipment and holding a yellow and orange plastic hockey stick with a similarly dressed helper behind them.]

Lyndi has seen first-hand how scuba therapy can offer therapeutic, neurological and physical benefits.“The weightless environment combined with customised exercises and activities gives people the ability to increase strength and flexibility not possible during normal workouts.

The benefits are individual to each participant and are life changing,” Lyndi said.

“For people who are in a chair all day, being underwater relaxes the muscles so they can move in a way they are unable to move out of the water. The nerves in the legs and feet are stimulated. They’re working on the core and balance. A lot goes on under the water.”

Being submerged can also be therapeutic for people with autism or sensory processing challenges because the underwater environment filters out all outside noise, creating a sense of peace and calm which can continue well after leaving the water.

[Image description: A participant at The Scuba Gym is pictured next to the pool in his wheelchair smiling after a session, surrounded by three of The Scuba Gym’s team posing happily for the camera.]

Megan, who lives with multiple sclerosis, said that The Scuba Gym program challenged her body to do things she didn’t think she could do.“It felt really good. I felt something had unlocked for me that had been wired up for years and it was like a relief. It’s given me some confidence I didn’t have before,” Megan said.

“I believe that if you feel better you are better. Whatever the science is, I feel better and it’s a great feeling. There’s no cure for MS but it doesn’t stop me, it doesn’t stop anybody from having a better quality of life. I can be a little bit better than I was this morning. It has given me a lot of hope.”

Lincoln, a quadriplegic, tried scuba therapy once and was immediately hooked.

“After I completed my session and I was back in my wheelchair, I noticed my body was feeling better than it had in years. I felt strong and confident, like my mind was in tune with everything right down to my fingers and toes, and continued to be for days afterwards,” he said.

If it is considered reasonable and necessary support and your NDIS goals are to reduce pain, move more freely or strengthen your muscles, you may be able to use your NDIS funds to pay for scuba therapy.Anyone interested must complete a medical form, which is assessed by a dive doctor prior to booking. Further medical clearances may be required. All instructors are fully qualified and participants must be at least ten years of age.

For more information check out https://thescubagym.com.au/. Classes are currently only held on the NSW Central Coast but The Scuba Gym is looking for a pool in greater Sydney. If you live in Sydney and know of a venue or would like to join the wait list, contact Lyndi at lyndi@thescubagym.com.au.

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