2615 – Bad Ragaz Ring Method

Intermediate / Pool Workshop

 

Houston, TX / Thursday, October 8 – 7:30 am-4:30 pm – 8.0 credit hours equal to 8.0 CECs/.8 CEUs

Classroom: 7:30-11:30 am

Lunch on own: 11:30 am-12:30 pm

Classroom: 12:30-1:30 pm

Pool: 1:30-4:30 pm

 

Faculty: Julia Meno-Fettig, CTRS, ATRIC

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

This technique originated in Germany in 1957 and was introduced, by a German therapist, to the therapeutic thermal pools of Bad Ragaz in Switzerland. The technique has since become more clearly defined as the Bad Ragaz Ring Method.  This is a method of muscle re-education utilizing specific patterns of resistance, endurance, elongation, relaxation, range of motion, and tonal reduction. The therapist uses the physical properties of water to interact with the patient creating progressive passive to active, isometric, isokinetic, and isotonic exercises. This technique incorporates the fundamentals of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, characteristic of normal motor patterns.  This course will focus on instruction to learn positioning and treatment/exercise concepts. We will use the physical properties of water to interact with the patient creating progressive passive to active, isometric, isotonic, isokinetic, closed chain and stabilization exercises. This technique incorporates the fundamentals of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, (PNF). 

 

Passive - patient/client is slowly moved through the water for passive trunk elongation, relaxation and tone inhibition, i.e., swaying, rocking, rolling.

Isometric - To provide stability - patient/client holds a fixed position while being moved through the water. Creates muscle contraction.

Isotonic - Graded resistance controlled by the therapist. Therapist acts as the stabilizing factor but also moves through the water with the patient/client.  Patient/client is either pushed or pulled in the direction of the movement.

Isokinetic - Graded resistance controlled by the patient/client.  Therapist acts as a fixator by stabilizing the body part while the patient/client moves through the water either toward, away or around the therapist.  The patient/client determines the resistance by speed of movement.

 

The benefits of Bad Ragaz include:

Tone reduction

Trunk alignment and stability

Pre-weight bearing

ROM

 

The Bad Ragaz technique is beneficial for the following patient issues:

Pain with movement

Decreased ROM

Spasticity

Decreased coordination

Proprioceptive or sensory deficits

Weakness or low tone

Restricted weight bearing

Back patients

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1) Identification and applications of hydrophysics as utilized in the Bad Ragaz Ring Method.

2) Examine indications and contraindications for Bad Ragaz treatment

3) Determine safe application and proper equipment placement.

4) Experience several Bad Ragaz technique patterns and applications.

5) Explore positioning, hand placement and theory for the progression of specific treatment patterns.

 

FACULTY: Julia Meno-Fettig, CTRS, ATRIC, is the founder/owner of Therapeutic Aquatics, Inc. and aquaticcentral.com, specializing in consulting, information and rehabilitation. She is a presenter for the Aquatic Therapy Rehab Institute, Inc. and is the author and publisher of The "Bad Ragaz Ring Method Visual Instructional Manual and Video". Also co-producer of “PNF in The Pool” Video, she is the recipient of the ATRI 2002 Tsunami Spirit Award for her innovation, creativity and implementation of new ideas. Her workshops have been received enthusiastically by both national and international audiences.