Advertisement All of these health benefits are part of Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center’s “best kept secret” — its therapeutic pool. Ivy Noffke, aquatic instructor, notes that the pool, part of the outpatient/physical therapy departments, easily can go unnoticed after you pass through the medical center’s main entrance. It’s through the first door to the right (across from the gift shop).
But it’s not a secret for its many users. I had the pleasure of exercising/soaking in its 95-degree water — if only for 45 minutes — in late November upon being invited to experience one of many Joints in Motion classes the pool accommodates.
Joints in Motion is among water exercise programs open to adults. Instructor-led, it focuses on joint range of motion and enhancing muscle tone. Equipment such as aquatic paddles, barbells, noodles and kickboards may be used for water resistance.
Many Joints in Motion participants have experienced arthritis, fibromyalgia, hip replacement, knee replacement, low back pain, etc. They participate to get moving and stay active.
When I arrived at the medical center shortly after 7 a.m., the first Joints in Motion participants I met were the affable Marion Smith, 92, and daughter, Charlene Harnish, 62, both of Onalaska, Wis. They were anxious for the facility to open so they could get going.
Marion, the oldest of Gundersen Lutheran’s Joints in Motion participants, volunteered: “I love the exercise and the companionship. They have kept me young for 30 years. It is simply wonderful for my health because it keeps me movin’ and my mind active.” Charlene added: “We lift and stretch our legs” through the water. “This really is good exercise.”
Soon to arrive was Flo Olson, 85, of La Crosse, who added: “Oh, it’s a wonderful program. It keeps me limber.”
In a matter of minutes Delores Zanter, 74, of West Salem, Wis., and Jane Aarstad, 80, Beth Johnson, 65, Betty Kendrick, 75, and Evy Rutz-Thornton, 81, of La Crosse arrived. Instructor Ivy unlocked the door, and in minutes we were in the 20-by-30-foot pool that has depths of from 2½ to 5 feet. The company was congenial — the water temperature wonderful.
Ivy chose aquatic paddles to add resistance as we tread water to work our muscle groups. Incorporated were stretching exercises for the neck, shoulders, arms, upper back and legs. A range of motions made our hips, knees, ankles, neck, shoulders, elbows, low back — well, I guess every part of the body — feel relaxed and renewed.
Exercises completed, I captured some thoughts.
Evy: “All my life I’ve had back problems. The water is the best. It keeps my back in line.”
Delores: “I’ve had hip surgeries. This type of exercise is wonderful because it’s low-impact. I love that warm water.”
Beth: “If it weren’t for this form of exercise, my arms would not be working today. You see, I have fibromyalgia. The warm water relaxes my muscles, and I’m able to function better.”
Betty: “I was with this program before I had both of my hips replaced. More than ever, it’s important to keep my joints in motion, as this program’s name indicates. The water feels so nice.”
Since that late November Joints in Motion session, Jane had the misfortune to fall and break a thigh bone. At Christmastime, she said: “I can’t wait to get back to the group. More than ever I need to keep my joints loose and without pain.”
While hospital and outpatients are the first priorities for use of the therapeutic pool, it is offered as a special service to members of the community. More information is available at (608) 775-5999.
Larry Olson can be reached at lolson6311@charter.net or at larry.olson@lacrossetribune.com, or by mail addressed to the La Crosse Tribune, 401 N. Third St., La Crosse, WI 54601.
