The Halliwick method was created in 1950 by James McMillan to teach disabled children to swim. An engineer by profession, his knowledge of fluid mechanics helped to develop the 10 points program, a sequence of motor learning control, theoretical basis of the method.
McMillan was a visionary, to develop the 10 points program he worked with professionals from various fields, including medical professionals in the area and teachers. His intention was to develop a philosophy and structure of didactic education to facilitate the learning of students and develop their self-esteem. Applied knowledge and understanding of kinesiology, pathology, psychology and theories of motor control, a subject little widespread and known at the time, associated with the aquatic environment.
In 1974 McMillan was invited by the Medical Center in Bad Ragaz to develop activities in 10 points program, for patients with orthopedic, neurological and rheumatologic problems. Mac led a researchgroup in hydrotherapy, with physiotherapists like Urs Gamper and Beatrice Eager participated, developing the Water Specific Therapy or Logic Approach to therapy in water.
The way of McMillan teaches Halliwick method changed after his work in Bad Ragaz. In 1982 began partnership with Dutch, including Physiotherapist like Johan Lambeck specializing in hydrotherapy, for the development of the idea of a therapy using 10 points program for individual treatment. When McMillan died in 1994, his widow invited some professionals who worked with Mac for a meeting. Chistiane Bauer-Lasserre of Switzerland, Haberfellner of Austria, Jaques van der Meer, Alain de Neerf and Johan Lambeck of Holland were present and in common agreement created the Halliwick Foundation. At the end of 1994 at a meeting of the Halliwick Foundation, was created the International Halliwick Association (IHA), to spread the Halliwick method to other countries such as England, Denmark, Germany and Japan. Even at this meeting the System of the Rhine was established and recognized by the IHA, as one of its systems of education.
Over the last 12 years of McMillan life, Johan Lambeck became his pupil more experienced, participating actively in courses and the Therapeutic development of Halliwick method. Johan was responsible to continue the courses and the development of Therapeutic Halliwick. Christiane Bauer-Lasserre and Beatriz Eager were the first assistants and observers of Rhine System, followed by many over the years.
Today more than fifty years passed and the halliwick concept continues to develop, perhaps this is the tool most used by aquatic physiotherapy professional, particularly in neurology and pediatrics.
In order to disseminate the (physio)Therapy approach of Halliwick Concept and ensure quality of education, a group of physiotherapists and Instructors of Halliwick Method founded IHTN, BHTN represents the IHTN in Brazil.
