Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy can help improve mobility, strength, and coordination with the unique input and support from water. Moving in a pool changes the impact of gravity and supports the joints and muscles, giving us the ability to address some concerns and movement patterns we can’t easily address on dry land.
Plus therapy in the pool can be fun!
Take a Deeper Dive
Aquatic therapy can be great for increasing range of motion and flexibility, providing sensory regulation, and increasing the ability to freely move. Aquatic therapy is appropriate for most children, including diagnoses such as:
- Cerebral palsy
- Spina bifida
- Genetic disorders
- Hypotonia or hypertonia
- Autism spectrum disorder
Each child is evaluated individually to determine their suitability and safety for therapy in the water. If you wonder if aquatic therapy might be appropriate, just ask your therapist.
Aquatic Therapy FAQ
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Each case is reviewed individually, however the following could be potential roadblocks to aquatic therapy: incontinence, fear of the water, allergic to the pool chemicals, uncontrolled seizures or open wounds, or some breathing disorders can be exacerbated by humidity or chemical exposure.
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Sessions vary to address each client’s needs individually but can include: strengthening, stretching, endurance, sensory and functional activities to take advantage of the water and its supportive effect.
Your child’s aquatic therapist may utilize many familiar pool toys to support the therapy session such as pool noodles, rafts or floats, goggles, flippers, life vests, and squirt guns to improve participation and support during therapy.
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Sessions are scheduled for 60 minutes and include time for transitioning into and out of the pool. Aquatic therapy sessions are scheduled for once a week or every other week to allow for all patients to engage in the activity.
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Therapists who engage in aquatic therapy are specialty trained to include water in their treatment sessions. Additionally, the pool is quiet so the therapist can focus on the safety of their client. Equipment is sanitized and specially designed for aquatic use, which minimizes the risk of breakdown or damage.
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The front office staff will check individual insurances for coverage. Aquatic therapy is a billable therapy service and is recognized by many insurances.