What is Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, involves performing therapeutic exercises in a pool environment. The buoyancy, resistance, and soothing nature of water make it an ideal medium for therapy, especially for children with physical, psychological, and developmental disabilities. Water can support mobility, lessen the risk of injury or overexertion and can have a calming effect on children. 

Benefits of Aquatic Therapy 

• Safe & Supportive Environment: Water provides a gentle and supportive setting, allowing children to exercise without the fear of falling or injury. It’s a place where they can explore movement freely and safely, within a communal setting. 
• Reduced Impact on Joints: The buoyancy of water minimizes stress on the joints, making movement easier and less painful for children with mobility challenges. This allows them to perform exercises that might be difficult on land. 
• Improved Muscle Strength & Flexibility: Through resistance training in water, children can enhance their muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance. This aids in the development of motor skills and overall physical health. 
• Cardiovascular & Circulation Benefits: Aquatic exercises improve cardiovascular health and promote better circulation, which is particularly beneficial for children who otherwise have a limited range of motion or mobility. 
• Sensory Integration & Processing: The calming properties of water support sensory integration, helping children regulate and improve their sensory processing abilities in a therapeutic setting. 
• Social Interaction & Emotional Well-being: Aquatic therapy encourages social interaction and play, fostering a sense of emotional well-being and boosting self-esteem in a fun and inclusive environment. 
• Personalized Therapy Plans: Each child’s therapy plan can be tailored to their individual needs, ensuring that therapy sessions are both effective and enjoyable. 

Who Can Benefit from Aquatic Therapy? 

Aquatic therapy can be helpful for all children of any ability. Specifically it can be beneficial for a wide range of disorders and conditions, including but not limited to: 

• Cerebral Palsy 
• Autism Spectrum Disorders 
• Muscular Dystrophy 
• Down Syndrome 
• Sensory Processing Disorders 
• Developmental Delays 
• Mobility Challenges 
• Genetic Conditions
• Chronic Pain
• Traumatic Brain Injury

Our program is designed to cater to the unique needs of each child, ensuring that they receive the most appropriate and effective treatment plan. 

Aquatic Therapy at the Child and Family Development Center 

At Child and Family Development, we offer a comprehensive aquatic therapy program that combines short-term, intensive sessions with regular clinic-based assessments to maximize therapeutic benefits. Here’s what you can expect: 

• Supplemental Service: Aquatic therapy serves as a supplement to land-based therapy, providing unique treatment strategies exclusive to water. These include AquaStretch, ambulation training, partial weight-bearing activities, buoyancy-supported manual techniques, breath control, pain relief, and sensory integration. 
• Intensive Sessions: Our short-term intensive sessions are designed to maximize therapeutic benefits and facilitate a transition back to land-based activities and services. Periodic clinic-based assessments ensure that we track your child’s progress and adapt the therapy plan as needed. 
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Pool-based appointments take place at the James J. Harris Family Branch YMCA, featuring heated water, multiple entry methods (stairs, ladder, graduated or zero tide entry), a vortex/whirlpool for assisted and resisted movement, and a water wheelchair for easy transitions in and out of the pool. 
• Professional Standards: Our therapy providers adhere to professional practice standards, ensuring that each session is safe, effective, and aligned with your child’s therapeutic goals. 

Join Our Community 

We invite you to explore the benefits of aquatic therapy for your child. Our team of dedicated professionals is here to support your child’s growth and development every step of the way. With a focus on creating a positive and nurturing environment, we strive to make each therapy session a joyful and rewarding experience for your child. 

Ready to take the plunge? Contact us today to learn more about our aquatic therapy program and how it can benefit your child. Our team is eager to answer any questions you may have and assist you in enrolling your child in our program.