Many children love to splash in water, whether that’s the bathtub, a child’s pool, or the beach. There are many benefits to playing in the water, especially for children who need supportive therapy for health conditions.
What is aquatic therapy?
Aquatic therapy refers to exercises and treatment completed in water, instead of, or in addition to, traditional land-based therapy sessions. Aquatic therapy is completed in a pool with a trained physical or occupational therapist.
What are the benefits of aquatic therapy?
Aquatic therapy is an ideal setting for growth and development due to its hydrodynamic qualities – buoyancy, resistance, viscosity, and hydrostatic pressure.
How can aquatic therapy help children?
From an occupational therapy perspective, aquatic therapy is great for children with:
- Sensory processing difficulties - water acts as a dynamic sensory environment, providing exposure to various types of "input" including temperature, proprioceptive input, vestibular input, and an anti-gravity sensation
- Strength deficits
- Poor coordination
- Poor motor planning
- Poor body in space awareness
From a physical therapy perspective, aquatic therapy is great for children with:
- Poor balance
- Strength deficits
- Range of motion deficits
- Motor planning challenges
Who might benefit from working with occupational and physical therapists in aquatic therapy?
Aquatic therapy in the pediatric setting can be beneficial for many children, especially those diagnosed with certain conditions, including:
- Sensory processing difficulties
- Cerebral palsy
- Brachial plexus injury
- Erbs Palsy
- Developmental delay
- Developmental coordination disorder
- Hypotonia
- Genetic disorders
- Musculoskeletal disorders
What if a child does not know how to swim but aquatic therapy is recommended?
Occupational and physical therapists use many flotation devices to assist with exercises and aquatic sessions.
Where can patients be seen for aquatic therapy?
Many children’s rehabilitation centers offer aquatic therapy. In Rhode Island, the Hasbro Children’s Rehabilitation Services team offers aquatic therapy in our Providence location. Please consult with your physician, physical or occupational therapist to see if you would qualify for aquatic therapy.
Visit us online to learn more about our aquatic therapy program and how we can help your child.
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