Aquatic Therapy for Children
by Dori Maxin PT, PCS, MEd*

This column was written written for your information. We hope that it will provide insight and education into your involvement with your children/clients as well as into your buying decisions.

Does your child/client like the water? Does he like to swim, splash or play in the tub or pool? Do you want to add another tool to your treatment repertoire? You may want to try aquatic therapy!

Aquatic therapy is becoming a favorite therapy for many children, parents, and therapists. The water is a fun place to learn and is a natural motivator. Children can't wait to feel the water's warmth and acceptance. They become more mobile, more aware of their bodies, their movements and their breathing. They often squeal, laugh and splash with delight. The water does not discriminate. It does not see their disabilities. It offers them support, freedom, and the possibilities for conquering new tasks. With time, trust and the guidance of skilled hands, the possibilities to move and explore can be limitless.

Just as on land, aquatic therapy goals should be selected based on a thorough evaluation of the child and his needs. Treatment activities may be selected to help address physical needs such as range of motion, flexibility, strength, endurance, edema, decreased weight bearing status, perceptual needs, motor planning, problem solving, body scheme and coordination. Functional skills such as transfers, ambulation, dressing, social skills, speech, language and breath control can be addressed as well.

The water is a unique place. The temperature of the water can help decrease or increase tone. Gentle movements allow tight or spastic muscles to relax and accept soft tissue and joint mobilization. The hydrostatic pressure of the water blankets body parts for increased proprioception. More speedy movements use the viscosity and resistance of the water to help children organize their systems, improve their body scheme, and produce more coordinated movements.

The buoyancy and viscosity of the water allows more time for movement responses and balance corrections thus enhancing motor learning. The water's support and fun naturally encourage independent movements that help build strength and endurance. Finally, the water is a natural place for socialization and language to emerge.

Therapists use a variety of techniques in the water. NDT, sensory integration and soft tissue techniques can all be adapted for use in the water. WATSU, the Halliwick method, and swimming skill adaptations are also used. Equipment can be very helpful when used with a specific purpose in mind. Appropriate flotation can support a child and allow for independent motion and self-propulsion. The appropriate toy can encourage hand use, socialization, language, or problem solving. The correct selection can help build strength, endurance, or improve swimming skills. The creative imaginations of children and therapists and the right equipment can open many doors.

Overall, the water is a great medium to address the physical, cognitive, and psycho-social needs of children. The water can offer freedom of movement without the restrictions placed by gravity. It can offer opportunities for increased self confidence, risk taking, learning, socializing and having lots of fun while addressing therapy goals.

Need More Information?
Contact The Aquatic Resource Network at 423-220-0367 or the Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute at 906-482-9500.

*Dori is receiving product for her service to Abilitations. If you are a professional or a parent and would like to be involved with us, please contact Ilana Danneman at 1-800-850-8602 ext. 7160.

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