Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy is ideal for the pediatric population because it is often viewed by children as “play,” and is therefore exciting and fun! Water is used to increase function for the child across many different settings and environments.

We specialize in a variety of diagnoses, including but not limited to:

• ADHD 
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Cerebral Palsy
• Communication Problems
• Developmental Delay
• Down Syndrome
• Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis 
• Neuromuscular Disorders
• Brain Injury
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Plagiocephaly
• Depression and Anxiety
• Processing Disorder
• Torticollis

Benefits of aquatic therapy include:

• Improved functioning of cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems
• Improved strength, range of motion and muscle tone
• Improved body movement awareness, balance and coordination
• Improved sensory regulation 
• Decreased muscle stiffness, spasms and guarding
• Decreased apprehension, pain and fear
• Increased attention span, body awareness and sensory motor integration
• Increased ability to regulate, be calm, sleep
  

Buoyancy

Buoyancy is the upward thrust of water against the body when submerged. This force acts against gravity in “floatation.” Buoyancy allows for a variety of exercises to be performed with minimal equipment. This results in increased ability to focus on balance, equilibrium reactions, range of motion and core engagement for stability. 

Hydrostatic Pressure

This is the force exerted on the immersed body by fluid molecules resulting in decreased pain, decreased edema and ability to increase range of motion. Hydrostatic pressure has the ability to diminish activity of the reticular / activating system (the brain’s arousal system), decreasing sensory input which allows for a calming environment and sensation.