The water is an ideal place for the treatment/management of a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological problems in children. Treatment for children needs to meet therapeutic goals, but it is an added benefit if it can be age specific, motivating, less stressful (for parents and children) and most of all it can and should have an element of fun! Aquatic physiotherapy can meet all these needs and more.
The water environment adds another dimension to treatment, and parents so often see increased effort, motivation and endurance, as well as more smiles!
It can be beneficial for:
pain issues- post-surgical rehabilitation
- autistic spectrum disorder
- post plaster recovery
- arthritis
- respiratory conditions
- cerebral palsy
- acquired brain injuries
- downs syndrome
- many other conditions.
Benefits
The possible benefits for your child are many. Aquatic physiotherapy can address:
- developmental areas such as rolling, sitting, crawling or walking
- losing function with age due to changing body shape, motivation or other physical factors
- recovery after surgery, including assistance with pain management, movement, function, or strength
- pain – many children with cerebral palsy and dystonia (and many other conditions) experience pain form an early age. Aquatic physiotherapy can assist in reducing pain, improving mood, coping skills, sleep and often asssit in managing the root casue of the pain (eg. postural pain)
- respiratory conditions – a specific aquatic exercise program can encourage greater respiratory effort
- increased tone or muscle activity that requires specific handling and positional techniques
- sensory-motor conditions
- poor head control, poor postural stability – the water can provide a challenging environment for them
- low tone or other conditions that requires a “harder”, more strength specific exercise approach.
Your child may require a variety of options to maintain motivation and co-operation during therapy. Aquatic physiotherapy can be one of those options…. And it is always FUN!
There are many other ways that hydrotherapy may be able to help your child. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information or to discuss your child’s needs, or to ask those questions about ears, wounds, epilepsy and nappies! There are also a number of paediatric funding options including Better Start.
Remember, our pools are a place for everyone – our youngest child is currently 3 months old, and our oldest child is 93!!