 |
Aquatic Therapy |
|
What is Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic Therapy is a skilled treatment method used by occupational and physical therapists to enhance your child’s functional abilities. The warm, buoyant water enables your child to feel free and have fun in therapy, in a natural environment!
It is an excellent supplement to land-based physical and occupational therapy, providing one-on-one treatment sessions. It uses safe and efficient methods to achieve your child’s individualized short-term goals. Aquatic therapy is an effective way to address many types of conditions: sensory, neurological and orthopedic.
What do I need to bring to my child’s Aquatic Therapy session?
- Towels
- Lock for locker (optional)
-
Bottle of water
- Water diapers or rubber pants
(for incontinence)
- Non-skid slippers or water shoes
How will Aquatic Therapy help my child?
Through the combination of water principles and proper therapeutic techniques, therapy can achieve desired effects including improved:
- Joint mobility
- Muscle flexibility
- Head & trunk control
- Blood supply to muscles
- Attention span & sensory motor integration
- Respiratory rate
- Circulation
- Symmetry, strength and endurance
- The psychological benefits include improved self-esteem, confidence, and motivation!
Where is the Aquatic Therapy program being held?
The Aquatic Therapy Program is using the facilities of The Long Center (Clearwater) and St. Anthony's Outpatient Center (St. Petersburg). These facilities provide indoor therapeutic heated pools (92 to 94 degrees F), 3.5 feet deep. The pools are handicapped accessible via water wheelchair ramp or lift.
How are the Therapists trained?
The All Children’s aquatic therapists are licensed therapists who specialize in aquatic pediatric therapy. They have attended aquatic therapy courses, in-services, and workshops. They have received certificates in Water Safety and CPR. They utilize aquatic and land-based techniques, including myofascial release, neuro-developmental treatment, sensory motor integration and functional motor skills in their treatment sessions with children who have orthopedic, neurologic and/or sensory motor problems. All the therapists continue to update their aquatic therapy knowledge on an ongoing basis.
| 
