Aquatic or Pool Therapy can be a great alternative for
children to perform activities that they may not be able to on land. When the correct combination of land and
water therapy is used, it can be incorporated into all therapy disciplines,
including Occupational, Physical, and Speech-Language Therapy. We are proud to offer an Aquatic Therapy Program
here at PTP, led by Shannon Buckmier, PT.
According to Shannon, the potential benefits of aquatic therapy are
many.
“Aquatic Therapy provides great sensory input as the water
provides gentle movement and pressure.
It can provide a great supplement to traditional “land based”
therapies.” Shannon also states that “children can gain strength and range of
motion as children may be able to move in the pool in ways they could not on
land.”
The pool is a great place to work on language skills, social
skills, behavior issues, play skills and cognitive skills. Working in the water helps to improve
endurance and respiratory function. Plus
it is just plain fun!
Children that have gross motor delays, Autism Spectrum
Disorders, sensory processing disorders, Down Syndrome, Celebral Palsy, and any
other phsyical, sensory, or developmental delays are great candidates for
Aquatic Therapy. Aquatic Therapy also
provides a great environment for post-surgical rehabilitation as it can help
increase range of motion and decrease pain associated with movement after
surgical events.
If you feel Aquatic Therapy is right for your child, or if
you have more questions, please visit our website or call today to set up an evaluation.
RESOURCES:
http://angelfishtherapy.com/aquatic-therapy
http://www.aquatictherapyinfo.com/
http://www.aquaticnet.com/index.htm
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org
