Aquatic Therapy

Hoping to take the family to the lake or pool this summer?  Water can be a great medium for therapy.

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

National Safety Month

It may not feel like it but summer is here!

June is a great month to enjoy the outdoors and is a good time to encourage safe behaviors during National Safety Month.  Whether planning a vacation or playing in the front yard, it is important to stay safe. 

The National Safety Council (NSC) provides some valuable safety measures families can take to prevent injuries. 

If siblings or neighborhood kids are running around the house or in the yard, help prevent tripping or falling by moving obstacles or securing rugs. In the home, find storage for the hazardous materials and locate all danger zones to avoid poisoning, burns, and choking. Help encourage your family, friends and neighbors to get involved by setting examples in their own home.

Going for a dip in the swimming pool or spending a day at the lake? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers some tips on how to keep your family safe near water. To prevent sunburn, have lightweight pants & shirts as well as hats within reach to provide shade. Sunscreen should be applied throughout the day if exposed to the sun for long periods of time and reapplied if swimming. Avoid overexposure to the sun during the peak hours, approximately 10am-4pm.

Whether it’s swimming at a pool or in open water, always have an adult nearby.  Inform your family of water safety, including knowing where to find rescue equipment and practicing the buddy system. Taking the family boating? Test life jackets for the proper fit, based on the child’s weight.

Jumping on the trampoline? Although this can be a fun activity for the neighborhood, the AAP states that there is a great risk of head and neck injuries, sprains or strains, fractures, scrapes and bruises. To help ensure safety, designate an adult to supervise at all times. Check equipment often and repair or replace as needed.

If your child is exercising or spending long hours outdoors, be aware of the signs of heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps and know where to seek medical attention. These symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering.

With these resources in mind, you can keep your kids safe while still enjoying the summer.

 

 

RESOURCES:

http://www.nsc.org/safety_home/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Pages/HomeandRecreationalSafety.aspx
http://www.healthychildren.org