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Aquatic Therapy for Cerebral Palsy

Aquatic Therapy for Children the Cerebral Palsy

Aquatic therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, is a form of low-impact therapeutic activity that promotes self-confidence, improved functioning and independence. It is rapidly gaining popularity among pediatric physical therapists as an effective intervention for children with special needs.

What is Aquatic Therapy? 

Aquatic therapy for children with cerebral palsy involves the performance of physical, occupational or speech therapy in a water-based setting.  It may include a number of continuous, rhythmic activities such as walking, jogging, swimming, and kicking. Water is a unique therapeutic tool that offers the following advantages over land-based therapeutic techniques:

• Buoyancy:  Decreases the impact on weak joints that are unable to bear excessive weight.  A child with cerebral palsy is able to move muscles, joints and bones with more support and less stress.
• Resistance:  The gravity-oriented resistance of the water increases the child’s sensory awareness and improves balance and strength.
• Heat:  Aquatic therapy for children with cerebral palsy is often performed in a heated pool, which relaxes muscles and expands the joints’ range of motion.
• Water pressure:  The gentle hydrostatic pressure of the water fosters the circulation of blood to the heart and decreases swelling.  This relieves tenderness in the joints and facilitates an improved range of motion.

In addition to cerebral palsy, aquatic therapy is used for children and adults with Erb’s palsy, spina bifida, traumatic brain injuries, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, and other neurological impairments.

How Aquatic Therapy Helps Children with Cerebral Palsy

The specially designed exercises performed during aquatic therapy lead to improved motor functioning which can be translated into the tasks of daily living.  Aquatic therapy for cerebral palsy has also proven to be quite enjoyable for the participants, resulting in an increased willingness to continue.  Click here to see an example if a child with cerebral palsy undergoing aquatic therapy.

Aquatherapy is typically combined with other forms of cerebral palsy treatment such as physical therapy and/or occupational therapy and in some cases, speech-language therapy.  Each type of therapist combines the equine movement with other intervention strategies that address specific areas of function.  Benefits for a child with cerebral palsy include:

• Normalized muscle tone
• Increased strength and cardiovascular endurance
• Improved balance, posture and coordination
• Improved perceptual and spatial awareness
• Decrease in join pain and muscle spasms
• Improved flexibility and range of motion
• Reduction spasticity and abnormal movement patterns
• Enhanced social skills
• Increased independence and self-esteem

Aquatic therapy is performed by specially trained and certified professionals called aquatic therapists, typically in and indoor or outdoor pool setting.  Sessions typically last about 60 minutes. In most cases, your child’s aquatic therapist and his regular physical or occupational therapist will work together to develop a safe, fun therapy program that fits your child’s individual needs.

Find an Aquatic Therapist in Your Area

Prior to starting on an aquatic therapy program, your child should be evaluated by his physician to determine the appropriateness of this cerebral palsy treatment regimen. Aquaticnet.com is a good online resource for finding an aquatic therapist near you.