The benefits of aquatic therapy extend to a wide range of paediatric conditions.

Jenny McLaughlin uses the purpose-designed, very warm pool at St Roses for aquatic therapy.

When can Aquatic therapy help your child?

The use of Aquatic therapy is supported by evidence if your child requires rehabilitation after an injury, experiences pain or limited joint movement, has difficulties with balance or has a disability. There are few situations when aquatic therapy is contraindicated. A thorough physiotherapy assessment is needed before a child is treated in the pool.

What is Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy is a set of evidence-based skills which Physiotherapists use for therapeutic effect.  Aquatic therapy takes place in a purpose designed, very warm pool.  The effects can be to reduce pain or discomfort, to induce relaxation, and to improve movement skills and balance.

Techniques of aquatic therapy incorporate the resistance or buoyancy of the water. Some of these are the Bad Ragaz method, Halliwick techniques, Burdenko and Watsu.  Jenny does not use any one specific approach, but includes the concepts of each in her aquatic therapy treatment choices.    

Aquatic Therapy is also known as “Hydrotherapy”.

The warmth of the pool means that sessions have to be between 20-30 minutes maximum.

Why is Aquatic therapy helpful?  

The weightless experience, combined with the soothing effect of very warm water, and the skilful handling of a specialist aquatic physiotherapist is a powerful enabler of movement.

Skilful aquatic therapy allows children to move freely, in a way that they cannot manage on land. The water provides a comfortable environment for the child to practice their balance skills and strengthen their bodies.

Depending on their level of ability the child may also learn to float, swim or control their breath under the water. The emersion in water also has a strong cardiovascular (fitness) stimulating effect.

Aquatic therapy can be used to improve a child’s:

• Gross motor function skills
• Cardiovascular fitness and endurance
• Relaxation
• Balance, coordination and agility
• Flexibility
• Gait and locomotion
• Muscle strength, power, and endurance
• Body mechanics and postural stabilization

 We can offer two sessions of Aquatic therapy as part of an intensive “Therapy Holiday” week.