Pediatric Aquatic Therapy
Water therapy is fun!
The water environment is often more enjoyable for kids, which leads to higher engagement during therapy sessions. Water therapy eliminates gravity, relieves pressure and impact on joints and allows the child to play while working on:
- Building and improving strength
- Range of motion
- Posture
- Balance
Before water therapy begins, your child's initial visit with a physical therapist will be on land at Bryan East Campus.
Benefits of Aquatic Therapy
- The water provides stability, which allows longer reaction times
- It is easier to move
- Develops strength through larger ranges of motion
- Constant pressure supports body awareness to improve brain-body connection
- The multi-sensory environment can stimulate alertness or calming
- New opportunities for movement the patient may otherwise be unable to perform
- Allows efficient training of many systems during a single session
- Aquatic PT introduces the patient to an activity that allows life-long participation
- Enables/promotes caregiver participation
Who can benefit from aquatic therapy?
Water therapy can help children with a variety of diagnoses, including:
- Cerebral palsy
- Genetic disorders
- Hypotonia
- Ataxia
- Down syndrome
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Developmental delays
- Motor incoordination
- Spina bifida
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Our Pools and Facilities
At the Bryan LifePointe Campus, there are two pools for physical therapy and aqua fitness classes. The warm therapy pool is a comfortable 92 degrees, and a ramp into the pool provides a comfortable entrance so those with difficulties can access and benefit from the warm, healing waters. There, therapists offer one-on-one direction and support on strength, stretching, posture and body movement.