What is Aquatic Physiotherapy?
Aquatic Physiotherapy also known as ‘Hydrotherapy’ or ‘Aqua Therapy’ refers to therapy that utilises the properties of the water for therapeutic rehabilitation. This therapy is provided by a qualified therapist in a heated pool and the warmth of the water together with the inherent properties of water provides a safe, calming and gentler approach to therapy. These properties include using the water as gentle resistance, the hydrostatic pressure supports, stabilises and influences heart and lung function, the effects of gravity are lessened and it allows for gentle manipulation. Water provides a controllable environment for re-education of weak muscles and skill development for neurological and neuromuscular impairment. Adults and children with a variety of difficulties respond positively to aquatic physiotherapy.
What are the benefits of Aquatic Physiotherapy
- Lessens pain
- Improves range of motion in the joints
- Can decrease muscle spasms as well as relax muscles and increase flexibility
- Results in an increase in muscle strength and endurance.
- An improvement in circulation and reduction in swelling.
- Improves stability, balance and co-ordination
- Improves general fitness
- It provides a feeling of well-being and calm
Who benefits from Aquatic Physiotherapy?
Therapy in water focuses on aspects such as balance, strength and resistance training, as well as cardiovascular conditioning and gaining range of movement. Specialised programmes are designed by qualified physiotherapists following an assessment of the child to identify their main concerns. Evidence based practice and goal setting allow the therapist to use a variety of concepts (methods and techniques) in the water to meet the specific functional goals of the patient i.e. Halliwick concepts. The exercises performed in the aquatic environment carryover into land based measures. Therefore, any child would benefit from aquatic physiotherapy.
Children with the following conditions especially benefit from this approach:
- Neurological conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Spinal Cord Injuries
- Children who have genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome, Marfan Syndrome
- Cardiac or respiratory difficulties
- Musculoskeletal pain or conditions including Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ehlers Danlos Sydrome, Arthrogryposis
- Recuperation from surgery
- Rehabilitation post fractures
- Developmental delay, weak muscle strength or an inability to weight bear
For more information contact Hope Studio on 011462 7490 or email physyiotherapy@hope-studio.co.za
