I recently had the opportunity with another local physical therapist to hold a instructional/informational session for 20 local pediatric physical therapists. Our topic was Aquatics and the Pediatric Physical Therapy Patient. Below is a brief synopsis of what we discussed. Are you interested in aquatic therapy for your child? Check out our website, I would be happy to speak with you about our program!
Erin Harkins, DPT
Benefits of Aquatic Therapy v. Land Based Therapy
*Assisted movement via buoyancy of water
*Increased sensory stimulation & proprioceptive input/awareness
*Decreased joint compressive forces
*Inhibition of Spasticity
*Increased circulation
*Decreased heart rate
*Increased resistance in every direction
*Multi-planar movement
*Improved respiratory support
Erin Harkins, DPT
Benefits of Aquatic Therapy v. Land Based Therapy
*Assisted movement via buoyancy of water
*Increased sensory stimulation & proprioceptive input/awareness
*Decreased joint compressive forces
*Inhibition of Spasticity
*Increased circulation
*Decreased heart rate
*Increased resistance in every direction
*Multi-planar movement
*Improved respiratory support
*Safety during gait training
Examples of some Pediatric Patients that Benefit from Aquatic Therapy
*Cerebellar Injury
*Cerebral Palsy
*Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
*Down Syndrome
*Hypotonia
*Juvenile Rheumatoid/Idiopathic Arthritis
*Mitochondrial Disorder
*Orthopedic Concerns
*Prader Willi
*Spina Bifida
*Traumatic Brain Injury
TOP 10 Impairments Addressed by Aquatic Therapy
*Impaired strength and head/trunk control
*Decreased range of motion
*Abnormal tone and syndergistic patterns
*Decreased balance
*Gait training
*Weightbearing restrictions
*Impaired coordination
*Sensory integration difficulties
*Impaired Endurance
*Pain
Information compiled from:
Cameron MH. Physical Agents in Rehabilitation: From Research to Practice - 2nd edition. 2003.
Aquatic Sensory Integration for the Pediatric Patient - Continuing Education
Examples of some Pediatric Patients that Benefit from Aquatic Therapy
*Cerebellar Injury
*Cerebral Palsy
*Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
*Down Syndrome
*Hypotonia
*Juvenile Rheumatoid/Idiopathic Arthritis
*Mitochondrial Disorder
*Orthopedic Concerns
*Prader Willi
*Spina Bifida
*Traumatic Brain Injury
*ANY PATIENT, without contraindication, that possesses impairments that can effectively addressed in an aquatic medium as a supplement to land-based therapy
TOP 10 Impairments Addressed by Aquatic Therapy
*Impaired strength and head/trunk control
*Decreased range of motion
*Abnormal tone and syndergistic patterns
*Decreased balance
*Gait training
*Weightbearing restrictions
*Impaired coordination
*Sensory integration difficulties
*Impaired Endurance
*Pain
Information compiled from:
Cameron MH. Physical Agents in Rehabilitation: From Research to Practice - 2nd edition. 2003.
Aquatic Sensory Integration for the Pediatric Patient - Continuing Education
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