Aquatic Therapy is a skilled treatment used by occupational and physical therapists to improve a wide range of motor skills and functional abilities. Water offers unique therapeutic properties to integrate physical, sensory, and emotional elements, it serves as a powerful tool for holistic development and rehabilitation for a range of orthopedic, neurological regulation and sensory conditions.
The physical properties of water; buoyancy, resistance, hydrostatic pressure, and thermally driven circulation enhance therapeutic outcomes in powerful ways:
- Buoyancy reduces the effects of gravity, allowing the body to move more freely and with less pain. This supports muscles and joints during therapy, making it easier to work on balance, coordination, and posture without overloading the body.
- Water resistance provides gentle, consistent opposition to movement, which helps to increase muscle strength and endurance in a controlled, low-impact environment.
- Hydrostatic pressure offers uniform support and gentle compression around the body, promoting improved circulation, reducing swelling, and enhancing sensory feedback, which can be calming and organizing for the nervous system.
- Water circulation helps maintain a dynamic and engaging environment that stimulates the senses and encourages body awareness and spatial orientation.
The benefits of Aquatic therapy include:
- Gentle resistance to improve muscle strength and endurance.
- Enhanced sensory input and feedback from consistent water pressure.
- Support for posture and balance from buoyancy and water’s uniform support.
- Low-impact movement that protects joints while encouraging mobility.
- Encouragement of language development, eye contact, and communication in a playful setting.
- Increased confidence and safety awareness through supported risk-taking.
- Warm water that promotes muscle relaxation and emotional regulation.
- A motivating and enjoyable setting, especially beneficial for children engaging in challenging activities.
- Opportunities to develop oral motor skills and breath control through water-based play and tasks.
For more information on a group or to be added to a waitlist for the next available group session contact us: