Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy refers to treatments and exercises performed in water. It offers a low impact option to promote strength and flexibility for relieving pain or recovering from an injury. People of all ages with various disabilities, disorders, or conditions can benefit from aquatic therapy. Some of these conditions include:
- Post-Covid Conditioning/Rehabilitation
- Special Needs Children
- Neurological Disorders
- Obese Patients
Post-Covid Conditioning/Rehabilitation
Some people who recover from COVID-19 may need physical rehabilitation to help them resume normal activities after staying in the hospital, or following periods of prolonged isolation. Physical therapy can help those with decreased strength begin to move more, gradually building up their stamina. Physical therapy aims to:
- Restore function to the muscles
- Reduce the likelihood of mental health conditions that may occur as a result of limited mobility
- Enable people to return to their normal lives
Benefits for Children with Special Needs
Aquatic therapy sessions can go a long way to help children with special needs.
- Sensory coordination – Water has several unique properties that can help a special needs child to enjoy his or her treatment.
- Development skills – Development skills form a huge part of growth in children. Aquatic therapy can easily assist your child grow well though the normal phases that will ensure he gains the required development skills that may be delayed as a result of Autism or other conditions.
Neurological Disorders
Aquatic therapy is a good fit for many people with neurological disorders because they may have problems with their movement. Neurological physical therapy assesses and treats people with disorders of the central nervous system that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves. This includes conditions such as brain injury, concussion, stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson ’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, balance and vestibular conditions.
Patients with neurological disorders present therapists with complex challenges for treatment, including weakness, limited range of motion, sensory loss, incoordination, and postural instability. Aquatic therapy offers a unique, versatile approach to the treatment of these disabilities.
Benefits for Obese Patients
Aquatic therapy is a safe and protective environment for obese individuals because of the buoyancy effects of immersion, which minimizes the risk of joint injury.
With body weight reduced to essentially negligible levels, the immersed individual can exercise with less effort. Aquatic therapy is known to improve body composition, respiratory system and circulatory system. Not only it is beneficial in a physiological
sense, but this type of exercise also provides a more inviting environment for obese individuals.
Our Approach
At DOC we offer a custom approach to a patient’s unique circumstances and stage of recovery. We may recommend:
- Aquatic Therapy
- Low-intensity resistance training, such as squats or carrying objects
- Balance training