By Matisse Herdegen, Physiotherapist at ESA Ashmore

Aquatic physiotherapy is a fun and engaging way to boost confidence, stimulate the senses, and improve flexibility — creating a range of valuable benefits to children of all ages.

What is aquatic physiotherapy?

Aquatic physiotherapy is a specialised form of physical therapy in the water, utilising the properties of water to achieve specific therapeutic goals.

Who does it help?

It can benefit children and teens with various physical challenges, like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, developmental delays, or autism.

They get to work on their motor skills with additional sensory feedback from the water (which the kids typically love) to help with their body awareness.

What are the benefits?

1. Gentle resistance and support

Water provides a unique environment for rehabilitation due to its buoyancy and resistance properties.

For children with limited mobility or muscle weakness, the buoyancy reduces the effects of gravity, allowing them to move more freely, with less effort.

Plus, the water provides gentle resistance to movement, helping to strengthen muscles without putting excessive strain on joints.

Making it particularly beneficial for children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, where muscle stiffness and weakness are common challenges.

2. Improved range of motion and flexibility

The warmth and support of water can help relax muscles and improve joint flexibility, making it easier for children to perform exercises and stretches.

Aquatic physiotherapy sessions often involve a combination of stretching, range of motion exercises, and functional activities tailored to each child’s specific needs.

Over time, these activities can help improve overall mobility and motor function, enabling children to perform daily tasks more independently.

3. Sensory stimulation

Water provides rich sensory input that can be especially beneficial for children with sensory processing disorders, or autism spectrum disorders.

The sensation of water on the skin, the sound of splashing, and the gentle pressure of water against the body, can help improve sensory integration and body awareness.

For children who may be hypersensitive, or have difficulty processing sensory information, the controlled sensory environment of the pool can provide a therapeutic and calming experience.

4. Increased confidence and independence

One of the most significant benefits of aquatic physiotherapy is the boost in confidence and self-esteem it can provide to children with physical challenges.

In the water, children often experience a sense of freedom and accomplishment, as they are able to move more easily and perform activities they may find difficult on land.

This newfound confidence can translate into increased motivation to participate in therapy sessions and a greater willingness to engage in physical activity outside of therapy.

It can also improve a child’s vital water safety skills which is transferrable to everyday life.

5. Change in environment

Aquatic physiotherapy sessions provide an opportunity for children and their families to add diversity into their therapy sessions and a change in environment.

This can be particularly beneficial for children who have been attending services for a prolonged time.

A change in environment can increase motivation, engagement, and enjoyment — which in turn, maximises physiotherapy outcomes.

Summary

• Aquatic physiotherapy is a valuable intervention for children and teens with various physical challenges.
• By harnessing the unique properties of water, therapists can help children improve their mobility, strength, balance and motor skills in a fun and engaging way.

We’re here to support you

At Early Start Australia we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Including yours.

If you have a child you think could benefit from aquatic physiotherapy, or you’d like more information, please contact us on through the links below.