Pediatric Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy is an evidence-based approach that uses water as a therapeutic medium. The buoyancy, resistance and hydrostatic pressure of the pool create an ideal environment for children with a wide range of diagnoses. With gravity reduced, children can move more freely, practice functional skills and achieve greater independence in a fun, motivating setting.

The water provides a therapeutic environment that supports whole-body development. Benefits include:

• Improved muscle strength and function
• Enhanced balance, coordination and flexibility
• Increased aerobic conditioning and endurance
• Positive sensory stimulation
• Relaxation, improved circulation and reduced swelling

Outcomes are designed to help children participate more fully in daily living, family activities and community life.

Our pediatric specialists may recommend aquatic therapy for children with:

Aquatic therapy is not just for physical skills — our speech-language pathologists also use the water to promote language and communication development. The sensory-rich environment supports whole-body regulation, making it especially effective for children who:

• Experience stuttering, by combining regulation with language learning.
• Have voice disorders (including Vocal Cord Dysfunction), by supporting breathing and phonation.
• Are on the autism spectrum, by promoting sensory regulation and language skill development.

• Therapeutic temperature: Encourages muscle relaxation and circulation
• Buoyancy: Reduces stress on joints and allows easier movement
• Hydrostatic pressure: Improves circulation, decreases swelling and offers gentle resistance to build strength

All children begin with a land-based evaluation by one of our pediatric therapy specialists. Together with families, we determine whether aquatic therapy is appropriate and how it can best support the child’s goals.