Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic Therapy Services

Definition of Aquatic Therapy: A therapeutic procedure which attempts to improve function through the application of aquatic therapeutic exercises. These procedures require constant attendance of a therapist educated in performing aquatic therapeutic exercises. Common synonyms: Aquatic Rehabilitation, Aqua Therapy, Pool Therapy, Water Therapy, Hydrotherapy (outside the USA). Note that aquatic therapy, as defined by the AMA, is not “tied” to a single profession. It can arguably be performed by several legally-regulated healthcare providers who have scopes of practice which permit them to perform such services and who are permitted to use the AMA’s Current Procedural Codes (CPT).

Warm water aquatic therapy is a fun way for children to reach their therapy goals. Children can get walking and moving faster after surgery. It is a fun alternative to land therapy to meet strength, ROM flexibility, coordination, endurance, balance and ambulation goals. Also children with tactile sensory dysfunctions may enjoy the deep pressure of a warm water pool. The warm water will relax the muscles for children with high muscle tone (hypertonia) and will allow a child with low muscle tone (hypotonia) to do things they can’t do on land. Here at our Kids In Motion – Highland clinic, we have an Endless pool. It is kept at about 90 degrees, has a swim current and whirlpool jets. It has a shallow end for weight bearing and a deep end where Burdenko exercises may be done. We teach pre-swim skills so a child can graduate to group or private swim lessons.