Hydrotherapy: Making Waves in Paediatric Physiotherapy
As the weather is warming up, you might have heard of the word hydrotherapy and wondered, what is hydrotherapy? Hydrotherapy put simply, is a different mode of therapy that is completed in the water. It can have a myriad of benefits and is also super fun and exciting for children, not only to spend some time in the water but also complete therapy in a different environment.
Hydrotherapy utilises the buoyancy, resistance, and temperature of water to facilitate therapy. For children, the water creates an environment where they can build strength, improve mobility, and improve their overall physical fitness all whilst having fun and staying cool!
Hydrotherapy utilises the buoyancy, resistance, and temperature of water to facilitate therapy. For children, the water creates an environment where they can build strength, improve mobility, and improve their overall physical fitness all whilst having fun and staying cool!
There are a number of different benefits that hydrotherapy provides, these include;
Improved joint range of motion
The buoyancy of the water reduces the impact on joints that occurs when on land, which allows children to move their limbs further than normal
Improved muscle strength and core stability
Water provides resistance that challenges muscles, which helps develop strength in a gentle and fun way
Help manage pain
Due to the warm nature of the water, this can alleviate pain on muscles and joints, providing relief to children in pain
Improve cardiorespiratory endurance and exercise capacity
Hydrotherapy helps improve cardiovascular health and endurance, which is important for all children and is a fun way for children to exercise
Safe, low impact exercise
Due to the buoyancy of the water, children aren’t putting weight through their body at the same rate as when they are in the water, creating a low impact way to exercise for little joints.
Assist sensory integration
The feeling of the water on skin and the tactile feedback provided can assist with working on children’s sensory system which in turn can assist with emotional regulation
Improve water safety skills and water confidence
Lots of children struggle with water safety – knowing when it is safe to be in the pool and what to do when in the pool as well as lack the confidence to swim. Therapists are there to provide 1:1 support to teach and assist them with these goals!
Fun!
Lots of kids LOVE water! It can be a fun and safe way for your child to exercise!
Physiotherapists customise hydrotherapy sessions according to each child’s unique goals and needs. By using fun and engaging exercises, we create a positive atmosphere encouraging children to actively participate in rehab! If you think your child would enjoy hydrotherapy, talk to your therapist to see whether they would be suitable!