Cerebral Palsy and Aquatic Therapy

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Children with cerebral palsy can benefit from aquatic therapy in several ways, including developing greater muscle control and strength and improving self-confidence. Aqua therapy is physical therapy that takes place in a pool. Working in the water adds buoyancy and takes stress and pressure off the body and joints.

What Is Aqua Therapy?

Aqua therapy, also known as aquatic therapy, is a sequence of water-based exercises that help improve a person’s physical abilities and functions.

Aquatic therapy is particularly beneficial for children with cerebral palsy since it allows them to move freely without putting stress or much weight on their bodies.[1] Being in water effectively reduces the body’s weight by 90%.

Aquatic therapists generally have several goals when working with children with cerebral palsy, including helping kids to:

• Develop more muscle control
• Increase self-confidence
• Improve strength and physical function
• Gain more life independence

What Does Aquatic Therapy Help Cerebral Palsy?

Aqua therapy offers many physical and mental benefits to children with cerebral palsy. Physical benefits include:

• Improving heart function
• Increasing resistance
• Relieving and reducing pain in the joints and muscle
• Helps to protect against injuries while exercising
• Reduces discomfort while exercising
• Build muscle and muscle control
• Help build better circulation
• Improve endurance and flexibility

Mental and emotional benefits include:

• Improved confidence
• Better quality of life
• Strengthened socialization skills
• Improved sensory integration
• Improved sense of independence

Types of Aqua Therapy Exercises

There are many different types of aqua therapy programs and exercises. The ones best suited for your child will depend on the severity of the child’s disorder, age, physical fitness level, and any associated illnesses or disorders.

In general, the popular forms of aqua therapy exercises include:

• Swimming (at all levels, including learning to swim)
• Aquatic yoga
• Water-based range of motion exercises
• Balance exercises via flotation devices in deep water
• Breath control exercises
• Assisted walking exercises
• Deepwater walk walking
• Social games to help improve social interaction, eye contact, and sportsmanship

Equipment used during a typical aqua therapy session may include:

• Flotation devices
• Toys
• Weights
• Compression vests
• Balls

Pools Used For Aquatic Therapy

Safety should be of primary importance for therapists and other professionals who help children with cerebral palsy. In turn, the majority of pools are generally smaller than standard-size pools and come with:

• Fiberglass or stainless steel shells
• Built-in attached equipment
• Safety rails and ladders
• Thermostat to warm water
• Easy-to-grip edges

Who Provides Aqua Therapy?

Most physical and occupational therapists trained in aquatic therapy provide services to children with cerebral palsy.

Generally, these medical professionals must be qualified to work with children with special needs and have an active AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional Certification (AFPC).

How Long Are Sessions?

Session times vary depending on the child’s needs but often range between 30 to 45 minutes.

To participate in aquatic therapy, children will need to bring swimsuits, towels, and water shoes to each session. Some classes may provide these items depending on the program and the family’s financial status.

Talk to your child’s medical team if you are interested in trying aqua therapy with them. They can provide recommendations and guidelines.