Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy is the use of the water and specifically designed activity by qualified persons to enhance or restore function for children with disabilities. It has been approved by the American Physical Therapy Association and the general medical community as an effective medium to decrease tone, increase range of motion, improve strength and to 
induce relaxation.
The absence of experiencing quality active movement contributes to delayed physical and mental development, especially in children with disabilities. The water is a safe environment to teach children that otherwise are unable to experience quality active 
movement on land, due to physical or sensory integration limitations, to enjoy a greater range of activities. The therapist utilizes the buoyancy or resistive properties of water to achieve the desired outcomes. This medium acts as an automatic feedback system using proprioceptive, auditory and visual input to assist with motor planning and a functional outcome.
Candidates for Referral:
- Weakness
- Limited joint range of motion
- Abnormal muscle tone/spasticity
- Pain
- Sensory deficits
- Limited mobility skills
- Weight bearing restrictions
- Pulmonary insufficiency
- Poor balance reaction
- Perception/spatial problems
- Decreased endurance
- Coordination/motor planning difficulties
- Post-surgical conditions