Living with cerebral palsy is challenging. This is a debilitating disorder that affects mobility. However, this state of the disorder can be improved, motion can be maintained and pain can be decreased by following a regular exercise routine. And it starts with hydrotherapy – a water-based exercise to help improve an individual’s physical functions and overall well being.
Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, is recognized as one of the best therapeutic interventions available for children with a disability. In addition to cerebral palsy, hydrotherapy is also effective for many other conditions.
What Else is Hydrotherapy Used for?
- Orthopedic injuries
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Neurological impairments
- Cardiopulmonary disorders
- Sensory processing disorders
Hydrotherapy also helps relax muscles. The movement within and against warm water in a pool can have a massaging effect on joints, muscles, and ligaments. It can also improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation pain. This therapy has numerous health benefits, let’s check 5 of them.
5 Helpful Benefits of Aquatic Therapy
#1: Increased Strength and Range of Motion
Hydrotherapy pools can work as a great environment for those who have suffered an injury such as a broken leg and their ability to move joints freely is highly limited for swelling and lack of strength in their muscles. The water resistance helps improve the balance and coordination needed after suffering an injury.
#2: Improves Breath Control and Respiration
Hydro therapy for children is especially useful if they suffer from speech issues. Simple exercises like holding their breath underwater while raising their arms up and down can immensely help them, improving proper breathing control for speaking.
#3: Reach Developmental Milestones
Developmental milestones like walking, crawling, rolling, and jumping can be achieved by practicing hydrotherapy. For instance, this therapy can significantly help improve the mobility and balance of children with cerebral palsy or those diagnosed with autism. Children will learn how to roll or walk in the water, both these activities are a lot easier compared to on land. This will help increase functional abilities and acquire developmental milestones.
#4: Improved Social Skills and Self-confidence
Hydrotherapy is useful for improving motor skills and toning down anxiety levels while boosting the level of confidence. Playing games and performing exercises in the pool can enhance competitive play, help learn how to share toys, and encourage speaking in children who have anxiety. These will result in increased confidence and better social interaction capability.
#5: Considered as Fun and Safe Environment
Pediatric hydrotherapy is also a fun game. It promotes a recreational feel when compared to a clinical office setting, making it zero intimidating. Like any other form of exercise, hydrotherapy also helps reduce stress and tension and can empower your child both physically and mentally.
Hydrotherapy for Children in Dubai
If you are looking for a world-class hydrotherapy clinic for your child in Dubai, Hope AMC should be your choice. Besides providing hydrotherapy in a safe, self-regulated, and temperature-controlled pool environment, Hope AMC has also become a trusted healthcare facility in the UAE due to its exceptional personal care and variety of helpful physical therapy services. Click here to learn more about their healthcare services and insurance options.
