Pediatric Aquatic Therapy Services
A fun and engaging type of therapy
Aquatic therapy is a fun and engaging type of therapy that uses the properties of water to achieve therapeutic gains that may be too difficult for a child to attain through land based therapy. Therapeutic gains of aquatic therapy include but are not limited to normalization of muscle tone, improvements in strength, balance, range of motion, cardiovascular endurance and circulation. Aquatic therapy can also be beneficial for self-regulation and sensory processing.
Who can benefit from aquatic therapy?
A number of different patient populations can benefit from aquatic therapy. Some of the commonly treated populations at Cheshire Fitness Zone include:
- neurological impairments
- orthopedic injuries
- neuromuscular disorders
- cardiopulmonary disorders
- chronic pain
- sensory processing disorders
How can aquatic therapy help my child?
Buoyancy can be defined as the upward force exerted by water. This assists in decreasing the amount of weight bearing through joints when submerged in the water. As a result, buoyancy is helps to improve balance and core stability by limiting the fear of falling while still encouraging the individual to work against the force of the water to maintain an upright position. Buoyancy can also be helpful to assist with floatation activities that are used for relaxation in order to decrease muscle tone and improve joint range of motion.
Viscosity is described as the way that water molecules stick together as one tries to move through them. This creates a natural resistance of the water, which helps to strengthen muscles of the core and limbs. Increased resistance also helps to improve cardiovascular endurance by increasing the physical demands on the body as it moves through the water. Speed of movements in the water can be graded in order to achieve the desired result; as speed of movement increases, the resistance provided by water also increases and consequently, as the speed of movement decreases, the resistance provided by water decreases.
Hydrostatic pressure is defined as the force exerted by the water on a submerged body. This property of water helps to “squeeze” the individual in the water and as a result, allows that individual to tune out outside stimuli and feel more secure. This is particularly beneficial for children with sensory processing disorders or vestibular issues. Hydrostatic pressure is also helpful with improving circulation as it provides an external force on the body as the individual moves through the water.
The warmer water temperature in the aquatic therapy environment is beneficial for relaxation of muscle tone and limiting involuntary or spastic movements that may otherwise impede therapeutic gains in a land based setting. Warmer water temperature also helps to improve circulation through blood vessel dilation.
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What Clients Are Saying
I am privileged to work with amazing children, wonderful families, skilled therapists, and professional staff each day at Cheshire Fitness Zone. We are a team working toward the best possible outcome for each unique child. I am so thankful to be a part of such a special place.
I am so happy we came to Cheshire Fitness Zone. My daughter injured her hip figure skating. Another physical therapist diagnosed and treated her incorrectly. Luckily when we came to Cheshire Fitness Zone and saw Craig he discovered her injury was something else and much more of a serious injury. In fact, we were referred to a Pedi orthopedist who concluded with Craig’s diagnosis. The orthopedist said it was a good find, very difficult to catch, and often missed. My daughter had surgery and is now recovering and seeing Craig for rehab. She is almost done and doing well. Highly recommended Cheshire Fitness Zone.
Cheshire Fitness Zone has been absolutely wonderful for my family. All of the staff and therapists treat the children with respect and truly care about their development. The therapists are always available to ask questions and are extremely knowledgeable. The front desk staff alway works to accommodate our schedule and are always friendly and kind. I always refer Cheshire Fitness Zone to other families who are looking for services for their children.
I am so happy we found Cheshire Fitness Zone. This is just what my son needs. His school also heard of you guys and said great things. I’m happy to know he is in good hands.
Highly recommend. The warm, loving atmosphere sets the tone for these highly motivated therapists to do their thing. The office staff is top notch as well!!
Cheshire Fitness Zone has been wonderful. The office staff is very welcoming and informative and the OT that my son sees has a genuine interest in my son’s well-being. He always communicates well with me and makes sure to ease all of my concerns. My son loves coming to Cheshire Fitness Zone!
I love working at Cheshire Fitness Zone because the therapy team is always willing to collaborate and share different treatment strategies and therapy techniques. You are never at a loss for ideas!
We can’t thank you enough. I don’t think we would be where we are if it wasn’t for your care, guidance, and support for Cole and us.
My family has been blessed with this amazing crew at Cheshire Fitness Zone for almost five years. My daughter started PT at six months of age when we discovered unexpected delays. The staff from day one has gone above and beyond to help my daughter to be where she is today. They are not only extremely knowledgeable in their individual fields, but make everyone who walks through their door feel welcome and cared for. After the past five years, I consider these individuals like family. They have taught me so many ways to help my daughter and also to strive for the best and prepare for her future. I would highly recommend Cheshire Fitness Zone to anyone who needs services for their children. We appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.
As a physical therapist at Cheshire Fitness Zone, I have seen firsthand the positive impact therapy services have had on so many children and their families. We are very family-oriented at Cheshire Fitness Zone and are constantly working with our families to help reach their goals for their children. It is an extremely rewarding feeling to see a child learn mobility skills that they were unable to perform prior to starting therapy services. The staff at Cheshire Fitness Zone is dedicated to providing the best care possible for all the children that they work with.