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
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pediatric aquatic therapy
pediatric aquatic therapy
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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.

What Clients Are Saying

Thank you for teaching me everything I know about OT and sensory diets. You go above and beyond for our students and we really appreciate all that you have given us.
Mike Tyler (Director at High Roads School)
My twelve year old daughter has been seeing Craig since she was four years old and she loves coming to the ‘gym.’ I love that she refers to it as the ‘gym’ instead of therapy. She sees her therapy as a place where she works her body to become stronger and has fun. She is disappointed if therapy is canceled. The staff is wonderful and works to find the right fit with each child and therapist. They work across modalities and communicate with the school and her doctors. I am thankful to have Cheshire Fitness Zone in my daughter’s life! Thank you!
Heather M.
I honestly can’t thank you enough for all the time you spent with us and the very valuable advice that you gave.
The Cristo Family
We have been coming to Cheshire Fitness Zone for more than two years. The therapists are friendly, compassionate, and professional. Not only do they do a fabulous job with the therapy, but they also consider the individual behavioral needs for our son. They are caring while pushing him to achieve goals that at times he might feel he can do and he does. Thank you to Craig and the staff for all that you do!
The Smedbergs
Everyone at Cheshire Fitness is always so friendly and welcoming. They provide a wonderful atmosphere for the children and are so supportive. The best gift anyone can give a parent is caring for his or her kid and helping his or her kid to live to their greatest potential and that is exactly what the therapists at Cheshire Fitness Zone do. They truly care and we will be forever grateful for the tools they have provided our child.
Anonymous
My son has greatly benefited from OT and PT at Cheshire Fitness Zone. The therapists are so patient and knowledgeable. The facility is also very impressive and fun. We look forward to seeing our son progress as we continue therapy.
Anonymous
A five star rating would not be enough for Cheshire Fitness Zone! From the first time I called to schedule my son’s consult to now one year later, we are consistently greeted by the most caring and loving staff. My son goes to Cheshire Fitness Zone for oral motor/speech therapy and sees Miss Kim. When I say she is the best, she truly is! From day one she has put her heart and soul into my child’s therapy. The strides my son has made in one year is amazing. Not only is Kim the nicest person ever, she is extremely knowledgeable in her field and is constantly thinking of new ways to improve my son’s speech.
Nicole Rybaruk
Cheshire Fitness Zone has been wonderful. We have worked with many of the therapists for OT and PT and have had excellent experiences with all of them. They were very accommodating to our schedule. And even on a day where my son was not into working they are always able to get him to work. Their front office is very pleasant and are always smiling when we arrive. I have to bring my other son when we come and the therapists are always willing to include both of them on days where it is difficult waiting in the lobby.
Don Hamilton
My girls have been going to Cheshire Fitness Zone since the summer of 2015 and the therapy they receive from their therapist is the best therapy they have ever received. The therapists are the friendliest and nicest group of therapists we have ever met. The girls enjoy going to therapy and I am very happy that we go to Cheshire Fitness Zone.
Anonymous
From the moment you check in at the front desk to your discussion with your therapist at the end of the session, you feel at home, respected, and in great hands. The improvements you will see in your child will say it all.
Melissa Linehan
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