Aqua Therapy

Bertrand's first aqua therapy session was a success! Not only did he have fun and do well in the water, the results were carried forward on land the rest of the day. Aqua therapy will definitely become a part of his therapy regimen.

Aqua therapy is also known as Aquatic Therapy, Pool Therapy, Water Therapy, and Hydrotherapy. It is a form of therapy which, as the name implies, leverages the physical properties of water (buoyancy, viscosity, and hydrostatic pressure) to assist a patient.

• Buoyancy assists in supporting weight. This decreases the amount of weight-bearing on bones, joints, and muscles.

• Viscosity provides resistance for strengthening muscles.

• Hydrostatic pressure produces forces perpendicular to the body’s surface. This pressure provides joint positional and muscular awareness, thereby increasing proprioception.

Safety: Due to potential for seizures (and he did have some small myoclonus) as well as pool rules, Bertrand wore a life jacket and was never left unattended.

Within seconds of entering the pool, Bertrand's movements stemming from his movement disorder were calmed. Most physical efforts he made seemed intentional.

Later at home, his movement disorder remained less pronounced, and he initiated sitting-up and (assisted) walking several times. He was also extremely jovial and talkative!

Aqua therapy may not be for everyone, and there may be substantial costs or other barriers associated. But, if aqua therapy is indicated, it is certainly worth the effort to try it.