DCH Rehabilitation – Aquatic Therapy

A Unique Approach

The aquatics program at Driscoll Children’s Hospital combines the benefits of physical therapy, occupational therapy and even speech pathology with the advantages of warm water exercise. Aquatic therapy offers significant benefits for maximizing the potential for recovery as an integrated part of a patient’s complete therapy program. While working in the pool, patient’s discover a freedom of movement not found with land-based intervention. The lessening of gravitational forces has allowed many of our patients to take their first steps in our pool; the fear of falling has been removed. Warm water not only reduces body weight by up to 90%, it encourages muscle relaxation and reduces the dangers of overexertion.

What Water Offers

Aquatic therapy is much more than playing in the water. Individualized programs are designed specifically for reinforcement of key therapy principles. Aquatic therapy combines instruction, guidance and specialized exercises to facilitate relaxation and therapeutic effects. Licensed Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists with specialized training for aquatic intervention work with each patient to address their specific areas of need.

Who Can Benefit?

Aquatic therapy offers an effective treatment approach for children of all ages with rehabilitation needs and those with developmental disorders. We have programs for patients who have:

Traumatic injuries
Bone, joint or muscle disorders
Neurological and/or developmental disorders
Sensory processing/integration disorders
Connective tissue disease(s)
Orthopedic injuries

Customized Care

Each patient who has a recommendation for aquatic intervention will have an individualized plan of care. A licensed Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist or Speech-Language Pathologist will develop a program that places the patient as the center of care. Therapists work as an interdisciplinary team to insure that each patient receives integrated care during their time with us in Rehabilitation. Treatment plans are examined and adjusted throughout the rehabilitation process to ensure that each unique challenge is addressed.

Aquatic Encouragement

This unique method of treatment provides numerous benefits to patients as it reinforces the abilities and tasks that are learned during land-based intervention. It encourages:

Decreased pain, stiffness, muscle spasms and muscle guarding
Improved posture, balance and coordination
Enhanced relaxation and freedom of movement for those with increased muscle tone
Increased circulation, range of motion, strength and endurance
Better mobility through reduced joint strain
Stronger morale and self-esteem with the increased opportunity to succeed
Enhanced sensory feedback and body awareness

Facilities and Resources

The aquatic facilities at Driscoll Children’s Hospital offer a safe, encouraging environment to foster each child’s participation in functional activities. The facility is handicapped accessible and includes:

Heated 3 foot pool equipped for shallow water activities
Changing areas with lockers and towel service
Climate-controlled pool enclosure – not too hot; not too cool

For those patients who need a deeper water environment, Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rehabilitation Services maintains a contract with the YWCA of Corpus Christi. We offer two days per week of therapeutic intervention in this larger environment for our adolescent patients.

Driscoll Children's Hospital is committed to providing service to all children.

To determine if a child qualifies for financial assistance or for support with insurance pre-authorization, contact Driscoll Children's Hospital’s Patient Financial Services at (361) 694 – 5111.

Making an Appointment
A physician prescription or referral is required prior to making an appointment. A referral form can be obtained by calling (361) 694 – 4533 or 694-6135.

Referrals can be faxed to (361) 694-4821

For More Information
To make an appointment or for more information, call (361) 694-KIDS (5437).