Aquatic Therapy – Finding the Freedom to Succeed

A very unique program for Driscoll Children's Hospital, the aquatic therapy in the Rehabilitation center combines the benefits of physical therapy and occupational therapy with the advantages of warm water exercise. Aquatic therapy offers significant benefits in maximizing the potential for recovery as an integrated part of a complete physical therapy or occupational therapy program. Working in the warm-water environment, patients discover a freedom of movement that allows them to progress and accomplish much more than they often can in land-based therapy. Warm water lessens the effects of gravity and reduces body weight up to 90 percent, encouraging relaxation and reducing the danger of overexertion.
Aquatic therapy at Driscoll Children’s Rehabilitation Center is specifically structured to respond to the needs of infants, children and adolescents who require high-intensity or frequent therapy and specialized rehabilitation.

What Aquatic Therapy Offers
Aquatic therapy is much more than a simple swim. Individualized programs are designed specifically for reinforcement of key physical therapy and occupational therapy principles. Aquatic therapy combines instruction, guidance and specialized exercises to facilitate relaxation and therapeutic effects. Licensed physical therapy or occupational therapy staff with specialized aquatics training work with each patient to address specific areas of need.

Who Can Benefit from Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy offers an effective therapy choice for children with rehabilitation needs and those with development disorders. Programs are especially effective for children who have:
• Traumatic injuries
• Bone, joint or muscle disorders
• Neurological and developmental disorders
• Sensory processing/ integration disorders
• Connective tissue disease
• Orthopaedic injuries
• Other conditions requiring the use of this special treatment modality.

Customized, Interdisciplinary Plan for Each Patient’s Needs
During a patients first visit, a physical therapist or occupational therapist specialized in aquatic therapy develops a customized program based pn the patients medical history and a comprehensive evaluation. The aquatic therapist works with each patient and other members of the interdisciplinary team to offer an integrated rehabilitation program.

Treatment plans are re-examined and adjusted throughout rehabilitation to meet the unique challenges each patient encounters. We continually reassess progress and keep referring physicians and other member of the health care team informed through documentation.
How Aquatic Therapy Benefits Each Patient
Aquatic therapy provides numerouse benefits to patients as it reinforces the abilities and tasks of land-based therapy to create a cohesive program. Aquatic therapy encourages:

• Decreased pain, stiffness, muscle spasm and muscle guarding
• Improved posture, balance and coordination
• Enhance 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
• Enhance sensory feedback and body awareness
• State-of-the-Art Facility and Resources
• The state-of-the-art aquatic therapy facility at Driscoll Children's Hospital offers a safe, encouraging environment to foster each child’s participation in functional activities. The facility is handicapped accessible with special features for easy pool entry and water safety.

These features include:

• Heated X foot pool is equipped for deep and shallow water activities
• Pool-side swim lift and hydraulic pool floor that rises to ground level to provide easy entry and exit from water
• Red-Cross certified Life guards ensure safety at all times
• Changing areas with lockers and towel service, and close parking provides additional convenience to patients and families
  

A Family Centered Focus – Partners in Care
Because children rely on those closest to them for support, a family focus is at the center of all aquatic therapy. We encourage involvement, participation in therapy sessions and support of loved ones to further aid each child’s success.

Financial Arrangements
Families should check with their insurance companies benefits and prior authorization. Most insurance and government programs cover physical therapy and occupational therapy costs, but often require pre-authorization.

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 aquatic therapy appointment. Permission or referral form can be obtained by calling (361) 694 – 4393.
Referrals can be faxed to (361) xxx-xxxx

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