Aquatic Therapy
at Flow Aquatics
Aquatic therapy takes advantage of principles such as buoyancy, relative density, viscosity, resistance, hydrostatic pressure, turbulence, and flow to address a child’s goals. The unique properties of water are especially beneficial in improved self-esteem, independence, and quality of life in ways that can’t be addressed by traditional land-based therapy. The pool is also a naturally motivating and rewarding environment for children which promotes a fun, play based approach to treatment.
Who is aquatic therapy for?
Common conditions/diagnoses benefiting from Aquatic Therapy includes:
-Autism
-ADHD
-Cerebral Palsy
-Balance disorders
-Pain
-Orthopedic injuries or status post orthopedic surgery
-Abnormal muscle tone including hypotonia or hypertonia/spasticity
-Muscular dystrophy
-Down Syndrome
-Scoliosis
-Spina Bifida
-Respiratory impairments
-Sensory processing disorder
-Children with delayed speech or language development
-Children with social/emotional regulation difficulties
-Developmental Coordination Disorder
-Developmental Delay
Common Goals for Aquatic Therapy Programs:
-Improve balance, coordination, and gross motor skills
-Build muscle strength & endurance
-Improve aerobic capacity & endurance
-Reduce stress and promote relaxation
-Address gait & locomotion
-Promote free movement and joint protection
-Improve attention
-Promote sensory integration
-Improve motor planning/sequencing
-Build social skills
-Improve visual-spatial perception & fine motor skills
-Improved breath control & posture for speech/vocalizations
-Develop language skills
-Promote vestibular stimulation to improve body awareness and motor learning
-Improved oral motor skills
How do we get started?
Your therapist will work in collaboration with you to determine if your child would particularly benefit from this environment on a case by case basis.
How is it different from adaptive swimming?
The focus of aquatic therapy is not on teaching children to swim. Aquatic therapy should not be confused with adaptive aquatics, which is performed by a certified swim instructor to teach children with disabilities how to swim safely in the water. If you are interested in adaptive aquatics or adaptive swimming lessons, please ask your therapist for recommendations as there are several organizations who offer this service within the Treasure Valley.
Where is the pool?
Flow Aquatics!
1875 Century Way, Boise, ID 83709
*Our facility has a separate viewing area for parents & family to watch their child’s session. We ask that at least 1 adult remain on site throughout the duration of your child’s aquatic session in case of bathroom needs, accidents, and to maintain therapist safety when transitioning children in/out of the pool.
What do we need?
We ask that all children who are incontinent or have difficulties with bowl/bladder function wear a reusable swim diaper while participating in aquatic therapy. You may use a disposable underneath a reusable diaper, but reusable diaper must have elastic around the waist, and thighs. iPlay swim diapers have been recommended to previous clients and can be found online.