Occupational Therapy / Physical Therapy

During your child’s first visit, one of our physical or occupational therapists will develop a customized aquatic program based on your child’s medical history and a comprehensive evaluation. The therapist works with you, your family and specialists from our team to plan a rehabilitation program that addresses your child’s needs. Throughout therapy, we re-examine and adjust the plan to meet the unique challenges each patient encounters. We continually reassess your child’s progress and share information with referring physicians and other members of the healthcare team.

Aquatic therapy is much more than a simple swim. Our individualized programs are designed to reinforce key physical or occupational therapy principles. Aquatic therapy is a guided series of exercises designed to facilitate relaxation and enhance the effects of therapy. Our staff, who are all licensed physical therapists or occupational therapists and have specialized aquatics training, work with each patient to address specific needs. Aquatic therapy offers an effective therapy choice for children with rehabilitation needs or developmental 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 diseases
• Orthopaedic injuries

Aquatic therapy reinforces the work your child does in land-based therapy sessions. But it also provides a number of additional benefits:

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

A Family-Centered Focus – Partners in Care

Because children rely on those closest to them for support, we design our aquatic programs to have a family focus. We encourage parents and caregivers to get involved and participate in therapy sessions.

We offer patients a spacious, state-of-the-art pediatric aquatic therapy facility at Outpatient Drake Center in a safe environment that encourages children to participate in functional activities. The handicapped-accessible facility was constructed with rehabilitation in mind, with features that make therapy enjoyable. We provide:

• A heated 28-by-48-foot pool equipped for deep and shallow-water activities
• A pool-side swim lift and a hydraulic pool floor that rises to ground level, providing easy entry and exit from the water
• Red Cross-certified lifeguards on patrol to ensure safety at all times
• Changing areas with lockers and towel service
• Nearby parking, an additional convenience to patients and families

Note: The Outpatient Drake Center also provides aquatic therapy to patients, including adults, who are not from Cincinnati Children's.

We offer a series of aquatic wellness programs for children and adolescents. The age- and condition-specific programs provide children and adolescents with an opportunity to enhance their fitness in a fun, social atmosphere.

Children's Group

This class helps children with conditions such as JRA, weight management issues, injuries or illness that requires physical or occupational therapy. The program focuses on improving children’s balance, flexibility and range of motion, endurance, strength and aerobic fitness. The program also helps children reduce pain.

Participants must be at least 45 inches tall and able to walk without an assistive device. They also must be able to follow directions and should be comfortable in the water.

Teen Group

These classes are designed for adolescents with conditions such as fibromyalgia, JRA, weight management, lupus and hemophilia. The classes offer an opportunity for participants to improve their range of motion, aerobic fitness, endurance and strength, and can help them reduce pain. The program also gives teens the chance to socialize and develop healthier, more active lifestyles. Participants must be able to walk in the water without an assistive device and should be comfortable participating in deep water activities.

Adolescent Acquired Brain Injury Group

This group is open to adolescents with deficits from acquired brain injuries such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, brain tumor and encephalitis. This group will focus on improving fitness, strength and balance. It helps adolescents develop functional skills and improve social interaction in a group setting. Participants must be able to walk in the water independently, with or without the use of a flotation device.

Sensory Processing

This class helps children improve their sensory processing through play and sensory motor experiences. It helps children develop spatial awareness, task attention, modulation of sensory input and water safety skills. It also gives them opportunities to interact with other children and develop social skills. Participants in the sensory processing program must be at least 45 inches tall, and parents may be required to get in the pool with their children.

Read more about the Aquatic Wellness Program descriptions.

Most insurance and government programs cover physical therapy and occupational therapy costs, but often require pre- authorization. Check with your insurance company about your plan’s therapy benefits and prior authorization requirements.

Cincinnati Children's is committed to providing services to all children, regardless of their families’ ability to pay. To determine if your child qualifies for financial assistance or for support with insurance pre-authorization, contact our financial services representatives at 513-636-4651.

We require a physician’s prescription or referral to participate in an aquatic therapy program before you can make an appointment for your child. Aquatic therapy referrals may be faxed to 513-636-7975.  For questions regarding aquatic therapy or aquatic wellness programs, call 513-636-2774 or email otpt@cchmc.org.