Aquatic Therapy at Cincinnati Children's Drake
Finding the Freedom to Succeed
The first program of its kind for Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, aquatic therapy at Cincinnati Children's Drake 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 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 dangers of overexertion.
Aquatic therapy at Cincinnati Children's Drake is specifically structured to respond to the needs of infants, children and adolescents who require high-intensity or frequent therapy and specialized rehabilitation.
Customized, Interdisciplinary Plan for Each Patient's Needs
During a patient's first visit, a physical therapist or occupational therapist specialized in aquatic therapy develops a customized program based on the patient's medical history and a comprehensive evaluation. The 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 members of the health care team through documentation.
What Aquatic Therapy Offers
Aquatic therapy is much more than a simple swim. Individualized programs are designed specifically for reinforcement of key physical therapy or 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 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
- Other conditions requiring the use of this special treatment modality
