Bethesda Hospital East

Pediatric Aquatic Therapy

Kids and water can be a wonderful combination.  If your child is in a physical therapy program, then aquatics may be a great addition to their current treatment.

Aquatic physical therapy is a swimming pool based treatment program with wonderful benefits for kids.  

• The resistance of the water increases strength and the ability to move the joints.
• Aquatic therapy is more comfortable since the water makes it easier to handle the kids.
• There is constant sensory input because the water stimulates the body with gentle movement and pressure. 
• Muscles relax and are easier to stretch because the pool is heated.
• Working in the water lets kids do things they may not be able to do on land. 
• Kids can work harder in the water than on the land because it takes less effort and is more fun. 
• Also, it's a natural experience and the kids love it!

Your child's therapy program is developed by a licensed physical therapist, trained in aquatic physical therapy, to address your child's specific needs.  Children who use a wheelchair or other assistive devices to walk on land can often swim or walk with virtually no assistance in the water.  Aquatic therapy may be very useful for children who can no longer tolerate land-based exercises or for whom traditional therapy has become too difficult.

What can be effectively treated with Aquatic Physical Therapy?

• Decreased strength
• Decreased tolerance to weight bearing 
• Orthopedic injuries (fractures) 
• Juvenile arthritis 
• Sensory impairments  
• Decreased motor planning 
• Abnormal muscle tone 
• Impaired head and trunk control 
• Neurological disorders 
• Respiratory problems

Contact Us

To schedule an appointment, call Central Scheduling at 561.374.5700.
For more information, call 561.374.5712.