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Aquatic therapy heals and transforms

By Tara Opdahl

Splashing around in water is a timeless and fun activity for children. But water can provide countless benefits through therapy programs and play, according to Tara Roaldson, Anne Carlsen Center for Children (ACCC) physical therapist.

Aquatic therapy can be beneficial to anyone with a physical or cognitive disability, recovering from surgery, those suffering joint injuries or arthritis, and even completely healthy people!

Water creates buoyancy and eliminates gravity, creating an environment where a person can do weight bearing activities without pressure on joints, Roaldson says.
People bear about 50 percent of their weight when water is at their waist, 25 percent at the chest, and only 10 percent with water at the neck level.

Water pressure and fluid resistance are two ways water strengthens muscles and lungs, according to Roaldson.

“The water pressure increases pressure on the trunk which promotes strengthening of the chest cavity and lungs,” Roaldson said. “This not only helps breathing but also speech.” The water pressure can also have sensory benefits, which is especially beneficial for people with autism.

The fluid resistance of the water helps to slow the falling down motion and loss of balance and impede involuntary movements. Resistance strengthens muscles without the pressure that may occur when doing activities on land, Roaldson said.

Warm water pools can provide additional benefits. A normal heated pool is about 75-80 degrees F and a warm water pool is kept from 92-96 degrees. ACCC is fortunate to have the only warm water pool within a 100-mile radius. ACCC’s pool is used for speech, physical, and occupational therapies as well as for recreation, Roaldson said.

The additional benefits of a warm water pool include relief of pain and muscle spasms, decrease in joint stiffness, and an increase in circulation. The combination of warmth and water is relaxing. This creates a calming environment, which also leads to increased movement in the arms and legs.

“For kids with special needs, the benefits of aquatic therapy are astounding,” Roaldson said. But those aren’t limited to physical benefits. “Participating in a social activity with peers and mastering a skill are very important psychological benefits as well.”

"Ultimately, the water is fun!” Roaldson said. Water may motivate students to work on therapy they may not like on land.

One of Roaldson’s patients refused to work on standing and walking in the traditional therapy setting. She started him in the shallow water of the pool and simply let him play.

“He loved the water, then we were able to transition him to learning to stand and walk in the water. He then transitioned to land and he can now stand and walk,” she said.

Roaldson recommends consulting a doctor or local physical therapist for information about local warm water pools and therapy programs. Even without access to a warm water pool, regular swimming pools and whirlpools can aid in recovery and therapy.

Only basic equipment such as ankle weights, floatation devices, kick boards, and fins are necessary.
Roaldson suggests starting aquatic therapy with play and simply allowing students to get used to having water around them.

Those able to walk can first work on standing and walking in the water, moving on to flutter kicking and mastering swim strokes. For people who are non-ambulatory, the water can be used for relaxation and big movements of arms and legs. Starting from a sitting position, working to standing, and using big movements will greatly increase range of motion.