United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Has anyone tried aqua therapy??? My daughter, Amarie, physical therapist had suggested it months ago but they did not accept my insurance. I just switched insurance companies and am debating whether to take her in addition to her normal therapy. I am a little iffy about it because Amarie is only, 16 months old. Any suggestions?

Go for it! I did it and LOVED it! If she likes being in the water it'll be great for her, the water takes gravity away and makes movement easier. Also, they will do it through play in the water, so it won't feel like she is doing PT.

Ask the PT if you can maybe watch another child doing it and see for yourself what it would be like for her. If she is ok with being in the water (some kids hate the pool) she would be fine.

Marieke 33, LOBPI

Nicole:
I credit aquatherapy with soooo much of Juliana's success. We started aquatherapy when Juliana was 6 months old. We are lucky to have a nationally reknown school for the disabled 10 minutes away(I volunteered there all thru high school). Our Early Intervention program paid for the once a week therapy. Ours was run by a pt and an ot. I loved that it had kids of all different disabilities--it gave me perspective when I really needed it.
The pool was heated, so it warmed up Juliana's tight muscles. She was speech delayed, so as the years went on they worked on speech, as well as arm/hand movement, bilateral movement and coordination.
I bought a suit from speedo that had inflatable balloons. As she became a more accomplished swimmer, we took out the floats. She could swim unassisted by me by the time she was 18 months old. I have been a swimmer my whole life and was a life guard and swim instructor in my youth...so all my kids swam early.
Unfortunately, the school decided not to renew its contract with the County and when Juliana was around 3, the program ended. At that point, however, she was a good enough swimmer that I put her into a regular swim class.
What I love about aqua therapy is that kids don't realize that it's therapy. And as for kids who don't like the water, they should learn anyway. A good teacher can guide a frightened child into a pool.

go for it!

claudia


Message was edited by: claudia

Thank you! I am going to make an appointment!

Glad to here you are going to try it. We just started it with my son, he's 13 months. He's had 3 sessions so far and loves it. He does it with his regular therapist, they have a pool at the hospital center that we go to for therapy. It's a really nice change of pace from the formal therapy sessions, he has so much fun and just loves the water. Good luck to you.

Meredith

Just wanted to add to these great posts that if you can't navigate the insurance thing for now - just get your child into the pool and play in the pool. Just splashing alone is tremendous.

From the home page on this site - bottom right side - go to the Awareness section to the resources and you will find an article on aquatic therapy with lots of ideas of what to do. It's invaluable.

Pr. Gilbert wrote an article about a Lifetime of Care (on this site) and he talks about how swimming is something these kids should do now and for the rest of their lives - it is the #1 best exercise for them.

Have fun in the water!

Nicole,

I started Aqua Therapy just a little over a month ago with my 9 month old son and he loves it. Our therapist is great and has been in contact with out PT and OT. Hope all goes well for your little one.

Thank you for all your responses! I did call to make an appointment and spoke to a therapist, but she does not do pediatric therapy. They do have on pediatric therapist who is supposed to call me back. Does anyone live in the berks county area or somewhere closely surrounding that knows any places that have aqua therapy?

I have been thinking about Aqua Therapy for Jocelyn too. I am going to ask her surgeon about it at her 6 week post cast removed check up next week. And also her PT tonight to see what they think. She is making such progress since her surgery i want to keep it up!

Hi!
My daughter Lucy (3 1/2) is currently in aquatic therapy. We alternate with PT on land every other week. Our regular PT also does the aquatic therapy with her. Our providers submit the claim to insurance as a regular PT session and we haven't had a problem yet. That may be something to look into. Carol, mom to Lucy (3 1/2 years, LOBPI)