United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

We are interested in getting aqua therapy for Bailey, but I have little info about it and lots of questions. Bailey is 8 months old, at what age does aqua therapy typically begin? Is it mainly used for strengthening? How would I find a qualified aqua therapist who is familiar with brachial plexus injury? What are the benefits from this type of therapy versus OT?

I am concerned with our therapy now. It almost seems like a waste of time. Bailey has regained external rotation and will suppinate when bribed with an open faced double-stuffed oreo cookie. He is crawling strong on all fours which has done wonders to strengthen that little arm. Our therapist tends to help him with the next developmental step instead of focusing on the arm. I am just getting frustrated with this. We are thrilled with his recovery and so is his therapist. She has said several times that maybe we should discontinue therapy. This concerns me, because I know that we may have other problems down the road. I would appreciate any advice or input. Thanks in advance.

Meredith

Warm water offers many health benefits -especially for therapy...

(1) warmth allows the muscles to relax - to stretch more easily (90-94 degrees)

(2) weightlessness - more pain free movement - easier to range the arm with weightlessness

(3) joints open up in the water - there's more joint space when in the water giving more freedom for movement

(4) hydrostatic pressure of the water assists circulation, etc. and reminds you and your body how it was like to be back in the womb - skin always being touched by water

(5) it's FUN - nice to do therapy that offers a lot of benefit and to have lots of fun - very positive experiences

hope this helps...
check this out
www.injurednewborn.com/maia/aquatics.html

there are listings of places and the link for the resource site

-francine

There are therapist were are trained in Aquatic PT - this is much different then a PT who just does therapy in the water. It's a whole different way of doing things. I highly suggest you find someone who is trained.

We live in a big city and to date I have only found 4 therapists who are actually trained in aquatics. We are now going to a PT aquatic trainer (thank God we found her!)- what a difference!

Check this site out... www.obstetricalpalsy.net. Pr. Gilbert discusses in this section on therapy, how long a child should be involved in therapy and why.. The basic premise is that as long as a child's arm is growing - issues may arise that will need attention - but he also talks about adding activities into regular life so that the shift can move from therapy to activities. We also know that even in children who do not have surgery - contractures and such can pop up later in life that may need to be addressed. If you are not actively seeking therapy, then at least get your child evaluated every now and then so that a surprise doesn't just pop up. For those who have severe injuries - exercise and therapy seem to be a lifelong thing.

It's our goal to be able to get Maia in a pool daily. She makes so much headway in the warm water.... and it's helped her pain, BUT the chemicals just eat her up alive.

anyway - aquatic therapy is great...but it doesn't replace regular OT....as your child gets older there will be specific life tasks he may need help learning

anyway...just my thoughts,
francine