Hydrotherapy in pools

Treating people by immersion in hot or warm water has been around for many centuries.
It originated in the Roman baths and later the English bath houses, where the benefits of utilising the gentle, healing nature of water became  apparent. In balneology
-the science of therapeutic baths
-immersion in mineral spa bath water was considered inherently therapeutic and hydrotherapy is a natural extension of this.
As well as providing the benefits of immersion in hot water, a hydrotherapy pool provides resistance and weight bearing properties- so specific exercises can be undertaken with less risk of damage to the joint and less problems with balance. The water acts as a therapeutic tool, allowing the exercise of multi-plane movement patterns.
In its context, hydrotherapy [or aquatic physiotherapy] had been considered a hospital-only treatment and even then, only when all other treatments had failed.
What research has shown, however is that not only is hydrotherapy effective, it can reduce the dependence on other forms of treatment, including medications.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a permanent physical condition that affects movement. Its effect can be as mild as just a weakness in one hand ranging to almost complete lack of movement.
There are three main types of cerebral palsy and each involves the way a person moves. Movement can be unpredictable, muscles can be stiff or tight and in some cases people can have shaky movements or tremors.
People with cerebral palsy may have seizures and other impairments affecting their speech, vision, hearing and/or intellect.
Cerebral palsy, except in the mildest forms, can be seen in the first 12-18 months of life. It manifests itself when children fail to reach movement milestones. Babies most at risk of cerebral palsy are those born prematurely or with low birth-weight.
Aquability
Aquability is a programme now being designed overseas that aims to bring pools and people together. It is a service for children and adults with cerebral palsy or similar conditions.
Using the skills of trained aquatic physiotherapists, treatment is carried out in the pool, where the properties of water are used to achieve specific therapeutic goals.
Water is the ideal medium for pleasure and enjoyment, as the buoyancy it offers helps people with a disability execute movements that are impossible on land. The therapeutic effects from hydrotherapy are well documented, providing extensive physical, psychological and social benefits. Water keeps clients buoyant and optimistic.
For many clients, time in the pool is not only the highlight of their week but the only time they can burst out of the confines of their wheelchair and feel a sense of physical freedom and independence most of us take for granted.
ENJOY YOUR POOL THIS SUMMER!