Aquatic Therapy continues to be a favorite activity of the students and our physical therapy staff. The aquatic session takes place at Bear Paddle Swim School in Turnersville.

This facility provides a terrific therapeutic environment for our students for a little over an hour each week. Aquatic therapy aims to:

• Improve physical function
• Develop and maintain physical control
• Enhance self-concept and confidence
• Increase independence and quality of life

Although traditional physical therapy can be immensely effective in teaching children with cerebral palsy how to move, water has the added benefit of hydrating, oxygenating and revitalizing the body’s musculoskeletal system. Gravitation pull is released, and weightlessness qualities are achieved. Range of movement increases and repetition, stretching and balancing are more sustainable. The benefits of water therapy include:

 

• Alleviates stress and tension
• Provides resistance
• Encourages a wider range of movement and opposition
• Reduces pain and tension in muscles and joints
• Protects against injury
• Decreases post exercise discomfort

At HollyDELL, our physical therapists help our students develop motor abilities and assist families in ways to help their child in physical activities.