The Benefits Of Aquatic Therapy

Individuals with neurological disorders like autism may be unable to do essential exercises on land, but they find to can do so in water pools. Aquatic therapy for autism works best for people with meagre motor ability. The buoyancy of water causes them to feel an upward thrust when submerged as the aqua-force acts opposite to that of the gravity. This buoyancy is favourable in treating people with balance deficits as they experience less fear of falling while wading and doing physical exercises in the pool.
Hydrostatic pressure provides a wonderful benefit to an immersed body. The molecules of the water support the fragile or weak muscles, enhances flexibility, limb coordination and motion. The viscosity of water in the warm aquatic pool makes the muscles work harder compared to the exercises done on land. The water molecules stick together making it harder for a person to move or push through. The person has to exert great muscle pressure and power which helps in increasing renewed muscle vigour. Thus, aquatic therapy for autism offers an excellent opportunity for renewing the strength of the damaged tendons to maintain body posture and balance.

Aquatic therapy for autism improves symptoms of autism such as motor functioning and sensory issues. Here are a few key benefits observed in a child post aquatic therapy:

Improves balance

For kids with autism, aquatic therapy is an ‘enjoyable activity’. It is a great of strengthening their muscles and improving their balance and range of motion. It’s a great way for kids to recuperate with fun-filled water activities.

Helps with sensory integration disorders

Children with autism experience physical drawbacks and a mild or severe sensory integration disorder that triggers tantrums or self-destructive behaviors. To minimize these issues, aquatic therapy includes activities meant to strengthen their skills.
• The hydrostatic pressure of the warm pool water envelopes the child’s body, applying a perfectly equal amount of pressure on all parts of the body. This soothing experience helps the child to organize sensory inputs and confidence to try new movements.
• Water exercise not only strengthens all muscles but also improves limb coordination, balance, and endurance. In water, the resistance experienced by the children when they move combined with the hydrostatic pressure enhance their motor skill and movement.
• Being in the water, a body becomes lighter and more buoyant. Children try new movements that may never dare to try on land.
• The warm water of the pool assists in relaxing muscles and vasodilation or widening of the blood vessels and in the process increases blood flow to the brain and damaged areas.
Aquatic therapists help individuals with autism to adjust to the temperature and pressure of the water. They provide personalized services and assist them during their sessions, easing anxiety and building confidence. The skilled services of professional aquatic therapists help individuals to recover their mobility and get back their normal activity level.
After aquatic therapy sessions, occupational therapists have reported better moods, improved focusing abilities and reinstated sensory processing abilities in children with autism. These renewed abilities support individuals to develop body awareness, gain touch tolerance, communicate and socialize with others.
Hence, for individuals with autism aquatic therapy is exclusively therapeutic. Parents can also visit here.
Explore the directory, of Autism Connect, with database that supports Autism. The link provides you with accurate information about registered aquatic therapists in various countries, state and cities.