Toddlers suffering from severe physical challenges and restricted movement can float on the pool surface using specially designed equipment and maximize the movement they have or be moved and facilitated by their physiotherapist to maintain joint range. Those suffering from complicated neurological issues can benefit from hydrotherapy, as water has the ability to assist and resist movement. It is also helpful for those infants that require strength and stability to protect them from painful and loose joints.
There are plenty of ways hydrotherapy can help ease the pain, whilst encouraging movement and exercise. Most individuals are aware of older people using hydrotherapy to help relieve aches and pains, but not many people are aware that this form of physical therapy helps infants with severe physical challenges as well. The water also has a sensory benefit for infants. Some babies with sensory processing disorders may struggle with sensory overload. The sensory and pressure effect of water immersion provides a calming effect on the infant, may dampen over-stimulation, and reduce stress caused by over stimulation. An extra benefit of hydrotherapy is that it can assist in weight control, enhance sleep patterns, and decrease anxiety.
Key Features that make hydrotherapy effective?
The key features that make hydrotherapy an effective physical therapy is:
• Buoyancy: When the baby is placed in the water, its body weight is carried by the water creating a sensation often referred to as ‘feeling weightless’. As the body weight carries the baby in the water, the baby can strengthen its muscles without feeling like they are exerting too much stress. This aquatic therapy also aids balance and reduces pain.
• Water Resistance: When an infant is placed in the pool, the water creates resistance, ensuring muscle and movement resistance, and building up the toddler’s strength level.
• Hydrostatic Pressure: The pressure on the body lessens swelling in the hands, arms, feet, ankles, and legs. It also helps free tight muscles.
• Water Temperature: In hydrotherapy, water temperature is really important. If the water is at the right temperature, it eases the mind, relaxes muscles, and relieves anxiety and stress.
Hydrotherapy for infants with Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy is a lifelong condition caused by a problem with the brain either before, during, or very soon after a baby is born. Stiff and weak arms and legs, fidgety, uncoordinated, and uncontrolled random movements are symptoms of Cerebral Palsy. Using hydrotherapy can have a positive impact on these symptoms and improve everyday functional skills for an infant with Cerebral Palsy:
The warmth from the temperature-controlled swimming pool encourages the infant to relax and affects their neuromuscular functions. This relaxation helps in the decrease in muscle tone and spasticity.
One of the symptoms of Cerebral Palsy is stiff/painful joints, so the buoyancy of the water helps assist the movement in the joints.
The buoyancy of the water reduces fears of potential injury when trying new movements. This allows toddlers to improve their range of movement.
Another important point is that toddlers don’t need to be able to swim to do hydrotherapy. Buoyancy aids are used for their safety. You can rest assured; a certified member of staff will always be there supporting them.
Introduce your baby to Hydrotherapy today!
Finding ways to effectively bond with your baby can be challenging especially for busy working parents. When you do find the time, you can do only so much with babies who are in their pre-crawling stage. This is where Giggly Panda Baby Spa comes in. Giggly Panda Baby Spa provides indoor hydrotherapy for babies. Water therapy from birth is great for toddlers brain health and physical development even before they start crawling. In each session, we will encourage your infant to use his/her brain and muscles to help them grow stronger. When your baby kicks around in the water, it creates small rocking movements that helps improve their balance and coordination, and eventually support their ability to crawl, walk and swim. Even if your toddler falls asleep in the pool, that rocking motion will stimulate their rhythmic breathing. We pride ourselves on developing bonds, especially for busy parents. At Giggly Panda Baby Spa, we encourage every parent to be hands-on. From the baby warm-up session to dressing them up, our highly experienced and trained hydro therapist will guide and demonstrate every movement to make sure it is done safely and correctly.