Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood. Hydrotherapy can be a gentle but highly effective form of treatment for cerebral palsy (CP). Hydrotherapy (also known as aquatic therapy, aqua therapy or water therapy) can help children with cerebral palsy go through a series of movements that can gently stretch the rigid muscles associated with the condition.
Hydrotherapy can relax and soften muscles in a way better than other cerebral palsy treatments. It’s also useful for speech therapy as it improves vocalization, respiratory function and motor skills. Hydrotherapy improves muscle tone and strength while increasing circulation, endurance flexibility, the range of motion, balance and coordination. The buoyancy of the water relieves pressure on the muscles and joints, while the gentle resistance helps to build or improve muscle tone. Hydrotherapy is an excellent treatment for anyone living with cerebral palsy, especially children. This is because hydrotherapy, especially if started early enough in the child’s life, can reduce the discomfort and deformities often associated with cerebral palsy leading to a more active, healthy and independent life.
Depending on the individual, the advantages of Hydrotherapy for Cerebral Palsy are:
- Reduce pain and muscle spasm
- Strengthen weak muscle groups
- Improve coordination
- Improve posture
- Improve balance