Warm Water Therapy

Therapeutic use of warm water is one of the oldest and most effective types of treatment for students with physical disabilities. Only water can provide consistent resistance from range of motion while offering support to the body. Children are more comfortable in warm water and therefore more willing to try new skills. Water resistance and warm temperatures relax muscles, thereby reducing spasticity and pain. Due to physical properties of water students can exercise and move in ways not possible on land. In addition to the physical benefits that warm water therapy has on the body, there is also the emotional enrichment. As a child develops the ability to move and enjoy the water, there is a definite improvement in their self-awareness and self-esteem. The achievement of simple skills gives the child a sense of independence and accomplishment.