Hydrotherapy: Fun and Effective Exercise for Kids
By Ben Hall – Paediatric Exercise Physiologist & Director of Ocean Kids Health
Hello again!
Today, I’m thrilled to dive into the world of hydrotherapy – a fantastic way for your kids to build their physical skills while splashing around and having loads of FUN!
Whether your child is a water lover or just starting to get their feet wet, hydrotherapy has something to offer everyone. In this blog, we’ll explore what hydrotherapy is, its benefits for children’s physical development, and the services we offer at Ocean Kids Health.
What is Hydrotherapy and How Does it Work?
Hydrotherapy uses water for therapeutic exercises. The buoyancy, resistance, and warmth of the water create an ideal environment for children to exercise, play, and develop their physical skills.
The water supports their body weight, making it easier to move and perform activities that might be challenging on land. The gentle resistance of the water helps build strength and endurance without stressing the joints. This is particularly beneficial for children with conditions like hypermobility or joint pain, as the water reduces impact and strain on their bodies.
The buoyancy of the water effectively reduces the feeling of gravity, allowing children to move more freely and confidently. They can practice walking, jumping, and other movements with less fear of falling or injury.
Additionally, the water’s resistance works every muscle group as they push and pull against it, helping to build overall muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance in a safe, controlled manner.
Hydrotherapy also promotes relaxation and reduces muscle tension. The warm water soothes muscles and joints, making exercises more comfortable. This therapeutic environment can be particularly calming for children with sensory processing issues, providing a comforting space for physical activity.
The Benefits of Hydrotherapy for Children’s Physical Development
- Improved Strength and Endurance: Water provides natural resistance, helping children build muscle strength and endurance in a fun and engaging way. The supportive environment of the pool reduces strain on their bodies, making exercise more accessible and effective.
- Enhanced Coordination and Balance: The buoyancy of the water allows children to practice movements that improve their coordination and balance. This is particularly beneficial for those with developmental delays or physical challenges, as it helps them achieve movements they might struggle with on land.
- Reduced Pain and Muscle Tension: The warm water soothes muscles and alleviates pain, making exercise more comfortable. This is especially helpful for children with conditions like hypermobility or joint pain, as it minimizes discomfort and promotes relaxation.
- Increased Confidence and Motivation: Hydrotherapy sessions are designed to be playful and enjoyable, boosting a child’s confidence and motivation to engage in physical activities. The positive, interactive nature of water exercises fosters a love for movement and a positive attitude towards staying active.
- Enhanced Functional Mobility: The water’s support allows children to practice movements that improve their overall functional mobility, such as walking, jumping, and balancing, with less fear of falling or injury. This can lead to better performance in everyday activities and greater independence.
Hydrotherapy Services at Ocean Kids Health
Our Hydrotherapy Services
At Ocean Kids Health, we offer specialized hydrotherapy sessions for children aged 0-12 years at PARC Frankston, where the pool is heated to a comfortable 34 degrees. Each session is tailored to meet the unique needs of the child, ensuring a safe and effective workout.
Our Team
Our hydrotherapy sessions are led by a team of experienced Paediatric Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists. They are trained to work with children of all abilities and are dedicated to helping each child reach their full potential through engaging and effective water-based exercises.
Our Programs and Services:
- During School Terms: Our Paediatric Physiotherapists and Paediatric Exercise Physiologists provide 1:1 Hydrotherapy sessions in the morning and afternoon at PARC during the school terms. These sessions are scheduled as a block, consisting of 1 x 45-minute session in the pool each week.
- During School Holidays: Our amazing team provides specialized hydrotherapy holiday programs! These involve a daily 1:1 session for 60 minutes, for 1 or 2 weeks, to help your child achieve their goals in record time. We love seeing your child progress more and more every day in our programs, while having so much fun along the way!
To book your child’s place in our termly or holiday hydrotherapy programs, please chat with your child’s treating therapist or contact our friendly admin team!
Thanks for reading!
Ben Hall
Director | Paediatric Exercise Physiologist
Ocean Kids Health
