What Really is Aquatic OT?
If you’ve heard anything about aquatic therapy, it’s probably been related to older adults working on fall prevention. In the current therapy world, it is a common misconception that the water is only an effective therapy tool for PTs working with older adults. However, the water can serve as a unique and incredible medium for a variety of populations and goals-including kids! This post will explain what regular OT is versus aquatic OT and discuss who may be a good fit for each service.
What is OT?
Occupational therapy (OT) is designed to improve participation in any daily occupations. An “occupation” is not just a job- it includes any sort of activity, routine, or role that an individual participates in on a regular basis. For children, some general, developmentally appropriate occupations include:
play/leisure
education and learning
functional mobility (getting around the house, school, sidewalks, etc. independently)
self-care (getting dressed, brushing teeth, bathing, etc.)
feeding/eating
social relationships-with both peers and family members
sleep
A child may need to attend OT if they are unable to successfully participate in any of these occupations. They may be struggling for a variety of reasons. They may have a disability, they may be recovering from an injury/accident, or they may have a developmental concern. In OT, a kiddo will work with their therapist to address specific functional goals that are designed to improve their ability to engage in their occupations. Additionally, OTs may work on certain skill areas including:
sensory processing and adaptation
attention
executive functioning (problem-solving, sequencing, planning, etc.)
behavior and regulation (transitions, meltdowns, emotional regulation, etc.)
communication and self-advocacy
motor skills (fine motor, gross motor, & oral motor)
self-care skills/steps
visual motor skills
handwriting
So, what about aquatic therapy:
To put it simply, aquatic OT addresses the same occupations and skills as traditional OT, but they are addressed in a swimming pool! All aquatic therapy goals are intended to improve a child’s performance in occupations outside of the water. However, the water has some unique qualities that allow OTs to address goals in a creative and unique way.
Here are 3 Reasons the Swimming Pool is Unique:
It provides a natural multi-sensory environment to address sensory adaptation
It offers a safe environment to work on skills that are too challenging to do on the land
It is highly motivating for kids and can increase their participation in therapy
OT in the clinic or in the water?
Both services can be very useful. It is important to consider a child’s needs to determine which environment may be best suited for their OT journey. Some kiddos that may respond well to working in the water include those with:
sensory and regulation concerns
both sensitivities and seeking behaviors
affinity for the water/swimming
therapy will be highly motivating
fear/discomfort related to water
it is a positive & child-led environment to work on it
delayed motor skills
buoyancy and viscosity allow for increased mobility in the water
safety concerns
the pool is a natural environment to address self-awareness and safety skills
Aquatic therapy can also serve as a wonderful supplement to clinic-based services. Yes, kiddos can participate in both therapies at the same time! Read about some specific skills I love to address in the water here.
Some kiddos may do better working in the clinic/home including those who:
need to work ONLY on fine motor/handwriting concerns
are immunocompromised (increased risk of infection working with wet materials)
have high muscle spasticity/contractures (unless there is a very warm pool or hot tub)
have too many commitments (aquatic OT requires additional preparation/energy and can be tiring)