Children with Special Needs
Cerebral Palsy
Children with cerebral palsy usually have weakness and stiffness in many of their muscles, especially those in their legs, and these things affect their functional abilities. They are able to sit on their own but need chairs that have support on the back and on the sides. With a little help from another person, they may be able stand up and take one or two steps to transfer from one place to another but not walking.
Hydrotherapy sessions are extremely useful for these children. The warmth of the water is relaxing and helps to take away some of their muscle stiffness. The buoyancy of the water decreases joint loading and mitigates the impact of poor postural control and balance. The resulting facilitation of movement for those with severe physical disabilities can help to build strength, endurance, range of motion, and balance.. The support and the decreased muscle stiffness make movement easier. Movement is important for these children for many reasons: it improves their circulation; helps keep their muscles flexible; improves their muscle strength; improves the range available at each of their joints; helps them to control their weight; and increases their functional skills and independence.
Ultrasonic hydrotherapy sessions exercise these children physically and promote blood circulation. Regular use of ultrasonic hydrotherapy will enhance flexibility of muscles, strengthen muscles, lubricate joints, control body weights and improve their body coordination.
Autism
Several studies have documented that children with autism can experience success in aquatics. The researchers also observed that many children with autism experience more success in attaining movement skills in an aquatic environment, as opposed to a gymnasium setting. For example, the buoyancy of the water and the decreased effects of gravity may allow an individual to practice important play skills with fewer body constraints. In other words, children who experience movement difficulties might be more successful in water because the combination of the weightlessness and the opportunity to practice different movement patterns may contribute to a successful and enjoyable experience.
Ultrasonic hydrotherapy sessions bring about relaxation via the gentle massage by millions of bubbles. A 15-minute session is equivalent to a 1-hour professional massage. It is also an excellent form of heat therapy and it promotes rapid internal warming and perspiration. Hence, it is a good way of detoxification for these children. The essential oils added to the ultrasonic hydrotherapy sessions further enhance its effectiveness, especially in relaxing the whole body and stimulating detoxification via perspiration. Children who undergo ultrasonic hydrotherapy daily have been shown to have strong immune system.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a group of fatal genetic disorders that cause progressive muscular degeneration and loss of function. There is currently no known cure for SMA. Treatment consists of managing the symptoms and preventing complications.
Water therapy may be very helpful in treating SMA as the buoyancy of the water allows movement of the arms and legs that may not otherwise be possible. It is important to ensure that the water temperature is at least 90˚F and that the patient's head does not go under the water. Regular hydrotherapy sessions can improve mobility, restore function, and reduce pain. In one research, hydrotherapy sessions (twice weekly) were added to the treatment plan of 50 patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) who were being treated with individual conventional physiotherapy. After two years of ongoing treatment, the researchers were able to observe that the deformities in hip, knee and foot were progressive in all SMA Type II patients, and in some Type III. Muscle strength stabilized in most SMA Type III patients, and improved in some. In all patients we were able to detect an improvement in the Barthel Ladder scale. This study suggests that a measurable improvement in the quality of daily living may be obtained in patients with SMA Types II and III subjected to conventional physiotherapy when associated with hydrotherapy. Details of this study can be found here.
Progressive weakness and loss of function of the arms and legs in SMA patients may create other problems such as tightness of the joints (contractures) and painful muscle cramps. It is important to assist children in getting into an upright position at the earliest possible age. Standing is important in development because it allows for better breathing, improved bowel function, and greater mobility. Ultrasonic hydrotherapy sessions can strengthen muscles, lubricate joints, reduce muscle pains and muscle cramps.
Children with type I and type II SMA are especially vulnerable to breathing complications. Essential oils used in conjunction with ultrasonic hydrotherapy can reduce chances of respiratory infections and increase immunity. Children who undergo regular ultrasonic hydrotherapy treatments have stronger immunity due to an increase in body temperature and better blood circulation.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Hydrotherapy helps children concentrate in class. Some children with special needs find it difficult to learn if they are not at ease, and hydrotherapy is extremely useful in this.
Some ADHD children might also have anxiety disorder or depression, they are often prescribed psycho-stimulants. These drugs have many side effects. Ultrasonic hydrotherapy with appropriate use of essential oils such as cammomile and lavender can lessen the effect of these conditions and hence reduce the use of psycho-stimulants and thus their side effects.
Ultrasonic hydrotherapy also promotes rapid internal warming and perspiration. As such, it is a good form of detoxification for these children, which in turn can improve the ADHD conditions.
Ultrasonic hydrotherapy promotes blood circulation and hence supports the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. It does so by providing a good flow of oxygen and nutrient rich blood to the brain and peripheries, and at the same time, metabolic wastes are remove timely.
