Water has always been considered healing or therapeutic in many ways. Warm water can be relaxing and stimulating at the same time. It’s easier to learn to move in the non-restrictive environment of the water than it is on land, plus water therapy can be turned into a very playful time so that therapy doesn’t feel like therapy.

• Exercises in the water are low impact. There is much less worry about stressing joints or muscles in the water.
• The warm water can also relax stiff muscles so kids can gain flexibility in the water they may not have on land.
• For Down syndrome babies with low muscle tone (hypotonia), there is much less gravity in the water so it’s easier for them to move using less strength. They can be buoyed and supported by the water while they exercise.
• Children and babies with proprioceptive difficulties may also find themselves kicking their legs or hitting themselves in inappropriate ways in an attempt to get that feedback that they are missing. The constant light pressure that surrounds the body in the water is the perfect antidote to this problem. Learning to move in the water is so much easier because you are much more aware of your body and your movements.
• Another problem common for kids with vision impairments is difficulty processing directional cues. Which way is up? Am I standing straight, or leaning to the side? The water with its constant push up is the perfect place to learn the concepts of up and down.
• Exercises in the water can be done in different positions comfortably and safely since you don’t have to worry about gravity or falling.
• Water provides a natural resistance that can increase muscle strength, but this resistance is proportional to the effort exerted against it, so the harder you push or kick, the more of a workout you get. If you can’t push as hard, you get a small work out. The water automatically adjusts to your child’s needs.

• It is easier to exercise longer in the water
• Swimming improves mental health
• Swimming can improve family connections because all family members can participate together
• Something that children can continue to do for the rest of their lives
• Teaches important safety skills to prevent drowning
• Helps prevent childhood obesity common problem with DS due to hypothyroidism or lazy nature. Also they love to eat.
• Provides cardiovascular activity that promotes heart and lung health
• Improves stamina, flexibility, strength, balance and posture

Many research reports show the benefits of aquatic therapy as an adjunct to traditional therapy. While there is always room for more research, getting kids into the water is not only beneficial, it’s fun for them and potentially the whole family!

The Pediatric physiotherapist will assess the children for the suitability of attending hydrotherapy

• If the child will benefit more in water than with land exercise
• Contraindications of hydrotherapy will be checked eg ear infections common in DS , skin problems
• There is an adult accompanying the child during the hydrotherapy session

• Children not toilet trained should be brought to toilet before entering water and with a clean diaper.
• Heavy meal is not recommended before water entry
• Children with small wound should be sealed with water proof bandage.

1. Each hydrotherapy session lasts 30 minutes
2. Each round will include 8 sessions either once/ weekly or twice/ weekly
3. Program is tailored to needs
4. Group treatment if there are DS children numbering 5  or more