Hydrotherapy
We are very lucky to have access to the hydrotherapy pool next to the school. We have several hydrotherapy support sessions there every week.
Students with physical needs are referred to use the hydrotherapy pool. This is with the agreement from our SENCo and parents/ carers.
Some students may attend the pool sessions to build their self-esteem, through mentoring other students in the pool, under the supervision of the adults, or through building social skills outside the classroom.
Crowdys Hill staff attend and lead the hydrotherapy sessions.
Reports on their progress are yearly. The impact for the student is not always a physical improvement, as some of our students use the pool for maintenance of their physical abilities.
Why do we use it?
Aqua therapy, hydrotherapy or pool therapy is physical therapy that is carried out in water.
Aquatic therapy uses the resistance of the water as the medium to exercise against. It aims to rehabilitate the body after accident, injury or surgery. It actively and passively rehabilitates musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiopulmonary conditions. Aquatic therapy uses the water's properties as the primary therapeutic medium, reducing the pressure on the spine and joints throughout the body, so if you have had an injury that prevents you from weight bearing on land, the buoyancy of water assists in supporting the body weight, whilst you can improve muscle strength and mobility through the injured limb.
Exercising in water decreases joint compression whilst increasing range of movement, muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular and cardio respiratory fitness. Aquatic exercise is excellent for mind and body relaxation and stress reduction; coordination and fall prevention for those with poor mobility.
Due to viscosity, drag forces and frontal resistance, water provides a resistance which is proportional to the effort exerted against it. Resistance in water is between 4 and 42 times greater than in air, depending on the speed of movement and surface area.
A key benefit of exercise in water, unlike most land based exercise, is that it provides 360º resistance for 100% of the time. The unique properties of water enable your heart to work more efficiently. The hydrostatic pressure of water pushes equally on all body surfaces and helps the heart circulate blood by aiding venous return - blood flow back to the heart. This assistance to the heart accounts for lower blood pressure and heart rates during water exercise.
Benefits of Water Therapy & Aqua Exercise
Decreases pain
Decreases blood pressure
Improves circulation
Increases bone density
Minimises impact on joints
Improves flexibility & range of motion
Improves motor control
Improves postural awareness & alignment
Decreases oedema
Stimulates production of serotonin
Sessions are for 30 minutes each. Spaces are very limited and only advised where it is needed in order for the child to be able to access their learning.
If you have any questions about our curriculum, please don't hesitate to contact us.