The Benefits of Aquatic Therapy in Improving Balance
Carl, one of our Senior Physiotherapists based in Geelong VIC, shares his knowledge on the benefits of aquatic therapy in improving balance for clients.
Who might benefit from balance training?
Balance training is not just for individuals who have a history of falls. Other factors participants can display that may indicate the need for balance training can include:
- Changes in the person’s ability to dual-task during walking or transfers. Dual-tasking refers to the ability to perform two tasks simultaneously such as transporting a meal to the table or being able to meaningfully engage in a conversation with a support worker whilst walking.
- A history of “near misses” (for example, tripping or stumbling) related to balance.
- Avoidance of previously enjoyed areas in their home or community, such as the local takeaway shop or backyard.
- Preference for furniture walking (holding onto furniture for balance) when moving around.
- Changes in reactive balance control after unexpected perturbations, such as being bumped into whilst at the shops.
- Recent acquisition of assistive technology or home modifications to aid mobility/transfers.
- Changes to a person’s medical condition or new comorbidities that have impacted their sensory inputs, sensory processing, motor outputs, and feedback mechanisms.
- Delays in gross motor skills in infants, children and teenagers
Why use aquatic therapy for balance training?
When it comes to balance training, a one-size-fits-all solution does not exist. Each program should be carefully tailored to address the specific needs and circumstances of the individual. Aquatic therapy, in particular, offers several unique benefits:
- In order for balance exercises to be effective, they need to be delivered at an appropriate difficulty. Aquatic therapy can alleviate anxiety about falling making it easier for a person to participate in therapy.
- Heated hydrotherapy pools benefit a wide range of needs, including chronic pain and sensory processing or regulation difficulties. The buoyancy of the water allows individuals to participate in exercise programs with greater ease. The warmth of the water offers pain relief and helps those with sensory issues to better engage in therapy, creating a more comfortable and effective therapeutic experience.
- The safety of the water can make it easier to complete perturbation-based balance training and prescribe exercises that can safely be completed by a person and their supports.
- Promotes community engagement by offering a supportive and accessible environment for physical activity and can aid in building and maintaining sustainable habits. Additionally, aquatic physiotherapy can foster social connections and encourage participation in local wellness programs, further integrating individuals into their community.
Improve your Client’s Balance with National 360
Looking to improve your client’s function? National 360 currently has no waitlists for Physiotherapy in regions across the country.
Learn more about our Physiotherapy services here, and submit an enquiry or referral with our fantastic team using the links below:
- Please use our enquiry form here
- Click here for an NDIS referral form: NDIS Referral Form
- Click here for an Aged Care referral form: Aged Care Referral Form
- Click here for a Private referral form: Private Client Referral
Learn more about Senior Physiotherapist, Carl!
Carl is a Senior Physiotherapist based in Geelong VIC. Since starting his career as a Physiotherapist in 2020, Carl has been actively involved in the NDIS and HCP sectors. His extensive expertise across the lifespan allows him to approach patient care with creativity and flexibility.