Learning Difficulties

There may be difficulties with understanding and body movement, potentially being immobile and dependent on walking aids or a wheelchair.

Treatment within the water is beneficial because it:

  • encourages relaxation and reduces fear and anxiety. It promotes feelings of wellbeing and enjoyment even if understanding is limited.

  • supports the body easily enabling the therapist to move the person so they can experience the waters sensory stimulation and freedom from weightlessness.

  • assists movements that would otherwise can be difficult against gravity potentially enabling functional activities such as standing and walking.

  • provides the physiological benefits of immersion on the body even with relative inactivity, including improved circulation, heart, lung and kidney function as well as reduced pain and anxiety.

Epilepsy and incontinence are not contraindications to treatment and can be managed to permit treatment.

Aquatic physiotherapy (hydrotherapy) involves both exercises and therapeutic handling techniques within warm water 34-35°C. The properties of water and physiological effects of immersion on the body provide benefits over what land treatment can offer.