Aquatic Therapy for Anxiety

We all get anxiety at some point in our lives, maybe at some point every single day.

The way we respond to anxiety varies. The way we physically react can also vary, as we often hold tension in our body. For some it is held in the shoulders, neck and jaw; for others it may be the stomach, back or a combination of the two. What we are feeling mentally and emotionally is transpired physically.

Often children with a diagnosis are working extra hard because they may not quite fit in socially, mentally or physically, and their bodies are also carrying this burden. Often children and adults may not know what calm is, or how to get there.

So what do we do? How do we help?

We create a warm and soothing, temperature-neutral environment for them.

A temperature-neutral environment is created at Lullaby Waters by keeping the water at body temperature. The tactile sensory receptors of the body cannot determine where the body ends and the water begins, therefore the receptors are able to stop working and relax. The hydrostatic pressure created by the water against the body gives gentle compression (proprioceptive input) which acts like a gentle, all-over hug. The body stops holding tension physically and the muscles relax. We are able to rock and sway, allowing the body to continually feel calm and peaceful while also mobilizing and stretching the joints that have been working so hard.

We whisper to the child, "This is what calm feels like," and they have a physical reference to draw from going forward. We continue creating these scenarios to help reduce tension and anxiety. We play games to create movement patterns that we want to achieve out of the water, because now the child will feel without tension, creating a positive association. We create tasks that they have to cognitively process, because now they are not thinking about their body and discomfort and are able to process this information.

We are creating a positive experience physically, emotionally and socially to reduce anxiety and allow for higher-functioning cognitive processes to occur. We are decreasing and eliminating anxiety, because at Lullaby Waters we truly believe that Peace=Progress.

For this and other therapy services please check out our website at www.lullabywaters.com and give us a call at: 208-985-5265