Aquatic Therapy Impact on the Brain

The brain is involved in completing all movements (motor tasks), a complex process involving telling the body which muscles to use and how much force is needed. The brain knows how to complete these tasks based on information it is receiving from the world around it (sensory information).

For individuals who have sensory processing difficulties, these tasks and sequences are even more complex and confusing, as the sensory information may not be perceived clearly. Therefore, the brain may signal use of incorrect muscles or use too much or too little force. Movements may look clumsy, fast or slow moving, and poorly planned out.

For these individuals aquatic therapy can have a positive impact, helping the brain to better make sense of this information and then demonstrate improvements in motor tasks.

How does it work?

The water is able to slow the body down. Oftentimes individuals with sensory processing difficulties demonstrate uncoordinated movement patterns. They move based on momentum rather than having slow and controlled movements. Immersion forces the individual to slow down, giving the brain time to interpret what is going on within the environment. The brain is getting additional information of hydrostatic pressure (water pressure against the body), allowing for more proprioceptive input (muscle awareness), and buoyancy aids in both supporting and inhibiting the focus on balance depending on how it is utilized. The tactile system is supported and put at ease within a temperature-neutral environment, allowing the brain to focus more on motor control.

In therapeutic sessions at Lullaby Waters, games and activities are utilized to promote desired motor patterns, and repetition of these motions allows the brain to establish a clearer picture within a controlled aquatic environment that can be replicated and carried over to land-based activities.

For these and additional therapies, please contact Lullaby Waters at (208) 949-3481.
http://www.lullabywaters.com

Aquatic Therapy for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a diagnosis that has many variables, and the effects can range greatly - from minor to debilitating. Many of the common attributes can be vastly improved through the therapeutic use of water.

We have seen great gains at Lullaby Waters in individuals with Cerebral Palsy. Common attributes we address during our sessions include:

Poor Coordination
The brain has difficulty making connections for functional and purposeful movements, therefore we can utilize the water to help with ease of movement and fluidity of motion. Repetitive swaying and movement within the water can help the brain to make these connections and increase coordinated movement patterns.

Stiff Muscles
Warm water sensation is able to sooth and ease tense muscles, allowing them to relax. We are able to mobilize and comfort simultaneously.

Weak Muscles
Hydrostatic pressure of the water provides pressure to the body, where every movement is met with the resistance of water. This allows the body to increase strength.

Joint Contractures
Mobility and range of motion of joints within the aquatic environment provide unique angles and ability to increase comfort and movement.

Sensation
The body may feel deregulated and have difficulty interpreting sensation typically. Therefore the aquatic environment can provide soothing comfort and pleasant sensations all over that can help to reset and regulate.
Vision/hearing- We can modify the environment to accommodate the individual's needs to make it either alerting or calming through lighting and auditory input. 

Thinking and Reasoning
Problem solving, sequencing tasks and games can be implemented in conjunction with the desired body motions and movement patterns during therapy.

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Soothing the body and allowing for increased regulation of the muscles and joints can improve coordination and movement patterns. Aquatic therapy can help with achieving milestones such as rolling over, sitting up, crawling or walking.

For more information or to inquire about a session, please contact Lullaby Waters at 208-985-5265.

A Peaceful Place

The most important thing to me when opening Lullaby Waters was the environment. I truly believe that in order to get to a point where progress can be made, peace needs to be achieved. I was so passionate about the benefits of water that I wanted to believe strides could be made anywhere. I tried and I tried, but I was wrong.

For nearly two years, I spent every waking minute developing the environment you see today at Lullaby Waters. The pool, the sounds, the visuals – all of it was designed to provide an environment that could be tailored to specific needs, so that anyone could find the progress they were seeking for themselves or their children.

Simply put, the therapeutic environment at Lullaby Waters is something that you will not find anywhere else in Boise. It is a place of peace, where personalized, private sessions take place without the commotion of a public space or community setting. Distractions are minimized, stimuli are eliminated and progress is made.

The Water

Our custom-built pool is kept between 95 and 96 degrees, which is one of the most important components of our facility. The temperature-neutral zone, meaning at body temperature, allows the body to focus on something other than temperature regulation. The receptors for sensation relax without any effort from the individual, providing a pleasant sensation and putting the body at ease, which allows for growth in other areas.

The Sound

Auditory input is unique to each individual. Perception of sound may register high or low, which is why in our one-on-one sessions we modify auditory components to meet specific needs. From complete silence, to quiet music or white noise, individual preferences and what creates an environment built to thrive are what dictate the auditory aspects of sessions at Lullaby Waters.

The Visuals

Studies have documented the calming effect of blue lighting. We utilize a dimmer switch to create desired effects in the room, which includes a ceiling painted as a tranquil night sky. Blue lighting and hues add to visuals designed to induce calm and peace. We sometimes turn off the lights completely, allowing the light within the pool and the blue shimmer of the water guide our sessions. Once you step into our pool, everywhere you look you will find peace.

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In summation, prior to opening Lullaby Waters, there wasn’t a single individual I encountered in therapy that I didn’t think would benefit from an aquatic environment. There are so many things we do out of the water that, when replicated in the water, seemingly increase our gains exponentially. This was my dream, and I truly believe that Lullaby Waters is a place where progress is made through a state of peaceful serenity.

For these and other therapies please contact Lullaby Waters at 208-985-5265

Aquatic Therapy for Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a wonderful time for a woman. It is so exciting to feel a life growing inside you and there are many joys. There is also a lot of stress and change occurring to the woman's body. For some, this may take away from the joyous parts of pregnancy. 

Our therapy is gentle and beneficial, and can help regain the desired focus, creating peace once again and making way for progress and joy.

What does the therapy look and feel like? We gently cradle and float you through warm water and begin to mobilize your joints. We allow the anti-gravity environment to take the stress off of your joints. You begin to settle in to the weightlessness.

We allow the temperature-neutral environment to take away any skin irritation or sensitivities that you may be feeling from growth and expansion. We gently massage any edema, as you are also provided gentle pressure as the water surrounds you, which allows for increased circulation and promotes cardiovascular health.

We help to elongate your body and muscles, teaching your body how to relax and soothe. We are aligning your body, which allows your muscles to find peace in their new positions and increase your stability. We can mobilize and massage to decrease any nerve pain, minimizing discomfort.

After your session your body will feel at peace, and this generally improves mood and ability to sleep.

At Lullaby Waters, we truly believe in our technique, which promotes a healthy and joyous pregnancy. For more information for this and other therapy approaches, call 208-985-5265.

Peace=Progress

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