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