Aquatic Therapy at FIVAN

Aquatic therapy

Aquatic therapy has been and continues to be one of the most effective treatments for a multitude of pathologies in terms of rehabilitation, thanks to its physical properties. Warm water and the characteristics of the aquatic environment offer a series of benefits and opportunities to work on the recovery of patients with diverse neurological pathologies. The water temperature in the FIVAN pool is 35 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for working with the neurological population. In addition, we have a dehumidifier that always keeps the pool area and changing rooms with a constant relative humidity and an ambient temperature of 32 degrees Celsius. The pool chlorination system is through a saline chlorinator and UV filter.

This type of therapy in the water combines a series of active, passive, assisted exercises and maneuvers performed by the patient with assistance, if necessary, from the therapist or a family member to work on the objectives set. It is a very effective technique since it allows us to work on exercises and postures that would be very difficult outside the water. The pool is an enriched environment in which learning is facilitated due to its less restrictive and more inclusive conditions, while at the same time favoring social inclusion.

Benefits of the therapeutic pool

Some of the benefits of the therapeutic pool in neurological rehabilitation include:

  1. Buoyancy: Water provides buoyancy, which reduces the weight of the body and decreases the load on the joints and spine. This facilitates the performance of movements and exercises that may be difficult to do on land.
  2. Resistance: Water generates resistance to movement, which helps to strengthen muscles and improve motor control in patients.
  3. Hydrostatics: The hydrostatic pressure of the water improves blood circulation and venous return, which can be beneficial in reducing edema and promoting wound healing.
  4. Muscle relaxation: The warm temperature of the water promotes muscle relaxation and the reduction of spasticity in patients with neurological disorders.
  5. Sensory stimulation: The aquatic environment offers a variety of sensory stimuli that can be useful in neurological rehabilitation, such as tactile and proprioceptive stimulation.
  6. Improved balance and coordination: The instability inherent in the aquatic environment provides an opportunity to work on improving balance and coordination in patients with neurological disorders.

We use the therapeutic pool in the neurological rehabilitation of patients with various conditions, such as cerebral palsy, strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and degenerative diseases. Aquatic therapy should be part of a multidisciplinary approach to patient rehabilitation.

In 2021, the second edition of the Aquatic Therapy Manual was published. Approaches from physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, edited by Javier Güeita Rodríguez and María Alfonso Fraile. This manual is committed to comprehensively addressing all aspects of therapeutic procedures in the aquatic environment. From FIVAN, Chantal Esteve and Ruth Izquierdo collaborated with the chapter on Speech Therapy Intervention in the Aquatic Environment for addressing communication and language in children.