Hydrotherapy at Naomi House & Jacksplace
At Naomi House & Jacksplace, physiotherapy is an important part of the palliative care we provide. One of the ways that our physiotherapists can support children and young adults is during hydrotherapy sessions. These sessions offer a holistic approach to physiotherapy, combining exercises, relaxation and fun.
Hydrotherapy offers many benefits to children and young adults who visit our hospices. Hydrotherapy uses the natural properties of water to help manage symptoms, such as pain, increased muscle tightness and increased joint movement. Unlike traditional pools, hydrotherapy pools are heated to 34 degrees, as opposed to 26 degrees at a public pool and this provides a lot of therapeutic benefits such as increased circulation, reduced muscle spasms and reduced swelling.
We spoke to our physiotherapist, Kathryn, who gave us some insight into why hydrotherapy is beneficial for children and young adults who visit Naomi House & Jacksplace.
Hydrotherapy pools are lovely and warm. When children and young adults are in the pool, the heat of the water helps to reduce stiffness in any tight muscles, which can reduce their pain and increase the amount of movement they have in their joints. The physiotherapy exercises we do in the pool including stretches and strength exercises add to those effects.
In other pool settings, the environment can feel very clinical and challenging for families to access due to needing hoists etc. The pool at Naomi House & Jacksplace is beautiful with all the lights, bubbles and water wall features, alongside all the equipment needed to support the children and young people. This provides a unique experience for families and a magical place to make memories together. Our whole Care team facilitate swims with parents, carers and siblings. This provides opportunities for some quality time together even during more challenging times.
The hoists installed in the hydrotherapy area allow children and young adults to be safely transferred in and out of the pool. Once they are in the water, our Play & Activities team and Care team can turn the pool into a magical dreamland by setting up twinkling lights, transform it into a pool party, water fight or putting on music to aid relaxation and bring a spa feel to the swim. This all adds up to creating an immersive sensory experience for children and young adults. It’s simply fun to be in the pool, splashing in the water and feeling the freedom of floating.
Being in the water means that children and young adults can experience the freedom from being manually supported or restricted in their wheelchairs. All of that pressure goes away in a pool. While they are in the water, we can be less hands on, as water’s buoyancy lifts them up and with the addition of floatation aids they can float, which is a special feeling you cannot re-create in any other environment. The freedom of floating, is a unique experience for someone who might not have the strength to lift themselves up when they are out of the water. They have more control of their limbs. It must be so freeing for them to be able to do what they want to do.
We can also support children and young people into a standing position in the water, which for many is not possible on land. This allows them to be face to face and eye to eye with their family. It also allows for family cuddles and kisses not leaning over a wheelchair or bed. It is a privilege to facilitate that.
Hydrotherapy can be transformative for children and young adults who visit Naomi House & Jacksplace. It is an activity that can enrich their lives during their stay, from offering symptom relief to creating a magical experience to enjoy with their family. Our hospices are open 365 days a year, and our hydrotherapy pool provides children, young adults and their families experiences they can cherish forever.