Aquatic Therapy
Offered at PMC Aquatics at Hagerstown
Aquatic therapy can be used as a modality to occupational and physical therapy programs to provide functional-play based skilled intervention, facilitation of neurodevelopmental technique, sensory based applications to promote strength, body awareness, postural control and increased range of motion. The water is a modality that decreases the gravitational force on our bodies to improve the outcome of the interventions.
What is Aquatic Therapy?
Skilled aquatic therapy is completed in a pool, with a temperature-regulated system, based on the foundation of zero gravity and buoyancy of a person’s body weight.
Benefits of Aquatic Therapy:
Research has shown that aquatic therapy promotes an increase in muscle tone, improved extensibility of soft tissue and global relaxation of our bodies. The buoyancy of the water provides postural stability to our bodies, therefore, increasing efficiency of cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive and musculoskeletal systems. The buoyancy of the water also provides consistent proprioceptive input through the trunk and extremities, resulting in improvement in core strength and postural control.
Aquatic Information for Patients
How to Get Started
- Obtain a prescription (also called an order) from your child's physician that states one or more of the following:
- Aquatic physical therapy
- Aquatic occupational therapy
- Provide the order to PMC
- Fax it to the Pediatric Movement Center at 301-739-7453
- Call a team member for assistance at 301-739-5437
- Call a member of our team to get scheduled!
What to Expect at Your First Visit:
At your first appointment, the initial evaluation, a therapist will conduct an assessment to determine recommendations for a plan or care, as well as setting therapy goals that are determined in collaboration between therapist and patient (family/guardian). This appointment is done on land and will take approximately 1 hour to complete. If you have any relevant information (medical history, scans...) you are encouraged to bring that material to this appointment for an in depth consultation. At this appointment the therapist will determine if aquatic therapy is medically appropriate for any patient. Assuming that aquatic therapy is appropriate, the recommended frequency of treatment (number of days per week and length of each session) would be discussed, and scheduled.
Diagnosis treated (but not limited to):
Cerebral palsy, Autism, Developmental Coordination Disorder, SMA, Muscular Dystrophy, Chronic Pain, Balance Dysfunction, Scoliosis , Musculoskeletal impairments- such as post sports injury, ankle sprain, low back injury/dysfunction, arthritis, Abnormal Muscle Tone
Available at the Following PMC Location(s)
PMC Aquatics at Hagerstown
1105 Maryland Avenue
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: 301-739-5437
Fax: 301-739-7453
Take a Virtual Tour and Learn More About the Additional Services Offered at:
PMC Aquatics at Hagerstown
In addition to aquatic physical therapy and aquatic occupational therapy, PMC offers clients traditional (land-based) physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy at our PMC Aquatics at Hagerstown location. We also offer a comprehensive feeding program.
Welcome Letter
Learn about the benefits of aquatic therapy and what you can expect when
you participate in PMC's Aquatic Program
Aquatic Waiver
PMC Aquatic Waiver for all clients interested in participating in PMC's
Aquatic Program
New Patient Paperwork
New client paperwork to be completed before scheduling a aquatic therapy evaluation at PMC
Pool Quick Facts
- Guldmann Lift System (chair lift for transfers, and training in the water)
- Therapeutic temperature between 87-92 degrees.
- Available to all clients are appropriate floatation devices based on clients height/weight/need (example: life vests, pool noodles, adjustable foam swim collars)
Aquatic Program Facts and Safety Features
- 1:1 ratio for therapist to patient
- Therapeutic techs in the water with a therapist as well as on “deck”- out of the water but within the pool center.
- PMC aquatic staff are certified in lifeguarding and certified pool operators.
- PMC aquatic therapists are certified in the
Swim AngelFish
program, which trains aquatic therapists to identify the needs of each person within the pool, adapting a unique and diverse treatment plan in regards to each person's ability and challenges, and tailoring each session with unique ways to promote developmental progression and success within the water.
What Are The Benefits of Aquatic Therapy?
- Improve balance
- Improve coordination
- Provide non-weight bearing exercises
- Muscle strengthening
- Improve range of motion
- Improve endurance
- Sensory input
Common Diagnosis Treated
Autism and PDD
Autism and pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) often interfere with a person's ability to communicate with and relate to others.
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder in children.
Premature
Infants
Premature babies can have long-term physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities. Early treatment can help premature babies lead, healthier lives.
Down Syndrome
Kids with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome that impacts how a person looks and their ability to think, learn, and reason.
Torticollis
Does your baby’s head seem tilted? It could be a condition called Torticollis that causes the head to rotate and tilt at an odd angle.
Orthopedic
Injuries
Orthopedic injuries include any injury to the musculoskeletal system. Often, these injuries relating to the bones and joints are a result of an accident or trauma.
Genetic Disorders
Many genetic disorders result from gene changes resulting in disorders that often affect many systems of the body.
Spina Bifida
Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect apparent at birth that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly.
Developmental Delay
Developmental delays may be caused my a variety of factors and occur in the areas of motor function, speech and language, cognitive, play, and social skills.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy affects every child in a different way, so there are many options for treatment that can help to improve lives in different ways.
Erb's Palsy
Erb's palsy is weakness and loss of motion in the arm. It can occur in both infants and adults and is typically caused by injury during newborn delivery.
THE
PMC
DIFFERENCE
Our team is fully invested in the development and success of every child, empowering them through movement. With cutting-edge treatment techniques and class curriculum, we equip children and their families with the tools to grow physically, emotionally, and socially with a community that is an extension of their family. Our families know they have a support system and a circle of people to back them up.
Contact Us
PMC Frederick
4640 Wedgewood Blvd, Suites 101 - 105, Frederick, MD 21703
240-457-9558 tel | 301-739-7453 fax
PMC Hagerstown
1045 Maryland Ave , Hagerstown MD 21740
301-739-5437 tel | 301-739-7453 fax
PMC Aquatics at Hagerstown
1105 Maryland Ave , Hagerstown MD 21740
301-739-5437 tel | 301-739-7453 fax