Hydrotherapy for children with cerebral palsy

Being in and around water is a valuable skill for children, providing not only safety around water but also physical and mental health benefits.

For children with cerebral palsy (CP), the advantages of hydrotherapy extend further, as it offers a unique opportunity to improve mobility, flexibility, and strength in a low-impact, supportive environment.

However, not all sessions take into account any additional needs for children with CP. Flipper Academy's tailored hydrotherapy programs incorporates adaptive swimming techniques designed to help children thrive in water.

The Flipper Academy difference: expertise in cerebral palsy 

At Flipper Academy, we understand that children with cerebral palsy might require a different approach when learning to swim. Our physiotherapists are trained not only in swimming techniques but also in understanding the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of children with CP. This means we go beyond the standard lesson plan to create a supportive, adaptive environment where every child can feel safe, encouraged, and empowered to achieve their personal best.

Here’s how Flipper Academy tailors our sessions. 

1. Understanding muscle tone and mobility 

Children with cerebral palsy often experience muscle stiffness or spasticity, which can limit movement. We use our clinical skills to analyse the way your child moves and the impact on their swimming and adapt their movement patterns to allow them to swim effectively in the water.

2. Customised plans

Every child with CP has unique abilities, which is why our approach is never one-size-fits-all. We assess each child’s individual needs and create customised plans and focus on helping children build strength, improve coordination, gross motor skills and develop water skills at their own pace, without the pressure of rigid benchmarks. This individualised attention ensures that progress is both meaningful and rewarding. 

3. Building confidence in the water

At Flipper Academy, we believe that being in water should be a positive and inclusive experience. Our therapists create a calm, supportive environment where children can feel confident and capable, celebrating small victories along the way. This boosts self-esteem and helps children build a lifelong love of the water. 

4. Enhanced safety measures

Safety is paramount in any hydrotherapy session, but for children with CP, additional considerations are necessary. Our leader, Chelsea, is a qualified physiotherapist, so she’s specially trained to recognise and address the unique safety needs of children with reduced muscle control or coordination. From careful supervision to adaptive floatation devices, we ensure that children can enjoy their lessons while staying safe in the water. 

5. Therapeutic benefits

The benefits of swimming extend far beyond learning basic strokes. For children with CP, swimming can be a form of therapy, helping to improve overall strength, endurance, motor skills and flexibility. Water allows for greater freedom of movement than on land, which can improve motor skills and help with pain management.

‘Optimizing movement and function are central in bringing out the full potential and independence of someone with Cerebral Palsy, and swimming exercises can help do just that,’ states Cerebralpalsy.org.

At Flipper Academy, we integrate these therapeutic benefits into our sessions, ensuring that children experience positive physical changes that improve their quality of life.

Why Flipper Academy?

Flipper Academy isn’t just about hydrotherapy sessions; it’s about creating a space where every child, regardless of ability, feels supported and capable. Our specialised training, adaptive techniques, and personalised approach are what families seek us out for. We are committed to making time with us an enjoyable, accessible, and empowering experience.

Chelsea is the perfect person to work with children with cerebral palsy due to her unique blend of expertise and qualifications. With a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours), she brings a deep understanding of the body’s mechanics and how to adapt movement for children with physical challenges like CP. Her accreditation as an Autism Swim aquatic instructor further demonstrates her ability to work with children who have additional needs, ensuring that her style is both inclusive and supportive.

Having undertaken several levels in the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) aquatic program, Chelsea is also skilled in helping children build strength, improve motor skills, and achieve their physical goals in a safe and nurturing environment.

If you’re looking for hydrotherapy sessions tailored to meet the specific needs of your child, Flipper Academy is here to help. Our expertise ensures that your child will not only learn to feel comfortable but will thrive in the water. 

Let’s talk about your child’s hydrotherapy plan today.