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Original poster

swimming as part of physiotherapy

12 replies

alexpolismum · 14/04/2011 19:10

Hello,

I've posted a few times before about my son who has hypotonia and delayed development. Just to put you in the picture briefly, he is nearly 16 months old now and can now sit unsupported and has just started raising his torso off the ground if put down on his front. He has regular physiotherapy already, and he does seem to be making some progress, albeit very slowly.

Anyway, the thing is I've heard about a group that does swimming with young children with similar conditions. It's not free, and might be quite expensive, but if it is really going to be helpful, I will try and find the money.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience of this sort of thing? Does swimming really help? I shall talk to the physiotherapist about it as well and get his opinion, but I was hoping to hear from other people who have been there and could share their experiences.

OP posts:
Triggles · 14/04/2011 19:36

I've not heard of that specifically, however, swimming can be very beneficial for some, so it's certainly worth taking a look. It may not be as expensive as you think - and even if you can only go to some of the classes, you will learn what simple things you can do at the pool with your son on your own as well. Our local swimming pool is free for us - DS2 gets in free as he is 4yo, and they never charge me as they list me as his "essential carer" due to his disability. So basically I am able to take DS2 swimming as often as we'd like at no cost. It's worth checking it out.

growlybear · 14/04/2011 19:36

Hi i would definately recommend swimming.My dd has hypotonia she does not walk and has reduced mobility all round.She really frees up in the water and is really good exercise for her and she loves it we take her to a hydro pool every saturday.x

Original poster
alexpolismum · 14/04/2011 19:44

thanks for replying.

Triggles - I am not in the UK, and I know it is definitely not free here. Good idea though, to go and learn what to do.

growlybear - may I ask how old your dd is? I'm just wondering if it is easier when a child is a bit older. The hypotonia is not going to go away, obviously, but as time goes on and they make a little bit more progress, is it easier for them? My ds does not communicate at all, but I can see that he gets very frustrated.

OP posts:
proudmum74 · 14/04/2011 19:48

Hi - does your physiotherapist not include swimming as part of your ds therapy? It might be worth asking them about it as my dd is just about to start hydrotherapy with her therapist.

We also take my dd to the local swimming pool at the weekend (as it's only £3 for both of us) and she loves splashing in the water - we had tried private swimming lessons in the past but dd just screamed her way through them Blush

growlybear · 14/04/2011 19:51

Yeh my dd is the same ie no communication.My dd is 12 now.It kind of gets easier as they get older.I used to find my dd difficult to hold because she was so floppy i suppose now there is more of her and i definately think that swimming has helped she also has hydrotherapy at school.It has without a doubt helped with her scoliosis.Another thing that we have done is horse riding for the disabled.That also strengthens muscles and helps with posture.x

charlie06 · 14/04/2011 19:58

I too was going to suggest horse riding, my son also goes with riding for the disabled and his balance and co-ordination is hugely improved he has hemiplegia.

In terms of swimming I would think this would be good too but would check if they use a specific approach such as the Halliwick approach as my son was dunked during a swimming lesson at his school and he has been put off water since.

Original poster
alexpolismum · 14/04/2011 20:02

No, swimming is not included in his physio.

Thanks for the tip, growlybear. I might look into horse riding when he is a bit older. There is a riding centre not far away (about 30 mins drive) but I don't know if they have any provision for the disabled. This country is not really set up for the disabled, but things are getting better, so you never know. And it sounds like it might be fun, too!

I know what you mean about the floppiness. He is my third child, so I couldn't help comparing, and it was a huge shock holding him after the other two, as obviously I had been expecting him to be more or less as they were.

OP posts:
Original poster
alexpolismum · 14/04/2011 20:07

I admit I don't know anything about the different approaches. I'm just going to google Halliwick. Obviously I shall ask the physiotherapist about it too (we have a session tomorrow), he might be able to tell me what approach to look out for.

OP posts:
growlybear · 14/04/2011 20:39

Sorry did not see he is only 16 months.Here they have children really young doing horse riding and they really enjoy it.Also ask physio about physio balls and peanut shape balls they are great for sitting on for balance and rolling over and exercise benches are also good for practising sitting.hth

1980Sport · 14/04/2011 21:10

I would also definitely recommend swimming.

DS 2.3 (GDD) at his Aug 2010 review his hypotonia was severe. We started swimming every week in a group class last Sept and at his March Review physio said his hypotonia was now on the lowest point of normal so a vast improvement. He's also standing much better and he absolutely loves it!

Original poster
alexpolismum · 16/04/2011 11:33

Just a quick update - I have talked to the physio and he has made arrangements for us to join a swimming group, as of next week. Smile

Thanks again to everyone for your advice Smile

I'm also definitely going to find out about horseriding in this area, I hope ds enjoys all of this new activity!

OP posts:
Triggles · 16/04/2011 18:00

glad you've got something in place for swimming - hope you enjoy it!

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