How hydrotherapy can help children with disabilities

Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, is a fun way for your child to explore movement, build physical skills and strengthen communication and play skills. It’s especially beneficial for children with cerebral palsy and rare diseases, offering a safe and engaging space to practice new skills.

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy uses the unique properties of water to help children perform movements and exercises that may be more difficult on land. It’s a common intervention for children with neuromotor disorders, particularly those classified as GMFCS Levels IV and V.

The water environment offers the following benefits

• Buoyancy: Reduces the effect of gravity, allowing children to move more freely. It also promotes trunk and head control

• Resistance: Water’s natural resistance helps to strengthen muscles in a safe and controlled way.  

• Hydrostatic pressure: stimulates sensory and motor responses. It can reduce pain, increase body awareness and enhance circulation. 

• Temperature: Warm water relaxes muscles and increases joint movement, helping children perform exercises with greater comfort.

  
  

Why does hydrotherapy work so well for children with cerebral palsy and rare diseases?

Supports mobility and gross motor skills

• Water gives children the opportunity to achieve goals they may not yet be able to on land. It’s a place where function meets fun!

• We understand that every day

  
  

  can be different. We can easily adapt the song or activity to meet children where they are at. 

• Supports motor learning and promotes neuroplasticity

Ease pain and muscle spasticity

Warm water and hydrostatic pressure help to reduce muscle tone and spasticity, making movement easier and more comfortable.

Promote cardiovascular fitness

Hydrotherapy can improve lung function through better respiratory muscle strength and increased thoracic (chest) range of motion.

Supports communication and play skills

• Hydrotherapy sessions can be tailored to include goals for communication and play.

• We use music and water play to encourage turn-taking, social interaction, and early communication skills.

Real life stories - What our families are saying?

Ryan says hydro lets him move, stretch and play in ways that he would otherwise find difficult out of the water.

Gabriella says she loves the songs and seeing her friends.

Hydrotherapy at Kinetic Kids WA

At Kinetic Kids WA, we design each session to meet your child where they are physically, emotionally, and developmentally. We know that needs and moods can change from session to session, and that’s ok!

Here’s what makes our program special:

• We offer both group and 1:1 sessions 

• We attend various community locations across Perth 

• We use visuals to support communication and choice making 

• We use songs and games to help promote gross motor skills

FAQs about hydrotherapy

Is hydrotherapy safe?

Yes. Hydrotherapy is generally very safe when delivered by trained professionals. We always recommend working closely with your child’s therapy team throughout the process.

Can hydrotherapy help with cerebral palsy and rare diseases?

Yes. Research supports hydrotherapy (also known as aquatic therapy) as an effective intervention for children with cerebral palsy and other rare or complex conditions.

What’s next?

At Kinetic Kids WA, we believe therapy should be fun, engaging, and achievable. Hydrotherapy helps children reach goals that might be tricky on land — all while enjoying play, movement, and connection.

If you’re wondering whether hydrotherapy could help your child, we’d love to talk.

Click here to fill out our referral form and speak to someone from our team.