Aquatic Therapy

Our friends in Nicaragua had a team of mostly therapists (speech, occupational, & physical therapists) and teachers that had the opportunity to spend time with the Agape program's physical therapist, Jacqueline, and several kids in the program at a pool. While this activity was for recreation, it also served a larger purpose for the kids in the program with more significant physical disabilities - aquatic therapy. Natalie Jasper, one of the occupational therapists who went on the trip, explained the importance and value in this activity.

“Everyone knows that on a hot summer day, nothing beats taking a swim in the pool. Did you know the pool can also provide a great environment for physical or occupation therapy? Aquatic therapy uses the different properties of water to help individuals increase mobility, strength, flexibility in a fun environment. Some students from the Agape program were able to participate in an aquatic therapy session with agroup of physical, occupational and speech therapist recently in  March, 2025. There were a ton of smiles, splashing and memories being made!

Aquatic Therapy uses the buoyancy of water to help support the body and facilitate gentle movements, making it easier to stretch and move and improve balance and coordination especially for those with limited mobility. Aquatic therapy also uses the resistance of water, to strengthen and increase endurance in core, arm and leg muscles. Consistent aquatic therapy can increase cardiovascular and respiratory function. (Carayannopoulos, A., Han, A., Burdenko, I. 2020) .

All of these benefits are very important for children with chronic conditions. The best part of Aquatic therapy is that the children are too busy having fun in the water, they don’t even know they are participating in a therapy session.”

Natalie Jasper, MOT, OTR/L

Carayannopoulos, A. G., Han, A., & Burdenko, I. N. (2020). The benefits of combining water and land-based therapy. Journal of exercise rehabilitation, 16(1), 20–26.