Physical agent therapy is a form of physiotherapy in which the body is treated with physical stimuli such as temperature, electric current, magnetic fields, light, ultrasound and water. Our Centre has equipment for all of these, but the most frequently chosen form, and the one children enjoy most, is hydrotherapy. During a session the child receives a hydromassage, whose therapeutic effect comes from the temperature and pressure of the water. They relax the muscles and improve blood circulation and metabolism, which results in a feeling of relaxation and calm. Children who are afraid of water go through a process of psychological adjustment with a variety of games taken from the Halliwick Concept. Infants float in a special ring with a seat or one that allows them to lie down, while children who move independently do not use any buoyancy aids, which gives them a sense of independence and makes full use of the therapeutic possibilities. The uneven floor of the tub and the swirling water are quite a challenge, especially for children who are learning to walk or have reduced balance reactions. Games and exercises in the water also aim to strengthen the core muscles and improve hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
