Aquatic Therapy
Dive into Aquatic Therapy at Hummingbird
Hummingbird’s Aquatic Therapy program is physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and/or counseling, but in the water! Kids can receive multidisciplinary therapies in one session. Kids work toward the same goals as in the clinic but while playing and having fun in the water.
Aquatic Therapy can help build strength, range of motion, confidence, and so much more.
Hummingbird’s Aquatic Therapy team is made up of speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and counselors. We work together to reach the targeted developmental milestones outlined for every child.
What is Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy is not a separate type of therapy—it is OT, PT, speech, and/or counseling in the water, using the properties of water as a therapeutic modality to support each client’s goals. Aquatic therapy is NOT a swim lesson or fitness class in the water. The purpose of aquatic therapy is not learning how to swim; rather, it is therapeutic exercises and activities within the water.
What skills can be targeted?
The pool environment offers unique sensory, motor, and emotional benefits that may not be achievable in the clinic alone. Below are some general skills targeted per each discipline:
Occupational Therapy
Sensory input, self-regulation strategies, motor planning, strengthening, sensory processing, reflex integration, self care, fine/visual motor, play skills, or executive functioning in a supportive, low-gravity environment.
Physical Therapy
Strength, endurance, balance, gait, coordination, tone/pain management, or range of motion, especially if they have difficulty tolerating land-based movement.
Speech Therapy
Increased engagement, social interaction, communication opportunities, articulation, language, AAC, fluency, and pragmatics in a motivating, play-based setting.
Counseling
Emotional regulation work, confidence building, impulse control, and therapeutic rapport development in a calming and fun environment.
For maximum therapeutic benefit, your child may benefit from a co-treat in the pool due to safety and opportunities to target multiple skill areas simultaneously.
Explore Related Therapies
Speak With a Therapist
Who can benefit from aquatic therapy?
Little ones as young as infants all the way through adolescence, may benefit from a water-based therapeutic approach. Whether addressing developmental delays or motor coordination issues, or just to switch up the therapy mode, our team tailors each session to meet the individual needs of the child.
Session Details and Scheduling
Aquatic Therapy sessions are held at Superior Training in Willowbrook. Sessions lengths range from 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on which discipline(s) your child is receiving. Aquatic therapy is scheduled in 4 month long blocks at a time, and then we rotate to give more children an opportunity to experience their therapies in a pool. Therapists from each of our clinics participate in our aquatic therapy program, so it is also provides the chance for a child to work on their goals with different therapists.
Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies is proud to announce that we are opening a new dedicated pediatric aquatic therapy center in Lisle, IL, coming in Fall 2026. Following the opening, all aquatic therapy sessions will take place at the Hummingbird Therapy and Aquatic Center in Lisle.
Get Started Today
Curious if your child could benefit from Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies’ Aquatic Therapy program? Our team is here to answer your questions and get your child ready to splash into fun!