CCTC is now offering a Therapeautic Aquatics program directed by physical and occpational therapists with locations in Alexandria and Reston. The child to therapist ratio is one on one for a 30 minute session. Parents are welcome to swim too!

Children and water can be a wonderful combination. The pool is a wonderful tool to improve social, communicative and motor skills development. The mission of this program is to use water to work on individual goals and to reinforce current land based therapy programs.

Aquatic therapy sessions are similar to land based programs except that the water is the tool for therapeutic exercise and activities. Just as in land based programs, the therapist completes a short evaluation and establishes a therapeutic plan designed to meet functional land based goals.

Fun Facts about Aquatic Therapy:

• The resistance of the water increases strength and the ability to move joints
• Aquatic therapy is more comfortable since the water makes it easier to handle the kids.
• There is constant sensory input because the water stimulates the body with gentle movement and pressure.
• The warm water relaxes the muscles and makes stretching easier.
• Working in the water allows children to do things they may not be able to do on land.
• Children often work harder in the water than on the land because it takes less effort and is more fun.
• Also, it's a natural experience and the kids love it!

Aquatic therapy is reimbursed by most insurances. Children participating in this program need parental consents and medical permission/clearance before being allowed in the pool. Sessions are held Tuesdays between 3:00 and 5:00 PM at the Alexandria YMCA, and on Wednesdays between 2:00 and 4:00 at the Reston YMCA.

Please contact The Chesapeake Center at (703) 924-4100 ext. 160 for more information and registration