Aquatic or Pool Therapy is a non-traditional environment for children to perform land goals and have fun at the same time. Water is used as a weightless medium to promote the patient’s flexibility, range of motion and increase strength. The pool temperature is always between 92-98 degrees.

Vital therapists of all disciplines – physical, occupational, speech and developmental – can incorporate aquatic therapy into their therapy sessions.

  • Provides sensory input
  • Child is in a natural recreational environment
  • Improves balance, strength and endurance
  • Improves gross motor skills
  • Improves endurance
  • Improves respiratory function
  • Supports land goals
  • Incorporation of global goals (i.e. vocalization, oral motor skills, play skills)
  • Relaxing and calming environment to perform therapy exercises

Parents may be in the water or on deck. Children who are not toilet trained MUST wear “swimmer” diapers. Children with g-tube or j-tube CAN participate.

Individual or small therapy groups (children learn from each other) are available. Aquatic therapy is offered ONLY at the Portage Park-Chicago location.

To learn more about pediatric aquatic therapy or schedule appointment, call Vital at (773) 685-8482.
Pediatric Aquatic Therapy


Aquatic Physical Therapy – Pediatrics