Pediatric Aquatic Therapy in Phoenix, Arizona
At Pure Hearts Therapy, we provide pediatric aquatic therapy in Phoenix, Arizona to help children build strength, coordination, confidence, and participation through meaningful, goal-directed activities in the water.
Aquatic therapy uses the unique properties of water to support movement, regulation, motor development, and participation in everyday life. Sessions are provided by licensed occupational therapists or physical therapists and are tailored to your child's individual strengths, needs, and goals.
While aquatic therapy is often fun and engaging, it is much more than play. Each session is purposeful, therapeutic, and aligned with your child's established plan of care.
What Is Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy is a specialized form of occupational or physical therapy that takes place in a therapeutic pool environment. Water provides opportunities for movement, sensory input, and skill development that may be difficult to achieve on land.
Many children experience increased confidence, improved participation, and greater success with challenging movements when supported by the water environment.
Benefits of Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy may help support:
Balance and postural control
Core strength and endurance
Motor planning and coordination
Sensory regulation and body awareness
Emotional regulation
Joint stability and flexibility
Strength and endurance
Gait and movement patterns
Water safety awareness
Confidence with movement and play
For many children, the pool provides a supportive environment where movement feels easier, more successful, and more enjoyable.
Join the Aquatic Therapy Interest List
Complete a quick form and we'll contact you about current openings, scheduling, and whether aquatic therapy may be a good fit for your child.
How Water Supports Therapy Goals
The unique properties of water make it an effective therapeutic environment.
Buoyancy
Water reduces the effects of gravity, making movement easier and decreasing stress on joints.
Hydrostatic Pressure
The gentle pressure of water can provide calming sensory input and increased body awareness.
Resistance
Natural water resistance helps build strength, endurance, and motor control.
Sensory Experiences
Water offers rich sensory opportunities that can support regulation, attention, and participation.
Who May Benefit from Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy may be beneficial for children with:
Autism spectrum disorder
Sensory processing differences
Cerebral palsy
Developmental delays
Hypotonia or low muscle tone
Hypertonia or increased muscle tone
Dyspraxia and motor planning challenges
Coordination difficulties
Joint instability
Balance challenges
Emotional regulation challenges
Neurological or orthopedic conditions
Every child is unique, and recommendations are based on individual goals rather than diagnosis alone.
Occupational Therapy in the Pool
Occupational therapists use aquatic therapy to support participation in everyday activities and routines.
Occupational therapy goals in the water may focus on:
Sensory regulation
Body awareness and proprioception
Motor planning
Bilateral coordination
Core stability
Emotional regulation
Self-confidence
Play and social participation
The water environment often provides opportunities for children to practice these skills in a motivating and supportive way.
Physical Therapy in the Pool
Physical therapists may use aquatic therapy to address:
Gross motor development
Strength and endurance
Gait training
Balance and coordination
Lower extremity strength
Cardiovascular conditioning
Functional mobility
Spasticity management
Aquatic therapy can be particularly helpful when children benefit from reduced joint loading while practicing movement skills.
Aquatic Therapy at Ability360
Pure Hearts Therapy currently offers aquatic therapy sessions at Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center in Phoenix.
This therapeutic pool environment allows children to work toward individualized goals while benefiting from the unique properties of water.
Location:
Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center
5031 E Washington St
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Availability may vary based on therapist schedules, pool access, and seasonal programming.
Does DDD Cover Aquatic Therapy?
In many cases, aquatic therapy may be provided as part of a child's authorized occupational therapy or physical therapy services through Arizona's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).
Aquatic therapy is not a separate service. Instead, it is provided as part of an existing OT or PT plan of care when clinically appropriate.
Our team can help families understand how aquatic therapy may fit within their child's current services and goals.
What to Expect
Each session is individualized based on your child's strengths, interests, and therapy goals.
Sessions may include:
One-on-one therapy with a licensed therapist
Structured therapeutic activities presented through play
Sensory and movement-based interventions
Parent participation or observation when appropriate
Ongoing collaboration with caregivers
Typical sessions range from 30 to 45 minutes depending on your child's therapy plan.
It may look like fun. It is. But every activity is selected with purpose and tied to meaningful therapeutic outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is aquatic therapy the same as swim lessons?
No. Aquatic therapy is a medical therapy service provided by a licensed occupational therapist or physical therapist. The focus is on developmental, sensory, motor, and functional goals rather than teaching swim strokes.
Does my child need to know how to swim?
No. Children do not need prior swimming experience to participate in aquatic therapy.
Will aquatic therapy replace my child's regular therapy session?
When clinically appropriate, aquatic therapy typically replaces a regularly scheduled occupational therapy or physical therapy session while continuing to address the same therapeutic goals.
Does DDD cover aquatic therapy?
Coverage depends on your child's authorized services and individual plan of care. Our team can help determine whether aquatic therapy may be appropriate.
What ages do you serve?
Aquatic therapy may be appropriate for children and adolescents depending on their goals, needs, and therapist recommendations.
Ready to Learn More?
If you're wondering whether pediatric aquatic therapy may be a good fit for your child, we'd love to help.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your child's goals, answer questions about DDD and therapy services, and explore whether aquatic therapy may be appropriate for your family.