The aquatic environment provides an added benefit to typical land-based occupational therapy. In water, people can often complete activities they are unable to do on land.
- Viscosity of water provides resistance with muscle activity.
- Salt water provides increased independence and freedom of movement in a reduced gravity environment.
- Buoyancy of water reduces impact of weight bearing.
- Hydrostatic pressure provided after immersion in water increases tissue pressure, which provides proprioceptive feedback or awareness of body position.
- Immersion in water provides full-body sensory input.
- Warm sea water provides a stimulating yet relaxing environment which encourages increased vocalization and verbalization.
- Water facilitates improved respiratory coordination and control.
| What is occupational therapy? | Therapeutic Benefits of the Ocean | Understanding Sensory Function/Dysfunction. | Motor Skills needed for surfing. |
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URL: http://sheldonbrown.com/org/ocean
Website by Sheldon Brown