Making Waves: How Hydrotherapy Transformed Elikai’s Day at Alexander Devine 

At Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, we are passionate about providing holistic care that supports the physical and emotional well-being of the children in our care.  

Recently, Elikai, one of our incredible children, took part in a joyful and therapeutic hydrotherapy session, which was led by our talented physiotherapist Petra, ably assisted by Natasha, with beautiful musical accompaniment from our music therapist Minna. 

The session took place in our warm hydrotherapy pool, generously maintained by Nirvana Spa, whose ongoing support makes a real difference to the care we can offer. Over the course of approximately one hour, Elikai experienced the many benefits of hydrotherapy, which can be incredibly effective for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. 

Hydrotherapy uses the properties of water, such as buoyancy and resistance, to help alleviate physical discomfort, improve mobility, and promote relaxation. For Elikai, the gentle resistance of the water helped to ease muscle tension and supported his movements, allowing him to exercise in ways that would be difficult or uncomfortable on land. Petra guided him through a series of movements designed to improve his strength, coordination, and flexibility. 

One of the remarkable benefits of hydrotherapy is the soothing nature of the water. Being immersed in the warm pool not only relaxed Elikai’s muscles but also provided a calming environment, reducing anxiety and stress. Water can have a deeply therapeutic effect, promoting a sense of well-being, and this is particularly important for children with complex medical conditions. 

Throughout the session, Minna’s gentle music filled the air, enhancing the atmosphere. From the side of the pool, she played a selection of calming and uplifting songs on the guitar, recorder, and violin. The music was carefully chosen to complement the movements in the water, with slow, melodic tunes during moments of relaxation and more playful and catchy rhythms during active stretches.  

For Elikai, and the many other children who come to our hospice, music can be an incredible tool for emotional expression and connection, and in this session, it created an added layer of comfort and joy. 

The benefits of hydrotherapy are well-supported by research. Studies show that it can reduce pain and muscle spasticity by up to 50%, offering relief to children who experience chronic pain or restricted movement. Moreover, it’s been demonstrated that hydrotherapy can improve balance and coordination by 30%, helping children like Elikai to strengthen their muscles and thus improve their motor skills in a safe and supportive environment. 

For children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, hydrotherapy is not just about physical benefits; it’s about creating a space where they can enjoy moments of freedom, independence, and play. In the pool, Elikai was able to move more freely and, as you can see from the photos here, the joy on his face was undeniable. 

Hydrotherapy, combined with the nurturing support of our team and the magic of music, offers children like Elikai a truly holistic experience that enhances both their physical and emotional well-being. 

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You can always contact us by emailing us at care@alexanderdevine.org or call (01628) 822777.