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hydrobath
Hello
I am an OT who works with children with disabilities and have approx 5 DMD children currently on my case load. I am also doing a masters and am currently on my research module. I have been wanting to purchase a hydrobath via continuing care budget for children as access to hydrotherapy is poor in my local authority. I have been informed that I need to produce some evidence that a hydrobath is effective for children. I have managed to purchase 3 bubble bath spa mats for 3 children and will hopefully be able to use this to demonstrate the effects that this has on a child if used 3-4 times a week for a set period of time. Hopefully demonstrating that they can increase blood circulation, which could reduce pain to assist with sleep, which leads to children being able to function more as they have slept better & maybe find another positive through their use.Has anyone been able to purchase anything like this before or have any positive or negative thoughts on the effects on a hydrobath with a DMD child or any other neurological condition?
Many thanks
SarahRe: hydrobathOh gosh .. wish I was a kiddo coz I’d be in that hydro bath every day!
Good luck with your research, I strongly believe if I had had access to regular hydrotherapy of some sort my circulation and general physical fitness would be so much better now than it is.
I'm always the animal, my body's the cage
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Re: hydrobathHi Sarah,
have been thinking about your query and I found something in one of the MDC’s factsheets.
During this stage of the child’s development it is important to
encourage activity that does not cause extreme fatigue. Exercise with
weights and eccentric muscle work such as trampolining should not
be encouraged. Parents or carers may want to consider introducing a
physiotherapy and exercise programme that includes:
– regular stretches – self and/or manual stretches as well as passive
stretching – for the muscle groups that are tightening (tendo-achilles,
hamstrings and iliotibial band)
– swimming, hydrotherapy
– wearing orthoses (splints) at night to slow down contractures in the
ankles
– insoles – may be helpful for flat feet, used in ordinary lightweight
footwear
– general games and fitness encouraging cardiovascular fitness.You may have already cpme across it but it is from “Physiotherapy management for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy”.
I wonder also if the Neuromuscular Physiotherapy team at Great Ormonds Street Hospital might be able to point you in the direction of DMD care guidelines or evidence of the benefits of hydro.
Good luck, I really hope you manage to get funding for the hydrobaths.
A learning experience is one of those things that say, “You know that thing you just did? Don’t do that.” - Douglas Adams
Re: hydrobathThanks for your responses, and thank you for the information.
Re: hydrobathMy sincerely apologize for the lateness of my response, but I wanted to wish you well on your attempt to obtain funding for hydrobaths. I personally don’t know much about hydrobaths, but I have heard that it serves one well as a way to alleviate pain and enhance muscular movement.
My best friend Diane has muscular-dystrophy and she was the one who informed about the hydrobath to begin with. Hence why I’m here. While doing research on Google, I happened to stumble upon this thread. Tell me, can someone with this type of disability get some sort of funding or discount for such a device? I know that those with disabilities (or those who can prove they’re obtaining government assistance) can get discounts.
Speaking of disabilities (and discounts), does anyone know if there would be a possibility to get financing for a wheelchair vehicle or disability van? I’ve been doing some research on Braun Ability. Are they any good? Diane has been needing one for a while. Thanks, all!
Re: hydrobathHi Patty
I am not sure about funding for a hydrobath, I am guessing an Occupational Therapist would be a good place to start? Usually with medical/mobility equipment purchases those with disabilities are exempt from paying VAT. Your friend may be able to get hydrotherapy at a local pool but this is quite difficult to get funded from what I have learnt from others.
With regard to the car/van funding, the scheme I use is MotabilityMotability which I am eligible for because I get the higher rate of DLA (Disability Living Allowance).
If you or your friend have any more questions, please feel free to ask.
A learning experience is one of those things that say, “You know that thing you just did? Don’t do that.” - Douglas Adams
Re: hydrobathHi,
I just wondered whether you were considering using a specific bath and if it would be what they would also use for bathing, rather than e.g. a level-access shower?
Have seen various articles on pros and cons of bath v shower over the years, but children/families can have strong preferences for one or the other and/or some Consultants may recommend one over another.
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