Adaptive Swimming and Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy refers to group of water based treatments or exercises for therapeutic benefit (strengthening, endurance, physical rehabilitation). Aquatic therapy is performed by a trained physical or occupational therapist and is often performed in a temperature controlled (warm) water. Adaptive swimming is participation in a swimming class (private, semi-private or group) with a trained swim instructor (not a trained therapist). Adaptive swimming classes are modified to individual students needs and generally do not follow standardized levels requiring specific skills for progression.
Aquatic therapy refers to group of water based treatments or exercises for therapeutic benefit (strengthening, endurance, physical rehabilitation). Aquatic therapy is performed by a trained physical or occupational therapist and is often performed in a temperature controlled (warm) water. Adaptive swimming is participation in a swimming class (private, semi-private or group) with a trained swim instructor (not a trained therapist). Adaptive swimming classes are modified to individual students needs and generally do not follow standardized levels requiring specific skills for progression.
Angel Fish
website: http://angelfishtherapy.com
Phone: (203) 545 – 0024
Email: [email protected]
Angelfish offers two types of classes: aquatic therapy and Swim Whisperer program. In the Aquatic therapy classes, treatment is performed in the water by qualified PT/OT to aid in the restoration, extension, and maintenance of an individual’s quality function, improve motor skills and promote self regulation. A portion of class may be covered by insurance, but often requires out of pocket payment. In the Swim Whisperer program, instructors are trained to provide swim lesson instruction for children to learn to be safe, independent swimmers. The focus is on swim skill acquisition, water safety and confidence in the water. These instructors are not licensed therapists – they are swim instructors. Children begin in a 30-minute private lessons and then work to progress through to a semi-private lesson. After success in the semi-private lesson children will be prepared for a community swim class of 4-6 children. Our goal is help transition your child from our program to a community class.
Angelfish offers lessons in several locations in the Boston area:
Boston Marriott Burlington
YMCA Swimming Program
Several locations offer adaptive swimming lessons with small staff to child ratio and focus on skill development versus progression through standardized levels.
Website: www.theemarc.org
Phone: (781) 942-4888
Email: [email protected]
Locations that offer adaptive swimming:
North Suburban YMCA: 137 Lexington St, Woburn, MA 01801 Phone: 78-935-3270
Charles River YMCA: 380 Chestnut St, Needham, MA 02492 Phone:(781) 449-6646
Burbank YMCA: 36 Arthur B. Lord Drive, Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-9622
Reading Burbank YMCA also offers adapted aquatics through the ARC program
Franciscan Hospital for Children
Provides outpatient aquatic therapy performed by a physical therapist in a specially designed adaptive pool (warm temperature, elevating/lowering floor to allow for height adjustments, treadmill in the water). Contact for more details.
30 Warren Street, Brighton, MA 02135 Phone: (617) 254-3800, ext. 2180
Carrie Barlow, PT Director
Website: http://franciscanhospital.org/medical-services/therapeutic-outpatient/physical-therapy/
Natick Wellesley S.T.A.R.S.
Wellesley S.T.A.R.S., Inc. offers comprehensive swim training and a competitive swim program for children and adults with special needs from Wellesley and surrounding towns, from January to June each year. Members of STARS often compete in the Special Olympics.
Website: http://www.wellesleystars.org
Contact: Karen Bernardo
Email: [email protected]
Elite Physical Therapy and Aqua Therapy
website: http://www.elite-physicaltherapy.com/aqua-therapy/pediatric-aqua-therapy
235 Newbury Street Route One North Danvers MA 01923
Phone: 978-774-3888
Pediatric sessions are scheduled on Wednesdays and Sundays
website: http://angelfishtherapy.com
Phone: (203) 545 – 0024
Email: [email protected]
Angelfish offers two types of classes: aquatic therapy and Swim Whisperer program. In the Aquatic therapy classes, treatment is performed in the water by qualified PT/OT to aid in the restoration, extension, and maintenance of an individual’s quality function, improve motor skills and promote self regulation. A portion of class may be covered by insurance, but often requires out of pocket payment. In the Swim Whisperer program, instructors are trained to provide swim lesson instruction for children to learn to be safe, independent swimmers. The focus is on swim skill acquisition, water safety and confidence in the water. These instructors are not licensed therapists – they are swim instructors. Children begin in a 30-minute private lessons and then work to progress through to a semi-private lesson. After success in the semi-private lesson children will be prepared for a community swim class of 4-6 children. Our goal is help transition your child from our program to a community class.
Angelfish offers lessons in several locations in the Boston area:
Boston Marriott Burlington
- One Burlington Mall Road Burlington, MA 01803
- Aquatic therapy: Sunday, Tues, Thursday; Swim whisperers: Tues, Sunday
- 727 Marriott Road Lexington, MA 02421
- Aquatic therapy: Wednesdays & Thursdays; Swim Whisperers: Thursday
- 40 Fairbank Road Sudbury, MA 01776
- Aquatic therapy: Monday; Swim Whisperers: Monday
- 135 Wells Ave Newton, MA 02459
- Aquatic therapy: Saturday; Swim Whisperers: Saturday
YMCA Swimming Program
Several locations offer adaptive swimming lessons with small staff to child ratio and focus on skill development versus progression through standardized levels.
Website: www.theemarc.org
Phone: (781) 942-4888
Email: [email protected]
Locations that offer adaptive swimming:
North Suburban YMCA: 137 Lexington St, Woburn, MA 01801 Phone: 78-935-3270
Charles River YMCA: 380 Chestnut St, Needham, MA 02492 Phone:(781) 449-6646
Burbank YMCA: 36 Arthur B. Lord Drive, Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-9622
Reading Burbank YMCA also offers adapted aquatics through the ARC program
Franciscan Hospital for Children
Provides outpatient aquatic therapy performed by a physical therapist in a specially designed adaptive pool (warm temperature, elevating/lowering floor to allow for height adjustments, treadmill in the water). Contact for more details.
30 Warren Street, Brighton, MA 02135 Phone: (617) 254-3800, ext. 2180
Carrie Barlow, PT Director
Website: http://franciscanhospital.org/medical-services/therapeutic-outpatient/physical-therapy/
Natick Wellesley S.T.A.R.S.
Wellesley S.T.A.R.S., Inc. offers comprehensive swim training and a competitive swim program for children and adults with special needs from Wellesley and surrounding towns, from January to June each year. Members of STARS often compete in the Special Olympics.
Website: http://www.wellesleystars.org
Contact: Karen Bernardo
Email: [email protected]
Elite Physical Therapy and Aqua Therapy
website: http://www.elite-physicaltherapy.com/aqua-therapy/pediatric-aqua-therapy
235 Newbury Street Route One North Danvers MA 01923
Phone: 978-774-3888
Pediatric sessions are scheduled on Wednesdays and Sundays
