Thriving With Spinal Muscular Atrophy: The Power Of Aquatic Therapy

Can the weightless freedom of water open up a new world of possibilities for individuals with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)?

We explore the transformative role of aquatic therapy in managing SMA, focusing on its benefits for strength, mobility, breathing, and overall quality of life. Discover how water-based exercises and specialized equipment can empower individuals with SMA to achieve greater independence and well-being.

What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)?

There are different types of SMA and they are classified by the age of onset and the amount of motor dysfunction that they are causing.

The SMN1 gene is usually impaired in this condition and that secretes an important protein that’s necessary for motor function and skills.

Benefits of Aquatic Therapy for SMA

The role of aquatic therapy in SMA treatment is critical in providing a unique and supportive environment for improving strength, mobility, pulmonary function and overall well-being.

The individuals we see in the water with SMA usually have low muscle tone, poor motor control in their neck and trunk and there is usually some variety of respiratory issues as well.

Aquatic Therapy enables the individual to accomplish skills too hard to perform on land, such as independent mobility and walking. The viscosity of the water slows down movement, allowing the body time to recruit the muscles needed for balance.

The main benefits we see for our clients with SMA include:

  • Improved mobility with aquatic therapy
    The water is a magical place for individuals with this condition because they have freedom of movement, and they can practice moving in an uninhibited way as well as being able to feel what it is like to be independent. They can also work on their muscle strength in a comfortable range without becoming fatigued.
  • Increased muscle strength through water therapy
    The buoyancy of water reduces the impact of gravity on the body, allowing for an increased range of motion with the support and assistance of the water. Additionally, the water’s warmth helps relax muscles, improve circulation, and increase movement comfort.
  • How aquatic therapy helps with breathing
    Aquatic Therapy can significantly improve breathing for individuals with SMA by reducing muscle tension and increasing lung capacity. The buoyancy of the water helps to support the body, allowing for easier and deeper breaths. The hydrostatic pressure of the water helps with exhalation as it pushes on the rib cage and helps with inhalation as you move up out of the water. Additionally, specific exercises can target respiratory muscles and improve their strength and endurance.

Independent Walking is Possible in the Water

Gianna is a young adult with SMA that truly enjoys the water. She independently uses her power wheelchair to navigate through her life. In the water she has no barriers and is free to move her body in a supported and safe way. She can stretch her muscles that get tight from sitting in her wheelchair, and actively strengthen her muscles for improved posture and motor control. Using equipment to help her balance her body enables her to freely move in the pool.

Gianna practices controlling her breath with her chest supported by the large WOW Noodle. She is working on isolated neck extension when she lifts her head up to breathe.

Gianna works on trunk rotation by holding a large barbell while using two small dumbbells under her arms for extra support. The dumbbells keep her in an upright position.

Watch our co-founder, Ailene Tisser, talk more about why the water and aquatic therapy techniques can benefit individuals with SMA.

Best Aquatic Therapy Equipment for SMA

There are a range of aquatic therapy exercises for individuals with SMA that you can include in your treatment sessions, to work on your client’s goals.

Consider the individual’s needs, current ability, goals and future potential whilst working on some of these areas over time, during aquatic therapy sessions:

  • Passive and active range of motion exercises
    Gentle movements in the water can help maintain flexibility and prevent contractures.
  • Water walking
    This can improve lower body strength and endurance, even with the assistance of flotation devices.
  • Upper body exercises
    Buoyancy supported or resisted exercises can be used to strengthen arm and shoulder muscles.
  • Core strengthening
    Exercises targeting the core muscles can improve stability and balance.
  • Breathing exercises
    Specific techniques can be incorporated to enhance lung capacity and improve respiratory function.
  • Relaxation and stretching
    Water’s buoyancy can facilitate relaxation and muscle elongation.

Here are some of our favorite pieces of equipment* to use when we are working with individuals with SMA in aquatic therapy sessions:

  • WOW Pool Noodle
    This WOW pool noodle is a thick, soft, noodle that can be used to support the trunk. This can be positioned either on the back, side or front of the individual. This can also help them to be comfortably supported in a more upright position.
  • Nekdoodle
    This Nekdoodle slips on extremely easily to support the client’s head. It can be used in a variety of positions for example behind the neck to support the head when floating on their back, it can be used in the front if poor neck control is a challenge, or on the side of the head works well too. It can even be used in front of the client, like a kickboard.

Access our ‘Mastering Equipment – Selection, Purpose and Techniques Guide’ inside Totally Treatment – Pediatric Aquatic Therapy Online course.

Transforming Lives Through Water

By harnessing the therapeutic properties of the water, individuals with SMA can experience remarkable improvements in strength, mobility, and overall well-being. Aquatic therapy offers a unique and effective approach to managing the challenges of this condition, providing a pathway to greater independence and quality of life.

Our range of Aquatic Therapy Online Training Courses will provide you with new treatment ideas and continuing education (CEU’s) to help your transform your ability to help all abilities thrive.

*Every time a purchase is made for a product using one of the Amazon links, we earn a commission. Thank you for your support.

Ailene Tisser, MA, PT, Founder

Ailene is a pediatric Physical Therapist with more than 25 years of experience treating a variety of diagnoses, both in and out of the water. She is NDT (Neuro-Developmental Treatment) trained in pediatrics and is trained in DIR/Floortime. She is currently certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES. Ailene brings all of her Physical Therapy expertise into the water, where she helps children of all abilities feel safe, confident, and independent. She combines her passion and skill for working with children with special needs with the therapeutic properties of the water to achieve amazing results. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience by educating other Aquatic Professionals so that they can also make a significant impact on the lives of swimmers with special needs.

Cindy Freedman, MOTR, Founder

Cindy is a recreational therapist and an Occupational therapist. After working for ten years as a recreational therapist in a variety of settings, she pursued a Master’s degree in OT. Her career as an OT includes specialty training in sensory integration, reflex repatterning, and aquatics. She is currently certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES. As a swimmer and national champion diver, Her love of the water combined with her education and work experience created them an opportunity for Swim Angelfish to become a reality! “Our mission is to create an aquatic community of trained instructors so that together we can decrease the alarming statistic of drowning being the leading cause of death for children with special needs.”