We provide weekly aquatic therapy sessions for children living with disabilities in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Our sessions are led by qualified physiotherapists with support from therapy technicians and volunteers. Children benefit from the freedom and ease of movement in water, which they often struggle with on land. Our sessions are fun and therapeutic, with both physical and mental health benefits. We teach family and carers the skills they need to continue independently with their children.
Over 9 million people in Mexico are living with disabilities and 45% of them live in poverty. The public healthcare system in Mexico is somewhat limited resulting in millions not receiving the therapy and care they deserve. Treatments such as aquatic therapy are often very limited and can be difficult to access both physically and financially. Being restricted to a wheelchair or bed for 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year can cause pain, stiffness, contractures and postural deformities.
In water, those with disabilities can experience the feelings of movement and freedom to a level that is unachievable on land. The support of the water alongside a therapist, parent or flotation aid allows them to freely stretch out and mobilise their limbs and torso, reducing stiffness and pain and promoting feelings of relaxation, stimulation and empowerment. Access to aquatic therapy in Mexico is very limited and often expensive and inaccessible to many.
A key part of what we do is education. Our goal is to empower local families to help manage their disabilities through regular aquatic therapy, whether that is through our project or independently in the longer-term at a local swimming pool. Aquatic therapy positively impacts both physical and mental health as well as providing a feeling of inclusivity and freedom for some of the most vulnerable people in society. The feedback we receive from our service users is overwhelmingly positive.
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