Swim with dolphins today
On many people’s bucket lists and now available to everyone is this profoundly beautiful and healing experience. A wealth of studies have shown the benefits of hydrotherapy as well as dolphin-assisted therapy, but the benefits have never been combined… till now. We haven’t stopped there though – the full room is a multisensory and magical experience. For those who do not like things covering their face (such as sensory processing disorders), you can still lie back and watch dolphins swim around you!
Underwater VR headsets
Multisensory environment
Fully accessible & hoists available
Pools heated to therapeutic levels
By using underwater VR we are helping to protect the dolphin’s natural habitat and prevent them from being held in captivity.
Scroll further down to book this amazing experience!
WHAT IS HYDROTHERAPY?
Tale as old as time
Naturally occurring hot springs are the first known hot tubs on record. As far back as history can record, humans have utilised hot springs for both recreational relaxing and also for their natural healing properties. The term hydrotherapy encompasses a broad range of approaches and therapeutic methods that take advantage of the properties of water (temperature, pressure) for pain relief and treatment. Hydrotherapy pools are heated to a constant therapeutic temperature of between 34 and 35 degrees.
For many people, warm waters offer relaxation, freedom from pain and a brief escape from the ailments that stop them moving freely the rest of the time. People can experience these benefits while floating, partially submerged, or fully submerged in water. At VR therapies, we offer 2 hydrotherapy pools which are suitable for up to 4 people each. This allows couples to float together and parents to float with their children – which is especially reassuring for those with epilepsy, complex health needs etc.
Benefits
Mooventhan and Nivethitha performed a PubMed search to review relevant articles in English literature based on the effects of hydrotherapy on various systems of the body. Their findings suggest that hydrotherapy was widely used to improve immunity and for the management of pain, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, asthma, stress as well as labour and birthing pools!
Mortimer et al. completed a systematic review specifically for children with autism – they found an improvement in both social interactions and behaviour overall.
Geytenbeek reviewed all current research into hydrotherapy and found high quality evidence which supported the research showing benefit in pain reduction, as well as the vast number of physical conditions.
Risks
Health and Safety are of paramount importance at VR therapies, especially as many of our visitors have a variety of medical conditions. All staff will be fully trained and experienced in first aid and disability awareness for example, as well as enhanced DBS checks – ensuring our commitment to safeguarding. There are a number of policies ensuring the design of VR therapies will protect the safety of visitors, whilst allowing positive risk-taking. A medical questionnaire may be required for certain health conditions, which we are always happy to discuss prior to visiting.
The risks involved in hydrotherapy are already low, and with our dedication to children with special needs and people with disabilities, our risk assessments will be incredibly comprehensive to ensure everyone feels safe. Those unable to swim will be able to float with minimal risk and the open pools will ensure any vulnerable individuals can be supported safely with full supervision. See FAQ for more information or please contact us if you have any concerns or queries.