PhysicalTherapy.com Phone: 866-782-6258


Key Distinctions between Neonatal Hydrotherapy and Therapeutic Bathing for Infants

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT

November 1, 2024

Share:

Question

What are the primary differences between neonatal hydrotherapy and therapeutic bathing?

Answer

The primary differences between neonatal hydrotherapy and therapeutic bathing lie in their purposes and execution. Therapeutic bathing, often referred to as swaddled bathing, primarily aims to clean, handle, and calm the infant without causing physical stress or temperature variations. It involves immersing the swaddled infant in warm water and gently washing each limb while keeping the rest of the body swaddled to maintain warmth and comfort. This process typically lasts between four to eight minutes and is usually conducted by nursing personnel. On the other hand, neonatal hydrotherapy, performed by physical or occupational therapists, focuses on improving physiological functions such as sleep, feeding behaviors, weight gain, and reducing pain. It involves more extensive and controlled movements in a larger tub to maximize the therapeutic benefits of water.

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course "Neonatal Hydrotherapy and Therapeutic Bathing in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit," presented by Andrea Salzman, MS, PT.

 

 


andrea salzman

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Master’s degree in physical therapy. She has over 30 years of experience with hands-on care and training, specializing in geriatrics, patient motivation, aquatics, and musculoskeletal and balance disorders. She has presented 200 seminars, authored 300 PT articles, served as a PT-related journal editor, and was once featured on the cover of Physical Therapy magazine. Salzman has served as adjunct faculty at the College of St. Catherine’s (now St. Catherine’s University) for 8 years and as the Vice President of 10K Health, LLC, a temporary staffing agency, for a decade. She currently serves as the Director for Aquatic Therapy University and ATU Aquatic Therapy Seminars and has assisted hundreds of facilities during the start-up and training phases of their aquatic practice.

 


Related Courses

Neonatal Hydrotherapy and Therapeutic Bathing in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Presented by Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
Course: #4947Level: Introductory2 Hours
  'The power point was very well structured'   Read Reviews
To a newborn, neonatal units appear exceedingly loud, astonishingly bright, unbelievably chaotic and intermittently painful. Providers do everything they can to maximize the peace and comfort of their charges, but only so much can be done. So, any technique which can reduce pain, decrease physical stressors, induce sleep, and increase hunger and the tendency to suck…. all without robbing the infant of energy, is like a gift from the NICU gods. Enter Neonatal Hydrotherapy and Therapeutic Bathing.

Novel Dual Task Processing Ideas for the Pediatric Patient: PT and OT Applications
Presented by Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
Course: #4984Level: Advanced2 Hours
  'I thoroughly enjoyed how interactive the course was, even on the video recording'   Read Reviews
This presentation introduces innovative techniques designed to enhance dual task processing in pediatric patients. PT and OT providers will explore a variety of strategies that integrate cognitive and motor tasks, aiming to improve functional outcomes in young patients with diverse needs. Through detailed examples and practical applications, therapists will gain valuable insights into implementing these dual task interventions effectively within their practice.

20 Novel Aquatic Therapy Ideas for the Pediatric Therapist: Part 1
Presented by Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
Course: #4860Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'Presenter was engaging and held my attention throughout the presentation'   Read Reviews
Therapists who work in the pool need special training to be safe and effective in the aquatic realm. But sometimes, even the best providers fall into patterned behavior when working in water. This course will allow you to step outside the box and become inspired to think creatively in the pool.

20 Novel Aquatic Therapy Ideas for the Pediatric Therapist: Part 2
Presented by Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
Course: #4861Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'She is very knowledgeable and passionate about her field'   Read Reviews
Aquatic therapists require specialized training for safety and effectiveness in the water. Even top providers may develop habitual approaches when working with pediatric patients in aquatic settings. This course aims to encourage creative thinking and innovation, empowering therapists to break away from routine practices in the pool.

20 Novel Aquatic Therapy Ideas for the Musculoskeletal Therapist: Part 1
Presented by Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT
Course: #4878Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'I enjoyed the photos to understand the novel exercises as well as how interactive the class was despite watching the recording'   Read Reviews
Therapists who work in the pool need special training to be safe and effective inthe aquatic realm. But sometimes, even the best providers fall into patternedbehavior when working with musculoskeletal patients in water. This course willallow you to step outside the box and become inspired to think creatively in the pool.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.