High Hopes offers physical therapy in water intensives throughout the year. We follow the
M. I. T. A. F. program, the Integral Method of Functional Aquatic Work (Método Integral de Trabajo Acuático Funcional). The intensives are performed by our Spanish partners, Dra. Dª Lourdes Escobar and Prof. Dª Charo Belenguer.
MITAF is a vertical rehabilitation aquatic physical therapy program which consists of developing basic movements in the water with the end goal being for the child to develop physical autonomy of their body. This program helps the child to develop the areas of resistance cardio-respiration, muscular strength, flexibility, coordination, balance and functional capacity.
The program utilises the hydrodynamic properties of water while working in vertical and so the child benefits from the elements of buoyancy, balance and resistance. An aquatic environment is the perfect medium to reduce chronic pain that is associated with the habitual restrictions of movements and/or deformity. It also helps in improving the range of articular mobility, flexibility, elasticity, strength, coordination and balance, along with the benefit of resistance cardio.
MITAF has been utilized since 2005 on patients with physical and functional limitations. This program functions on the application of a formula on basic movements that are tailored to the level of each child. In May of 2013, it was recognized by the American College of Sports Medicine as an apt tool for acquiring physical conditioning.
The sessions are personalized and suited for the condition of each patient, along with specific objectives that are put in motion for each individual but the common goal for each child remains the same – to improve their quality of life.
