PT progresses swimmingly with aquatic therapy for 12-year-old

Connor Hurst, 12, juggles sports, school and friends like any other preteen. On top of that, he devotes several hours each week to increasing his strength and abilities with physical therapy.

A couple of years ago, Connor, who has a congenital condition that makes it difficult to walk and move, added aquatic therapy to his treatment plan. During his time in the pool, Connor and his therapist work on ways to build arm, leg and core muscles.

"Aquatic therapy helps with strength, balance and body awareness, among other benefits," explains Sentara physical therapist Cierra Neidermeyer DPT, who has worked with Connor for about four years. "With fewer gravity forces in the water, pool therapy gives people more freedom in their movements."

Progress comes in waves

Connor, who lives in Norfolk, was born with a condition called arthrogryposis, which can prevent people from being able to extend or bend their joints all the way. Eventually, joints can become permanently fixed in a bent or straightened position. Connor has been in a wheelchair since he was a toddler.

Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia has provided surgical care over the years to Connor, but his physical therapy has been primarily through Sentara Therapy Services.

After his most recent leg surgeries, his parents, therapist, and Connor agreed it was time to try pool therapy.

"I was a little bit nervous at first because it was my first time in the pool since my surgeries, and I really didn't know what would happen," recalls Connor, an honor student at Crossroads School in Norfolk.

When Connor began pool therapy, he was hesitant and nervous. He needed full assistance to scoot while sitting in the shallow end of the zero-entry pool, which gradually deepens. He also needed help standing.

"Now he can scoot in all directions by himself," Neidermeyer says of his progress over the last couple of years. "He can also sit on a floating island and slide off, catch his balance and recover in a floating position. He can stand and walk short distances holding his arms over a float to support himself."

Fears begin to float away

Connor's parents agree that pool therapy has made their son more self-assured.

"Like many of us, Connor fears the unknown," says his dad, Matt Hurst. "Sometimes he panics before he is in a new situation or is worried he will fall while sitting somewhere outside of his wheelchair, but pool therapy has helped with that."

Aquatic therapy, PT in the office, follow through at home, and his surgeries all have worked together to help Connor make impressive gains, Matt adds.

Connor's mom, Jackie Jaume of Norfolk, recalls a recent life-changing milestone during a PT appointment in the office.

"He has been able to walk on a treadmill in a harness and has also stood while supporting his weight by holding on to railings and stood for the first time in his life!" Jackie beams. "He would not have been able to do that without building his confidence while standing in the pool."

Soccer goals

Playing power soccer is another activity that has given Connor more faith in his abilities. At age 12, he is the youngest player in a wheelchair soccer team called the Tidewater Piranhas. All the other players are 17 and up.

Players use a wheelchair with a cage-type structure at the bottom. Then, they maneuver their chairs so that the cage kicks the ball on a basketball court, where they play to have a smooth surface.

Connor and his family have traveled up and down the East Coast for power soccer, and recently, the Piranhas competed in the national championship in Indiana.

"The confidence he's gained from soccer bleeds into his physical therapy, and both have helped with his coordination skills," Matt says.

Connor finds joy and fulfillment when he sees the progress he's made in PT.

"There are a lot of challenging things in therapy, but once you get used to them, it's kind of fun," Connor says.