Hydrotherapy swimming pool becomes a reality for diffabled in Chennai

Stating that they had submitted a proposal in 2013, P Madhavi Latha of the Paralympics Swimming Association of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), said, “After coming across the format of how pools should be under the American Disability Act, we sought the guidance of Shayke Hutzler, Scientific Consultant of Israel Sports School for the Physically Challenged in preparing the proposal. Responding to our proposal, a GO allocating funds for its construction was issued in January 2014.”

Though the pool, located in the B Ground of the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, was inaugurated a few days back, it hasn’t yet been opened to the public, she stated. The 25-metre temperature-controlled hydrotherapy pool has a lift, ramp and steps. “The facility also has accessible toilets and spacious changing rooms,” Latha added.

Wheelchair bound, Madhavi, who had suffered from polio, was in 2007 told that there was no hope for her. However, she was then prescribed hydrotherapy. Stating that the buoyancy of the water made her body light and the weak muscles in her legs could bear her weight, she said that she could walk under water. “It not only helped me physically, but it also helped boost my confidence,” she added.

Physiotherapist Jyothi J said, “There are an end number of benefits, which many in the country are not aware of. When the body is active, it helps the muscles loosen up, which is essential to prevent further problems. This will also benefit persons with knee pain.”

Urging all physiotherapists to take this up as a model, Madhavi said, “The specialists should use the pool for treating their patients as well.”