title: Hydrotherapy combined with Snoezelen multi-sensory therapy.
abstract: The aim of this article is to present a new and challenging model of treatment that combines two therapeutic interventions: hydrotherapy and Snoezelen or controlled multisensory stimulation. The combination of the two therapeutic approaches enhances the treatment effect by utilizing the unique characteristics of each approach. We believe that this combined model will further enhance each media to the benefit of the clients and create a new intervention approach. This article relates to a hydrotherapy swimming pool facility that has been established at the Williams Island Therapeutic Swimming and Recreation Center, Beit Issie Shapiro, Raanana in Israel, after acquiring many years of experience and gaining substantial knowledge both in the field of hydrotherapy and Snoezelen intervention. Beit Issie Shapiro is a non-profit community organization providing a range of services for children with developmental disabilities and their families. The organization provides direct services for nearly 6,000 children and adults each year. This article provides an overview of hydrotherapy and Snoezelen and presents a case study, which will demonstrate the new model of treatment and show how this new and innovative form of therapy can be used as a successful intervention. We believe it will open a path to enriching the repertoire of therapists helping people with special needs. This article is also addressed to researchers to provide ideas for further studies in this area.
authors.affiliation: Beit Issie Shapiro, Community Service for Children with Developmental Disabilities, Raanana, Israel.
authors.forename: Efrat
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lavie
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shapiro
authors.forename: Mona
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Julius
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006875:Hydrotherapy / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D007557:Israel; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology*; D026421:Sensory Art Therapies / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*