The Stronger the Power, the Steadier the Steps! The Hydrotherapy Transformation of Children with SMA
Learning to walk at one year old, being able to walk at two years old, and being independent at three years old – this seemingly most ordinary process of a child’s development was once the greatest wish in the hearts of Yi Chen (a pseudonym) and his family.
SMA, fully known as Spinal Muscular Atrophy, is an extremely rare hereditary neuromuscular degenerative disease. Actions that come easily to most children—kneeling, crawling, standing—are incredibly challenging for children with SMA. Achieving these seemingly small milestones requires not only long-term medication but also relentless rehabilitation training.
At the age of one, which should have been the time when toddlers happily toddle around, little Yi Chen couldn’t even stand. and even the transition process from kneeling to standing was full of difficulties. Even the process of shifting from kneeling to standing was filled with obstacles. In 2021, concerned by his delayed development, Yi Chen’s mother took him to a hospital for a medical evaluation. Genetic testing confirmed what they feared: Yi Chen was diagnosed with SMA Type II. Desperate to find a way to help him, Yi Chen’s mother traveled from place to place, seeking treatments that might improve her son’s condition.
In 2022, Yi Chen began taking prescribed medication and started physical therapy (PT) rehabilitation at a hospital in Qingdao. After a year of treatment, he was able to take a few steps with support, but independent walking still seemed out of reach.
The rehabilitation journey for children with SMA is long and arduous. It requires both financial resources and the unwavering commitment of parents. Although Yi Chen’s progress over the past year had not fully met expectations, his mother never lost hope. After many twists and turns, in April 2023, a public welfare organization connected her with the United Foundation for China’s Health (UFCH). With the foundation’s support, Yi Chen began hydrotherapy rehabilitation training at Beijing United Family Rehabilitation Hospital.
Rehabilitator guides Yi Chen to practice walking in the water
Hydrotherapy rehabilitation is a therapeutic approach that harnesses the unique properties of water to enhance physical therapy. In a water environment, buoyancy reduces the impact of gravity on the body, effectively minimizing weight and making movement easier for children. This buoyant support allows their remaining muscle strength to become more visible and functional, enabling them to exercise with greater ease and freedom. At the same time, the natural resistance and pressure of water provide an ideal environment for muscle strength training, helping children build endurance and improve cardiopulmonary function.
Yi Chen was initially afraid of going into the water
Yi Chen could go into the water on his own
After a thorough assessment and evaluation, the hydrotherapy rehabilitation therapist designed a professional, detailed, and highly targeted training program specifically tailored to Yi Chen’s needs. The therapist carefully considered his personality traits and emotional state, offering patient and compassionate guidance throughout the process. Initially, Yi Chen was fearful of entering the water and needed his mother by his side. However, over time, he grew to enjoy the sessions, eventually entering the water eagerly and independently, working enthusiastically with the therapist during each session.
This visible progress has brought new hope to Yi Chen’s mother. Despite the long one-and-a-half-hour drive each way, she remains committed to taking him for hydrotherapy sessions twice a week, knowing how crucial this training is for his development.
In 2023, Yi Chen joined group hydrotherapy rehabilitation training alongside other children with SMA. After six months of dedicated effort, and with the help of corrective shoes, he achieved significant milestones. He successfully transitioned from sitting to standing, balanced on one leg, and walked independently for more than 10 meters within six minutes. As his cardiopulmonary function and core strength continued to improve, his ability to care for himself also steadily developed.
In 2024, Yi Chen began one-on-one hydrotherapy sessions to accelerate his progress. With the close guidance and support of his therapist, he mastered jumping with both feet in the water, walking more steadily, and increasing his walking distance to over 70 meters within six minutes.
Yi Chen’s continuous progress has given his parents renewed confidence in his rehabilitation journey. They understand that the road to recovery will be long and full of challenges, but each small achievement fuels their determination to keep moving forward. Behind Yi Chen’s courageous efforts are the unwavering persistence of his family, the expert guidance of his therapist, and the ongoing support of public welfare organizations. With every step, they believe Yi Chen will continue to grow, overcome difficulties, and integrate fully into a joyful and meaningful life, writing his own story of resilience and achievement.
UFCH has already helped more than ten children with SMA receive regular hydrotherapy rehabilitation. Throughout this journey, filled with warmth and hope, the therapists have dedicated themselves to carefully designing personalized rehabilitation plans for each child, nurturing their progress with care and attention. With the support of UFCH, everyone involved has witnessed these children gradually regain vitality through the gentle nourishment of hydrotherapy. Looking ahead, UFCH remains committed to extending care and hope to more children with SMA, bringing light, warmth, and new possibilities into their lives.