C. getting hydrotherapy at school |
Code of Health Rules for the Therapy Pool
It is forbidden for patients to enter the pool if the following conditions apply:Given that most children receive the therapy only once per week, this policy will frequently translate for many into zero sessions per week. (I confess, C. enjoys the luxury of the maximum number: 3 sessions per week, for which I had to fight tooth and nail. )
- Prolonged, heavy cough
- Runny nose (green/yellow mucus)
- Herpes
- Rash
- Open sore
- Lice
- Girls during menstruation
- Within 24 hours of having been given an enema
- 24 hours or less after having a fever
- Patient receiving antibiotic - may return after 5 days of the treatment with medical certificate
- After hospitalization, illness or surgery, must bring a medical authorization specifically for hydrotherapy.
- After rehabilitative surgery, may not return to the water until the hydrotherapist has received instruction from the treating physiotherapist
And given that sessions are cancelled at the drop of a hat - for instance, when a therapist is out sick, no replacement is hired - it will also translate into party time for the staff.
Several of the offending conditions are utterly ridiculous. One of them, days of menstruation, has absolutely no justification. Remember, the children all swim with diapers anyway.
The issue of menstruation first arose for us a couple of years ago when the hydrotherapists notified me out of the blue that C. could not enter the pool in that state. Previously, she had been doing so with nobody's objection.
When I asked the reason, the chief hydrotherapist explained "It isn't healthy for her."
That struck me as loopy. So I consulted C.'s pediatrician - a Harvard Medical School graduate with decades of experience - who confirmed my hunch. At my request, he kindly and promptly faxed me this note with which to tackle the pool powers-that-be.
To whom it may concern,It worked like a charm. C. did not even miss that day's session.
This is to authorize that C. can participate in hydrotherapy sessions despite being in the midst of menstruation.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. [name]
Pediatrician
Now I wonder how the new edict will affect us. For now, it isn't a concern. Other than some spotting, C. hasn't had her period for about a year. I don't know why but, really, should it matter?
Please share with us the policies at your child's therapy pool.
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