A TEENAGER is starring in a new film championing aquatic physiotherapy and encouraging such services to be maintained.

In the film, Dominic Francillia explains how the rehabilitation makes him feel free, despite the disability he faces due to cerebral palsy.

Filmed at Chailey Heritage Pool near Newick, the film is being shared by Chartered Physiotherapists and physiotherapy staff throughout the UK to highlight to healthcare decision-makers the value and importance of aquatic physiotherapy so that access to these important services are celebrated and sustained.

Many hydrotherapy pools, previously used for aquatic physiotherapy, remain empty up and down the UK, whilst patients are deteriorating.

In some cases, the facilities have been converted into storerooms or office space or are in need of maintenance due to prolonged inactivity and disinvestment.

Dominic said: “I started aquatic physiotherapy when I was two years old and when I have it I can do a lot more than I can do on land. 

“When I’m doing aquatic physiotherapy I feel free and that means a lot to me. My family call me the torpedo in the pool.”

“I am really independent in the water and can do everything by myself like walking and swimming.”

Jackie Pattman, Chartered Physiotherapist specialising in aquatic physiotherapy, Co-chair of the Aquatic Therapy Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (ATACP) and Accredited ATACP tutor, based in Sussex, said: “Access to hydrotherapy pools and Aquatic Physiotherapy is a vital form of rehabilitation for patients suffering with a variety of long-term conditions from Parkinson’s Disease and Ankylosing Spondylitis to Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, Cerebral Palsy and other complex conditions. 

“It also benefits those recovering from orthopaedic surgery or injury. However, despite the benefits for patients, many hydrotherapy pools are being mothballed or are facing closure. 

“This can mean serious consequences for the patients who rely on these services to maintain health and wellbeing, exercise and reduce their painful symptoms.”

Sarah Francillia, Dominic’s mother, said: “It would be devastating if Dominic could not get into a hydrotherapy pool and have aquatic physiotherapy.

"It helps him keep supple, strong and flexible. It’s the main way he can keep moving and burn calories. Importantly it helps him stay off medication too. 

“I’m so pleased and proud that he has been able to contribute to this new film and help champion aquatic physiotherapy up and down the UK.”