New Pool At Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare Provides Therapy

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A new pool at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare means new therapy options for patients.

The pool floor lowers into the water so patients don't need to use a ramp to get in. The floor can also function as a treadmill if patients need it.

Henrich Erickson is one of three triplets who has cerebral palsy. The three-year-old was born at one pound and three ounces and had a traumatic brain injury three days later.

Heinrich has been receiving pool therapy since May of last year.

"Sometimes it's very difficult to motivate him to want to do what he needs to do. When he's in the pool you can stretch him and have him do exercises that he doesn't even realize he's doing because he's doing them in play," Ann Erickson, his mother, said.

Underwater cameras can help therapists observe and evaluate patients' movements.

The new therapy pool will officially open tomorrow.