Introduction to Aquatic Physical Therapy

Course overview

Aquatic therapy is a unique intervention which can be very effective when matched to the right patient. This course introduces physical therapy professionals to the benefits and most appropriate patients for aquatic therapy. Learners will understand what makes the aquatic environment different than land and how to take full advantage of the properties of water such as buoyancy, viscosity, hydrostatic pressure, and temperature. Considerations for safety and risk management are presented for conditions such as cardiopulmonary compromise, diabetes, seizures, and infection. Training requirements necessary to provide aquatic therapy are discussed.