Course Code: REL-RTS-0-IAPP
Hours: 1
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2028
Learning Objectives:
Determine at least one therapeutic effect of buoyancy, viscosity, hydrostatic pressure, and water temperature and how to tailor your treatment interventions based on these therapeutic effects.
Identify at least five clinical presentations that may benefit from aquatic therapy.
Recall precautions or contraindications for the therapy.
Outline:
Section 1: Therapeutic Effects of Water
Why This Matters
Why Water Works
Buoyancy
Buoyancy and Relative Density
Patient Handling
Weightbearing
Strengthening
Balance Training
Additional Principles
Hydrostatic Pressure
Viscosity
Hydrodynamic Drag
Surface Tension
Refraction
Temperature
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Is the Pool Safe for My Patient?
Contraindications and Precautions
Precautions
Knowledge Check
Pool Readiness
Patient Comfort
Before Entering the Pool
Specialized Training
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Clinical Examples and Current Research
Introduction
Chronic Low Back Pain
Introducing Aquatic Therapy
Precautions and Treatment Considerations
Plan of Care
Arthritis
Introducing Aquatic Therapy
Precautions and Treatment Considerations
Osteopenia and Osteoporosis
What Does the Research Say?
Recommendations for Alia and Fran
Considerations for Other Conditions
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Rotator Cuff Injury
Post-Stroke
Cardiovascular Disease
End-of-Life Conditions
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributors
Resources
References
Subject Matter Expert: Emily Dunlap, PT
Emily Dunlap, PT, PhD, is a highly experienced aquatic physical therapist with a career spanning inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient orthopedic care. Over the past decade, she has focused on teaching and research, making significant contributions to aquatic physical therapy. As the inaugural chairperson of the APTA Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy Clinical Competency Certificate program, Emily's leadership has advanced the field, earning her accolades like the Judy Cirullo Award and the Richard Ruoti Research Award. Emily has authored chapters in three aquatic therapy textbooks, published original research on aquatic rehabilitation, and holds certifications in Halliwick, Bad Ragaz Ring Method, Ai Chi, and Watsu (Level III). As the owner of Aquatic Therapy Pro, she continues to excel as a clinician, researcher, and education consultant. She also leads an international aquatic rehabilitation journal club, fostering global collaboration. Driven by a passion for advancing evidence-based practice, Emily is dedicated to mentoring future aquatic therapy professionals.
Writer: Nicole Fogarty, PT, DPT
Nicole Fogarty holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Northeastern University. She has experience treating patients with cardiopulmonary, orthopedic, and neurological impairments in the inpatient setting. She also has experience in outpatient orthopedics. She has additional training in medical screening, lumbopelvic examination and treatment, and treatment of patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. Nicole enjoys using her clinical experience and interest in current rehabilitation research as a Physical Therapy writer for Relias.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Entry level Physical Therapist; Entry level Physical Therapist Assistant; in the following settings: Assisted Living Facility, Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (CORFs), Rehabilitation Settings, Skilled Nursing Facility.
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.