A 2-day course presented by Aquatic Therapy University (ATU) will examine water-based interventions for patients with musculoskeletal disorders. According to an ATU course description, the lab-intensive course is designed to rapidly introduce course participants to basic and intermediate aquatic treatment ideas for the musculoskeletal patient. The course will provide an overview of treatments relevant to pediatric, geriatric, and adult practices, with an emphasis on different musculoskeletal conditions, such as arthritis, sprain, and chronic pain syndromes.
The ATU course description notes that the course will provide participants with insight into musculoskeletal-specific precautions and contraindications to immersion. In addition, the course will teach participants to justify aquatic therapy interventions to payors and referral sources. The course includes an 8-hour aquatic lab of the most clinically useful elements of popular aquatic specialty techniques for the musculoskeletal population.
The learning objectives for this 2-day course include participants being able to: demonstrate aquatic therapeutic movements, exercises, or tasks designed to improve function and strength; develop an aquatic treatment plan for conditions such as arthritis and chronic pain syndromes; and progress a specific aquatic task from a lower level of function toward increased independence.
Additional course objectives include verbal justification of why aquatic therapy may be the treatment of choice for specific patients, and gathering and organizing information regarding what payors have to say about aquatic therapy for patients with musculoskeletal complaints.
The ATU course description notes that the “Water-Based Interventions for Musculoskeletal Disorders: An Aquatic Therapy Primer” course is primarily for professionals during their first 2 years of concentrated effort performing aquatic therapy. Kimberly Gordon, MPT, will be the instructor for this multi-day course, which will take place in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on May 9 to 10, 2014. For additional course information or to register, visit www.aquatic-therapy-university.com.
[Source: Aquatic Therapy University]
