A 60-minute Aquatic Therapy University (ATU) webinar streamed on-demand examines recent findings that support aquatic therapy for patients post-total knee replacement (TKR). Recommended attendees include rehab professionals with a baseline level of knowledge about the properties of water (at least 500 hours working in an aquatic setting). According to the ATU website, this may include rehab departments, rehab managers, physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, athletic trainers, occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, exercise physiologists, therapeutic recreation specialists, and post-rehab professionals.

The site notes that the learning objectives for the “Evidence-Based Aquatic Therapy for the Total Knee Replacement” webinar include understanding, from a physician’s perspective, under what circumstances it would be appropriate to begin aquatic therapy as early as 5 to 7 days postoperatively, while examining literature that supports that argument. Participants will also view and discuss a 20-minute aquatic treatment plan for the postoperative treatment of the TKR candidate. Additional learning objectives include gaining the ability to describe why aquatic therapy may be the treatment of choice if (a) the patient demonstrates an abnormal gait pattern or the need for an assistive device postoperatively due to pain or weakness, (b) the patient is experiencing postoperative edema, limiting ROM, or (c) the patient is unable to exercise in a gravity-dominant environment. Upon completion of the course, participants will also be able to document medical necessity for aquatic therapy and learn what payors (including Medicare) have to say about the use of aquatic therapy for the pre- and postoperative joint-replacement patient, as well as identify and locate supportive research to bolster their case.

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT, serves as the webinar’s instructor. Salzman is the founder and owner of the Aquatic Resources Network and vice president of 10K Health LLC, a temporary staffing agency. The site says Salzman currently serves as director of Programming for ATU and has assisted many facilities during the start-up and training phases of their aquatic practice. The site adds that in 2010, Salzman received the Judy Circullo Leadership Award, the highest honor given to an aquatic physical therapist from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

For more information, visit www.aquatic-therapy-university.com

[Source: Aquatic Therapy University]