"What is" and General Questions

What is "aquatic physical therapy" Aquatic Physical Therapy Aquatic Physical Therapy is the evidence-based and skilled practice of physical therapy in an aquatic environment by a physical therapist or by a physical therapist assistant who is under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.  Aquatic Physical Therapy includes but is not limited to treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, health, wellness and fitness of patient/client populations in an aquatic environment with or without the use of assistive, adaptive, orthotic, protective, or supportive devices and equipment.  The buoyancy, support, accommodating resistance and other unique properties of the aquatic environment enhance interventions for patients/clients across the age span with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/pulmonary, and integumentary diseases, disorders, or conditions. Aquatic Physical Therapy interventions are designed to improve or maintain: ►        function ►        aerobic capacity/endurance conditioning ►        balance, coordination and agility ►        body mechanics and postural stabilization ►        flexibility ►        gait and locomotion ►        relaxation ►       muscle strength, power, and endurance Interventions used in Aquatic Physical Therapy include, but are not limited to, therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapy, breathing strategies, electrotherapeutic modalities, physical agents and mechanical modalities using the properties of water and techniques unique to the aquatic environment. Abbreviated Definition of Aquatic Physical Therapy: Aquatic Physical Therapy is the scientific practice of physical therapy in an aquatic environment by physical therapists and physical therapists assistants.  Aquatic Physical Therapy includes but is not limited to treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, health, wellness and fitness of patient/client populations in an aquatic environment.  The unique properties of the aquatic environment enhance treatments for patients/clients across the age span with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/pulmonary, and integumentary (skin) diseases, disorders, or conditions. Abbreviated Definition of Aquatic Physical Therapists: Aquatic Physical Therapists are licensed physical therapists who perform an examination and evaluation to establish a functional diagnosis, prognosis for functional recovery, and need for PT treatment with a plan of care.  Aquatic Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants provide PT treatments in a safe aquatic environment taking into consideration transition to land based functional activities and communication with the patient-care team. What is the difference between "aquatic physical therapy" and "aquatic exercise"? The difference is that aquatic physical therapy requires the “skilled service” of a PT and/or PTA which may include:    a) the clinical reasoning and decision making skills of a PT/PTA;    b) the patient has impairments and/or disabilities which can be minimized or eliminated with aquatic physical therapy; and c) the patient has potential for reaching new functional goals/outcomes to improve quality of life and ease burden of care.

Is aquatic physical therapy effective? This is a rather broad “tell me every thing you know” question. Perhaps volumes could be written on this topic. For information on various topics, please refer to The Aquatic Physical Therapy Bibliography. (Click here to download order form)

What do I do if I am denied coverage for aquatic therapy? First of all, one needs to understand why the denial occurred (i.e. Is documentation inadequate to justify the need, or does the third party payor globally deny aquatic physical therapy?). If the denial occurs because the third party payor denies this service, then one needs to actively educate the payor about why the physical therapist and/or doctor chose the aquatic venue for treatment.

Are there particular patients that should or should not have aquatic physical therapy? Indications/contraindications? Indications and contraindications are covered on pages 29 and 30 in “Developing an Aquatic Physical Therapy Program." (Click here to download order form)

What is lifeguard lung?  Here is link to a citation for an article on the topic of lifeguard lung – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9842376&dopt=Abstract   And, here is a link for another article that provides further background information on the topic - http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1145/is_11_36/ai_80448471 Note: All links are current as of 10/26/06

Is there an aquatic physical therapy day, week or month? Not yet!

What is the history of the Aquatic PT Section? Focus of research and study in the Section? Jean Irion wrote a nice article in the "Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy," Volume 10 Number 1, Spring 2002, addressing the history. The focus of research and study is the practice analysis currently being conducted.

What are the current trends in aquatic physical therapy? Trends vary depending on what part of the country/world in which one lives. Back to Top

Education

Is there a certification program for aquatic physical therapy? No; however, the Section is in the process of conducting a practice analysis to see if there is a need for a certification process.

What education requirements are needed to specialize in Aquatic PT? Water safety, risk management, and an understanding of hydrodynamic principles and various techniques.

How do I become an aquatic physical therapist? PTs/PTAs can take continuing education courses to gain knowledge in the area of aquatic physical therapy.

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