PREREQUISITES

A 4-hr ATU Bootcamp is offered at no additional cost immediately prior to this class (see next column for schedule). This class is required before taking any ATU course (current water-gurus excepted).

ABOUT THIS 2 DAY CLINICAL- INTENSIVE SEMINAR

A 18 hr. training module packed into 2 days (4 hr. Boot Camp plus 14 hr. main course). Designed to rapidly introduce clinicians to novel treatment ideas for the geriatric patient. Will focus exclusively on diagnoses commonly seen in the elderly, such as THR, TKR, fracture, osteoporosis, arthritis, CVA, Parkinson's and other gait and balance deficits. Includes a “sampler lab” of the most clinically useful elements of popular aquatic specialty techniques and research findings which support aquatic therapy. Provides an introduction to the following techniques as relates to the geriatric population: Watsu®, the Bad Ragaz Ring Method, Ai Chi, Task Type Training Approach, aquatic adaptations of the Berg (for balance), Aquatic Sensory Integration (ASI) and drills loosely based on the Halliwick Method.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Describe why aquatic therapy may be the treatment of choice if (a) the patient is difficult to support or handle, (b) the therapist cannot adequately access the patient’s body on land, (c) the patient has a contraindication to weight bearing (lecture).
2. Recite 3-4 aquatic precautions and contraindications specific to the geriatric patient (lecture).
3. Locate what payers (including Medicare) have to say about aquatic therapy for the geriatric patient (lecture).
4. Make a 3 minute verbal “case” for providing aquatic therapy services for a geriatric patient. Be able to identify and locate supportive research to bolster case (lecture).
5. Perform 3-4 aquatic therapeutic movements, tasks, or exercises designed to: increase bone density
   improve strength
   minimize contractures
   decrease pain
   improve trunk stability
   improve posture, weight-bearing, balance, gait and proprioception
   improve functional skills (lab)
6. Demonstrate 1-2 aquatic tasks or activities from each of the following specialty techniques (as each relates to the geriatric client): Ai Chi; Aquatic adaptations of the Berg; Aquatic Blanket Drills (ABDs); Aquatic manual therapy and stretching; Aquatic Sensory Integration (ASI); Functional skills training; Progressive resistive exercise; Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF); Trunk stabilization/ Core training; Unpredictable Command Technique (lab)
7. Progress a specific aquatic task from a lower level of function towards increased independence (lab)
8. With a partner, design and implement a 15-minute aquatic treatment plan (including equipment selection) for 1-2 of the following:
   
   s/p fracture, internal trauma, sprain, strain or dislocation

   s/p joint replacement (e.g. TKR, THR)

   Arthritis

   CVA’s and other non-progressive neurological disorders

   Parkinson’s and other progressive neuromotor disorders

   COPD and other respiratory disorders

   S/p cardiac event or disorder

View all 2010 classes

Download brochure (PDF)

Click here for special room rates ($74/nite)


ATU Schedule

Friday AM (Bootcamp)
8:00-8:30 Registration
8:30-10:45 Lecture
10:45-12:45 Pool lab

Friday PM (Main course)
1:30-2:00 Registration (new arrivals)
2:00-5:00 Lecture
5:00-5:45 Supper
5:45-8:45 Pool lab

Saturday
8:30-12:00 Lecture
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-3:45 Pool lab
3:45-4:15 Energy break + demo
4:15-6:15 Pool lab

Schedule Changes
Due to unforeseen circumstances or events, ATU schedules, instructors
or venues are subject to change without notice.

Cancellation Policy
The final date for refunds (minus $175 reseating fee) for cancellations by students is 2 wks before class start date. No refunds given for cancellations after this date.