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 basic treatment ideas for the musculoskeletal patient. Will provide an overview of treatments pertinent to pediatric, adult and geriatric practices. 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: Watsu®, the Bad Ragaz Ring Method, Ai Chi, Task Type Training Approach, the Aquatic 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 patient is in pain, or (c) if the therapist cannot adequately access the patient’s body on land, (d) the patient has LE swelling (lecture).
2. Recite 3-4 aquatic precautions and contraindications specific to the musculoskeletal patient (lecture).
3. Locate what payers (including Medicare) have to say about aquatic therapy for the musculoskeletal patient (lecture).
4. Make a 3 minute verbal “case” for providing aquatic therapy services for a patient with a specific musculoskeletal condition. Be able to identify and locate supportive research to bolster case (lecture).
5. Progress a specific aquatic task from a lower level of function towards increased independence (lab)
6. Perform 3-4 aquatic therapeutic movements, tasks, or exercises designed to:

   • increase strength
   • improve ROM
   • decrease pain and muscle spasm
   • improve trunk stability
   • improve posture, weight-bearing, balance, gait and proprioception
   • improve functional skills (lab)

   7. Demonstrate 1-2 aquatic tasks or activities from each of the following specialty techniques (as each relates to the musculoskeletal client):

   • Aquatic adaptations of the Berg
   • Aquatic Blanket Drills (ABDs)
   • Aquatic manual therapy and stretching
   • Aquatic yoga
   • Bad Ragaz Ring Method
   • Functional skills training
   • Progressive resistive exercise
   • Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)
   • Trunk stabilization
   • Watsu (lab)

   8. Working 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)
   • s/p tendon or ligament repair (e.g. ACL)
   • arthritis
   • chronic pain syndromes (e.g. fibromyalgia)
   • back and neck dysfunction (lab)

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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
12:45-1:30 Lunch (provided)

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

Saturday
8:30-12:00 Lecture
12:00-1:00 Lunch (provided)
1:00-3:40 Pool lab
3:40-4:00 Energy break + demo
4:00-5:45 Pool lab
5:45-6:00 Wrap-up and questions

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.