Aquatic Exercise Association

Beginner / 8 Credit Hours

Faculty: Beth Scalone, PT, DPT, OCS, ATRIC

Attendees should be familiar with basic aquatic therapy principles and have knowledge of patient/client handling skills. No background in AquaStretchTM is needed.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

AquaStretch™ is considered a breakthrough in pain management and aquatic therapy. It helps to quickly restore flexibility lost due to accidents or surgeries; significantly and immediately reduces chronic pain or pain with movement; creates profound relaxation that helps to improve function, quality of life, and sleep, and therefore, overall ability to heal. Integrative exercise programs will be presented through case studies on how to maximize the benefits of the AquaStretch™ technique. The participant will be presented with the tools to apply appropriate documentation and application of this modality in their particular aquatic therapy setting.

This course presents the foundations and applications of AquaStretch™, a form of individual and facilitated aquatic exercise that has been successful in treating various patient populations including chronic pain to elite athletes. AquaStretch™ theoretically breaks down fascial adhesions utilizing a combination of the facilitator/therapist’s manual pressure and the client/patient’s active movement. AquaStretch™ method can be utilized as a wellness program or specifically applied as a skilled aquatic therapy technique.

This basic course will cover the basic wellness applications and progressions of Aquastretch techniques. Topics include starting positions and grips, how to safely apply stretch resistance using 5-15 pound weights to the body in 3-5 foot depth water and understanding intuitive movement.

This is a manual, one on one technique not intended for group classes.  Skills check and verbal exam will be given as part of the course. 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1)   Explain the basic AquaStretch™ theories including, restoration of movement, stretch resistance, fascial adhesions and intuitive movement.

2)   Safely progress a client through the eleven basic starting positions and grips within the AquaStretch™ wellness program.

3)   Effectively cue and perform the basic AquaStretch™ procedure.

4)   Discuss appropriate water depth and equipment usage including safe application and removal of weights.

5)   Describe appropriate level of documentation for various aquatic therapy settings.

6)  Describe the benefits of the AquaStretch™ techniques for various patient populations.

FACULTY: Beth Scalone, PT, DPT, OCS, ATRIC, is a physical therapist specializing in orthopedic and aquatic therapy, and owner of North County Water and Sports Therapy Center in San Diego (www.waterpt.com). In 1991, Beth earned her PT degree from the University of Connecticut and in 2006, earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Boston University. She has achieved certification and re-certification as a clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. As a Certified STOTT PilatesTM Instructor, Beth incorporates the use of Pilates basic principles into her exercise programs. In 2010, Beth was honored with the Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute’s Tsunami Spirit Award and in 2012, she was named the Aquatic Therapy Professional of the Year. In 2015, the Aquatic Section of the APTA presented Beth with the Judy Cirullo Award in recognition of her promotion of aquatic therapy. Additional aquatic therapy certifications include Master Instructor for the Burdenko Method and Trainer for AquaStretchTM.