Aquatic Exercise Association

Intermediate / 15 Credit Hours

There is a three-step process in helping clients achieve the highest function possible. The aquatic therapist needs to be able to assess and apply findings by using clinical reasoning skills to correct muscle imbalances and movement impairments. Completing the rehabilitation picture with developing progressive, integrative programs to enhance function. All three steps are essential in helping the client to reach their goals. The goal of this course is to enhance critical thinking skills for developing effective and efficient aquatic therapy programs. 

This course will review common assessments used in orthopedic rehab with common impairments found in orthopedic clients. Linking the findings of these assessments to specific corrective exercise will focus on progressions and functional integrative ideas to complete the rehabilitation process. Research and clinical pearls are combined to help the aquatic therapist chose the best treatment approaches for their client. This course discusses protocol ideas combined with principles and applications for deeper understanding and independent decision making.

1. State the three-step process to maximize a client’s function.

2. Perform clinical, functional mobility and strength assessments for major joints of the body and spine.

3. List most common impairments found in clients with orthopedic issu.

4. Plan treatment interventions in a sequential order to achieve greatest outcomes. 

5. Choose aquatic exercises to correct impairments and improve function based on clinical assessments. 6. Develop integrative, functional aquatic exercise to maximize function.

FACULTY: Beth Scalone, PT, DPT, OCS, ATRIC, is a licensed physical therapist with many years of experience in orthopedic and aquatic therapy. As the owner of North County Water and Sports Therapy Center in San Diego (www.waterpt.com), she continues with hands-on clinical care in addition to her role as educator. Since graduating from the University of Connecticut in 1991, Beth has belonged to the American Physical Therapy Association and has achieved certification as a Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy. In January 2006, she graduated from Boston University with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Additional certifications include Certified STOTT Pilates™ instructor and Master Instructor for the Burdenko Method.

Beth not only provides continuing education for health care professionals, she is an adjunct faculty in the San Diego Mesa College PTA program, teaching Orthopedic Rehabilitation and Introduction to Pathology courses. She also provides the learning module/instruction on aquatic therapy to the University of St. Augustine San Diego Campus DPT program. She is the recipient of the 2010 ATRI Tsunami Spirit Award and the 2012 ATRI Professional Award.