Aquatic Therapy for the Neurological Patient
Aquatic Therapy for the Neurological Patient
This course includes
The instructors
Overview
This course will review the specific contraindications and precautions related to hydrodynamics for our individuals with neurological conditions, typical co-morbidities and complex issues. Seminal research on the effectiveness of aquatic therapy for individuals with neurological conditions will be presented to explore the protocols, dosage, outcome measures and interventions in order to apply to optimize our aquatic therapy practice. Video of practical applications of aquatic therapy are included to demonstrate effective methods of achieving typical therapeutic goals in the neurological patient population.
Learning Objectives
In this online course, participants will learn:
- To understand the physiology of immersion and its specific precautions and contraindications for individuals with neurological conditions.
- To identify the hydrodynamic principles and their application in the principles of rehabilitation:
- Motor, Sensory, Tissue, Recruitment (Re)Learning
- Enriched Environment
- Compensation
- Plasticity of the CNS
- To demonstrate aquatic therapy methodology that uses the neuro rehabilitation principles of overflow, sensory stimulation; to reduce spasticity, facilitate trunk control, manage neglect and engage the patient on a cognitive level.
- To enable you to confidently and creatively work with your clients in the water, integrating them into a lifelong physical activity that is part of their community programming.
Audience
This course is for Rehab professionals who are or will be working with individuals with neurological conditions in an aquatic environment or will be referring individuals to an aquatic therapist and want a refresher of water immersion response and intervention approaches to ensure patient progress and safety.
Pre-Requisites
The Foundational Aquatic Therapy course is free and serves as a prerequisite to this course. It covers hydrodynamics, as well as contraindications and precautions.
The instructors
BScPT, MScRS
Alison Bonnyman is a physiotherapist of 30+ years. She attained an MSc in Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University researching aquatic therapy and osteoporosis. She has completed extensive international training in aquatic therapy, presented her research at international conferences, and is a provider of aquatic therapy, using community pools.
Alison is the founder of Canadian Aquatic Rehab. She lectures, consults, and teaches aquatic therapy across Canada.
Material included in this course
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Aquatic Therapy for the Neurological Patient
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Gait and Balance
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Function and Cognition
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Aquatic Therapeutic Methodologies
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BRRM
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Watsu and Ai Chi
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My Typical AT Approach
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Case Studies
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Feedback
How do I get access to a pool?
Community pools serve their whole community and thus should have time for individuals to attend with an assistant - this is managed differently in every community. It is best to call and ask about the changeroom accessibility, the pool access (ramp, stairs), the pool depth, the temperature and times that are suitable for you to access with your client. Times, access and programs change frequently.
If I take this course am I a certified Aquatic Therapist?
Canada does not have a designation of " Certified Aquatic Therapist". This online course should be followed by your participation in a practical, in-pool course.
Is a certificate of completion included with this course?
Once you have completed the course, a certificate of completion (including learning hours and course information) will be generated. You can download this certificate at any time. To learn more about course certificates on Embodia please visit this guide.
This can be used for continuing education credits, depending on your professional college or association. If this course has been approved for CEUs in specific jurisdictions, it will be noted on the course page and CEU information may be added to your course certificate. Please read this guide for more information.
What if my client is afraid of the water?
Fear of water is a strong deterrent to participating and benefitting from aquatic therapy. Aquatic therapy is not swimming or adaptive swimming training. Much can be achieved in the vertical, standing and sitting positions.
Can patients do both land and aquatic therapy?
Yes, aquatic therapy is another rehab tool to help clients recover and achieve optimal movement and function using hydrodynamic principles.