Aquatic Therapy Programming

Here is the essential information for designing, implementing, and managing an aquatic therapy program. This complete guide to the aquatic treatment of orthopedic injuries addresses topics ranging from program format to risk management and pool design. The book also presents 28 plans of care for the treatment of injuries to the lower extremities, upper extremities, and spine.

First, Aquatic Therapy Programming gives you the tools you'll need to develop a plan of care for aquatic therapy. You'll learn the basic properties and principles of movement in water and how to apply them to aquatic therapy, how to use water depth during the different stages of treatment, and how to use equipment to facilitate exercise.

Author Joanne Koury then describes her unique six-phase approach to designing aquatic treatment plans. The steps include
-assessment and early treatment;

-strengthening and local muscular endurance;

-balance, coordination, and cardiovascular conditioning;

-task-related and sport-simulated skills development;

-transitional aquatic therapy; and

-maintenance and fitness.
Next, the book explains how to implement the six-phase plan of care in the treatment of selected orthopedic injuries. You'll find 28 specific plans of care for acute injuries to the
-pelvis, hip, and thigh;

-knee;

-lower leg, ankle, and foot;

-shoulder region;

-elbow, wrist, and hand;

-lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine; and

-trunk and neck.
Descriptions of exercises used within the treatment plans are enhanced by photographs. You can use these plans of care as a starting point for treatment in the pool, modifying them to meet the needs of individual clients.

Finally, Aquatic Therapy Programming discusses the administrative concerns of aquatic therapy facility managers. The book addresses many aspects of risk management and safety planning, including legal responsibility, safety and rescue equipment, pool maintenance, client screening, and staff hiring and training. It also describes how to design a safe and functional aquatic-therapy facility, offering suggestions for new pool design, adapting an existing pool for therapeutic use, and using small swim tanks.