Where Water Meets Evidence

The Aquatic Therapy Encyclopedia™

Plain-language definitions, sources and research search links for aquatic therapy techniques, concepts and terms, free to read.

Open the EncyclopediaAbout the Evidence Library

The Encyclopedia is published by the Aquatic Therapy Foundation, a nonprofit, at aquatictherapyfoundation.org, and opens in a new tab. How ATU and the Foundation are related

How to cite this page

Aquatic Therapy University. (2026, October 19). The Aquatic Therapy Encyclopedia™: An introduction. ATU Educational Services, LLC. https://www.aquatictherapyuniversity.com/aquatic-therapy-encyclopedia

Click the citation (or press and hold on a phone) to select it, then copy. More citation options

What is the Aquatic Therapy Encyclopedia?

The Aquatic Therapy Encyclopedia™ is a free, plain-language reference to aquatic therapy techniques, concepts and terms, published by the Aquatic Therapy Foundation. Each entry gives an official definition, links its sources, and links a search of the Foundation's Evidence Library (Hot List™) for related research.

At a glance

  • Publisher: the Aquatic Therapy Foundation (ATF), a nonprofit.
  • Written by: Aquatic Therapy University (ATU Educational Services, LLC), which licenses it to the Foundation for public education without charge.
  • Editor: Andrea Salzman, MS, PT.
  • Cost: free to read online.
  • Status: beta (Version 0.1). Entries are being reviewed and added, and content may change.
  • Evidence labels: every entry is labeled. ATU teaching material is labeled [Expert opinion] unless it has been verified outside ATU.

Who publishes the Encyclopedia, and who writes it?

The Aquatic Therapy Foundation publishes the Encyclopedia at aquatictherapyfoundation.org. Aquatic Therapy University (ATU Educational Services, LLC) wrote it and licenses it to the Foundation for public education without charge. ATU teaches some of the methods the Encyclopedia describes, so read the full disclosure below.

Which entries can I read now?

These entries are live on the Foundation's site today, and more are listed there as coming soon. Each tile opens the entry in a new tab.

Techniques

Ai ChiA standing aquatic exercise and relaxation methodAquaCognition™An ATU program name for aquatic cognitive-motor work[Expert opinion]Aquatic Cognitive-Motor Training (ACMT)Pairing a cognitive task with a motor task in waterBad Ragaz Ring MethodAn active, one-to-one aquatic physical therapy conceptHalliwick ConceptAn approach to teaching water activity and swimmingSalzman MatrixA cognitive-motor decision framework[Expert opinion]WatsuPassive aquatic therapy modeled on Zen ShiatsuWater Specific Therapy (WST)An approach derived from the Halliwick Ten-Point Programme

Exercise approaches and programs

Aquatic balance and fall-prevention trainingWater-based exercise to improve balance and reduce fallsAquatic exerciseExercise in water, for fitness or therapy goalsAquatic fitnessFitness programming in water, distinct from therapyAquatic personal trainingIndividualized exercise instruction in waterSalzman Aquatic Blanket DrillsDual-task drills using floating fabrics[Expert opinion]

Concepts, terms and equipment

BuoyancyThe upward force of water and how it supports the bodyAquatic therapy terminologyThe term, and the CPT® code 97113Aquatic therapy equipmentFlotation, resistance and positioning devices

Safety and policy

Contraindications and precautionsWhen aquatic therapy is not considered, or needs careChloramines and air qualityPool air quality as an occupational hazardMedical necessity for aquatic therapyThe Medicare standard for CPT 97113

Credentials and certifications

Clinical Competency Certificate (APTA AAPT)A certificate program of the Academy of Aquatic Physical TherapyATRI Certification (ATRIC)An exam-based credential from ATRIAquaticist (Clinical Aquaticist™)ATU's two-tier certificate of advanced recognition

[Expert opinion] marks entries that describe ATU teaching material not verified outside ATU. Each entry links its sources and a search of the Evidence Library (Hot List™).

Open the Encyclopedia

How do I use an Encyclopedia entry?

  • Start with the official definition at the top of the entry.
  • Check the evidence label: [Verified] or [Expert opinion].
  • Follow the linked sources to read the originals.
  • Use the entry's Evidence Library search link to find related published research. How the Evidence Library works.
  • Use the “Cite this entry” row on the entry page, and cite the version you used, because content may change.

What else do people ask about the Encyclopedia?

What is the Aquatic Therapy Encyclopedia?

The Aquatic Therapy Encyclopedia™ is a free, plain-language reference to aquatic therapy techniques, concepts and terms, published by the Aquatic Therapy Foundation. Each entry gives an official definition, links its sources, and links a search of the Foundation's Evidence Library (Hot List™) for related research.

Who writes and publishes the Aquatic Therapy Encyclopedia?

The Aquatic Therapy Foundation, a nonprofit, publishes it at aquatictherapyfoundation.org. Aquatic Therapy University (ATU Educational Services, LLC) wrote it and licenses it to the Foundation for public education without charge. Andrea Salzman, MS, PT, is the editor.

Is the Aquatic Therapy Encyclopedia free to use?

Yes. It is free to read online. You may quote and cite it with attribution. Reproducing or adapting full entries or the Encyclopedia requires written permission from ATU Educational Services, LLC.

What does [Expert opinion] mean on an entry?

Each entry carries an evidence label. ATU teaching material is labeled [Expert opinion] unless it has been verified outside ATU, and it is not rated as evidence.

Is the Encyclopedia finished?

No. It is a beta release (Version 0.1). Entries are being reviewed and added, and content may change, so cite the version you used.

Is the Encyclopedia medical advice?

No. It is for education only. Check current research and your own scope of practice before applying anything with a patient or client.

How do I cite this?

Cite this page

Aquatic Therapy University. (2026, October 19). The Aquatic Therapy Encyclopedia™: An introduction. ATU Educational Services, LLC. https://www.aquatictherapyuniversity.com/aquatic-therapy-encyclopedia

Cite the resource itself (the Foundation's format)

Salzman, A. (Ed.). (2026). Aquatic Therapy Encyclopedia™. ATU Educational Services, LLC; published by the Aquatic Therapy Foundation. https://aquatictherapyfoundation.org/encyclopedia/

You may quote and cite the Encyclopedia with attribution. Reproducing or adapting full entries or the Encyclopedia requires written permission from ATU Educational Services, LLC. Version 0.1 (beta): cite the version you used.

Last updated October 19, 2026. For education only, not medical advice.

How are ATU and the Foundation related?

How ATU and the Foundation are related. Aquatic Therapy University (ATU) is a continuing-education provider owned by Andrea Salzman, MS, PT, who also serves as volunteer CEO of the Aquatic Therapy Foundation (ATF). ATU wrote the Encyclopedia and licenses it to the Foundation for public education without charge. ATU teaches some of the methods described in the Encyclopedia. The Foundation does not sell or endorse ATU courses.

How does our training connect to the evidence?

Aquatic Therapy University teaches aquatic therapy to rehabilitation professionals through live seminars, private training and on-demand courses. Some of the methods ATU teaches are described in the Encyclopedia.

Check the sources yourself

Read the research and the Encyclopedia sources first, then decide whether a course fits your practice. Evidence changes, so check current research and your own scope of practice.

Kept apart on the Foundation's pages

Where the Foundation describes ATU teaching material, it labels it [Expert opinion] unless it has been verified outside ATU, and does not rate it as evidence.

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