Aquatic Therapy for Balance Disorders & Fall Risk

Available on demand | 3.0 contact hrs | On-demand recorded webinar + distance learning module.

Description: This course examines evidence-based applications of aquatic therapy for individuals with balance impairments and increased fall risk. Emphasis is placed on how the unique properties of water—including buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, viscosity, and multisensory input—can be strategically leveraged to support postural control, stability, and safe movement exploration within rehabilitation settings. Content highlights assessment-informed intervention planning, progression strategies, and task-specific balance activities that translate directly to patient care. Clinical examples focus on fall-risk reduction, movement confidence, and appropriate transfer of skills to land-based function within skilled aquatic therapy practice.

To enroll 2+ learners, use "Buy Licenses' option below.

Format & Delivery

Format: Available on demand.

Recorded Webinar (2.5 hours) with Distance Learning Module (0.5 hours)

Total contact hours: 3.0 hours

Learning Objectives

At the end of the training, participants will be able to:

Describe 2-3 contraindications and/or precautions related to aquatic therapy for this population.
Given a specific case, write a short statement of medical necessity showing the need for aquatic therapy for a patient with a risk of falls.
Locate 5 systematic reviews from the last 5 years which justify the use of aquatic therapy for balance and fall prevention
List 3 reasons that therapy may be considered safer to perform when performed in an aquatic medium.
Describe at least 5 aquatic exercises designed to improve balance and/or decrease fall risk.
Describe a systematic technique to progress most aquatic activities or tasks from a lower level of intensity to a higher level of intensity.

Additional Information about Course Content

Aquatic Properties and Balance Control:
Participants examine how buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, and viscosity alter postural demands, center-of-mass control, and sensory feedback—creating a safer environment for balance training and error-based learning.
Assessment-Informed Balance Programming:
The course emphasizes using standardized and functional balance assessments to guide aquatic intervention planning, progression decisions, and documentation.
Sensory Integration and Postural Strategies:
Content explores how aquatic environments challenge vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, and visual systems, supporting improved postural responses and adaptability.
Task-Specific Balance Training:
Participants learn how to design aquatic balance activities that target anticipatory and reactive control, weight shifting, gait stability, and transitional movements relevant to daily function.
Fall-Risk Reduction and Functional Carryover:
The course highlights how aquatic balance training can improve movement confidence and prepare patients for real-world demands, supporting safe transition to land-based rehabilitation and daily activities.

Target Audience Statement

This course is designed primarily for professionals with a basic understanding of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Those likely to benefit most are: Physical therapist & assistants, Occupational therapists & assistants, Recreational therapist & assistants, Speech & language pathologist & assistants.

Students who are at the basic level of skill acquisition and those who are at a higher level of skill, but who are looking for a course that provides "best practice" ideas for techniques currently practiced are also welcome.

This course can be applied toward 3 elective hours for individuals who are seeking their ATU Aquaticist credential.

This course does not focus on evaluation or examination of the patient and the content is within the scope of practice for the Assistant working under the supervision of the PT or OT or RT or SLP. While the primary audience for the course is the PT/OT/RT/SLP provider, other rehabilitation providers will find it beneficial.

CEU/CCU Information

Instructor:

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Masters degree in physical therapy. Salzman is the Founder and Owner of the Aquatic Resources Network, the largest multidisciplinary clearinghouse of information on aquatic therapy. She currently serves as Director of Aquatic Therapy University and has assisted hundreds of facilities during the start-up and training phases of their aquatic practice. Salzman has received the highest honor given to an aquatic physical therapist from the American Physical Therapy Association, the Judy Cirullo Leadership Award. She has been listed in Who's Who for Aquatics multiple times over the years. Over her career, she has served as:
• Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy
• Manager, Regions Hospital Therapy Pool
• Adjunct Faculty, College of St. Catherine’s PT program
• Functional Design Consultant; Aquatic Therapy Facilities
• ARN Database Creator, 19,000 aquatic professionals
• Aquatic Health Research Database (AHRD) Creator, 8000 abstracts and growing
• Author, 5 aquatic therapy-related texts
• Monthly columnist, Aquatics International, Advance for PTs, Onsite Fitness, AusMed and other trade magazines

Patrick Jones - Course author

What's included in this online course?

A step-by-step guide

Your ATU instructor's expertise will help you master the fundamentals of aquatic therapy.

Study at your own pace

You can enroll in this course whenever you want, and study at your own time, location and pace.

Unique learning experience

We will learn with ATU's interactive courses with different media and quizzes, to improve your knowledge.

Course Lessons

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Disclaimer The content provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is intended for use by licensed and student rehabilitation professionals. It does not constitute legal, medical, or billing advice, nor does it create a provider–patient or attorney–client relationship. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and current compliance, laws, payer policies, and professional regulations vary by state and may change over time. Users are responsible for verifying all information with applicable federal, state, and payer rules before applying it in clinical or administrative practice. Participation in any ATU course, program, or resource does not guarantee licensure, certification, or reimbursement and should not be interpreted as a substitute for professional judgment, legal consultation, or individualized clinical decision-making. By using this site, you agree that Aquatic Therapy University and its affiliates are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from use of this information.

Evidence-Based Aquatic Therapy for Balance Disorders & Fall Risk