Aquatic Therapy Equipment: Clinical Selection & Use

Available LIVE 7/10/26 | 3.0 contact hrs | On-demand recorded webinar + distance learning module.

Description: This course examines clinical decision-making related to the selection, application, and progression of aquatic therapy equipment across rehabilitation populations and age groups. Content focuses on how commonly used tools—such as flotation devices, resistance equipment, mats, boards, and pool jets—alter support, resistance, instability, and sensory input to influence posture, balance, gait, and strength training. Participants will explore how aquatic equipment can be intentionally dosed and progressed to support therapeutic goals while maintaining patient safety and meaningful transfer to land-based interventions.

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

Identify common types of aquatic therapy equipment and their purposes.
Describe how equipment modifies buoyancy, resistance, and balance.
Compare aquatic and land-based tools for similar clinical goals.

Additional Information about Course Content

Clinical Impact of Flotation and Support Devices:
Participants examine how belts, noodles, collars, and other flotation tools alter center of buoyancy, postural demands, and motor control—highlighting when added support is therapeutic and when it may become limiting.
Resistance Equipment and Load Progression:
The course explores how paddles, gloves, boots, drag tools, and flow resistance can be used to create scalable strength and endurance demands without excessive joint compression.
Use of Mats, Boards, and Transitional Surfaces:
Content addresses how unstable and semi-stable surfaces challenge balance, coordination, and transitional movements, supporting functional task training in a controlled aquatic environment.
Jets, Turbulence, and Environmental Manipulation:
Participants learn how water flow and turbulence can be used intentionally to challenge postural control, timing, and reactive balance—while maintaining safety and therapeutic intent.
Avoiding Equipment Dependence:
Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning strategies that prevent overuse of equipment, ensuring devices support—not replace—skill acquisition, motor learning, and functional carryover.

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

Company

About
Blog
Contact

Connect with us

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.