Pain Neuroscience Education in Aquatic Therapy Practice

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

Description: This course examines how principles of pain neuroscience education (PNE) can be integrated with aquatic therapy interventions to support pain management and functional participation. Content focuses on aligning patient education with movement-based aquatic strategies to address fear, threat perception, and movement avoidance within rehabilitation settings. Participants will explore clinically appropriate ways to pair pain education concepts with warm-water movement to support confidence, mobility, and engagement in therapy. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning, patient communication, and selection of aquatic activities that reflect contemporary pain science while remaining transferable to land-based rehabilitation contexts.

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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 3 physiological or thermodynamic properties of water that are beneficial in the treatment of patients with pain.
Describe the 3 clinical classifications of pain and the effectiveness of Pain Neuroscience Education and aquatic therapy for each.
Identify 4 Pain Neuroscience Education strategies that can incorporated into aquatic therapy sessions.
Compare and contrast the “bottom-up” vs “top-down” approach to the treatment of pain.
Discuss the role of the Homunculus (brain’s body map) with pain and how sensory discrimination can be used to “retrain the brain” to reduce pain.

Additional Information about Course Content

Integration of Education and Movement:
Participants learn how to weave pain education naturally into aquatic sessions through task selection, cueing, and conversation—supporting understanding without overwhelming the patient.
Warm-Water Environments and Threat Reduction:
The course examines how buoyancy, warmth, and reduced loading can help decrease perceived threat, allowing patients to explore movement with greater confidence and less guarding.
Addressing Fear-Avoidance Patterns:
Content emphasizes identifying avoidance behaviors and using graded aquatic exposure to rebuild trust in movement while respecting individual tolerance.
Communication Strategies for Pain Care:
Participants explore therapist language and framing techniques that reinforce safety, adaptability, and capacity rather than reinforcing pain-focused narratives.
Carryover to Land-Based Rehabilitation:
The course highlights how aquatic PNE-informed interventions can prepare patients for functional movement on land, supporting continuity of care and long-term outcomes.

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:

Cathy Maloney-Hills, PT, is the lead aquatic therapist for Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute/Allina Health, Minneapolis; has developed community, fitness and therapy programs; presented national and international courses and training for physical therapists, students and fitness professionals. She has completed the Kaiser Vallejo PNF 6-month training program, the Folsom Physical Therapy Year-long Orthopedic Manual Therapy Course, is a Therapeutic Pain Specialist and an Instructor for the Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy Certification in Clinical Competency (CCC) program

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.

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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.

Breaking Waves of Pain: Incorporating Pain Neuroscience Education w/ Aquatics