Pediatric Aquatic Therapy for Trunk Control

Available on demand | 1.0 contact hr | On-demand recorded webinar + distance learning module.

Description: This course examines innovative aquatic therapy strategies focused on trunk control, activation, and mobility in pediatric populations. Content emphasizes how the aquatic environment can be used to facilitate trunk engagement, postural alignment, and controlled movement through purposeful handling, positioning, and task design. Participants will explore clinically appropriate aquatic techniques to support trunk control, strengthening, and stretching while addressing common pediatric challenges related to stability, coordination, and movement efficiency. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning, safety, and practical application, allowing therapists to translate creative ideas into skilled, defensible pediatric aquatic therapy interventions

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

Format & Delivery

Format: Available on demand.

Recorded Webinar (1.0 hour) with Distance Learning Module

Total contact hours: 1.0 hour

Learning Objectives

1. Compare and contrast easy facilitation techniques for inhibiting spasticity and improving trunk control with children in the aquatic setting.
2. Given multiple choices, select appropriate aquatic exercises to improve coordination and mobility in children with sensory challenges.
3. Describe innovative uses of common pool equipment to engage children in aquatic therapy. 4. Make the best selection of new and dynamic aquatic treatment approaches for Torticollis and JIA.

Additional Information about Course Content

Trunk Control as a Foundation for Movement:
Participants examine why trunk stability and mobility are foundational for balance, coordination, and functional skill development in pediatric populations.
Purposeful Handling and Positioning:
The course highlights hands-on aquatic strategies that use therapist positioning and support to encourage active trunk engagement without over-assisting.
Facilitating Alignment and Controlled Movement:
Content explores how buoyancy and resistance can be leveraged to improve midline orientation, controlled transitions, and movement efficiency.
Addressing Common Pediatric Challenges:
Participants learn how to adapt aquatic trunk-focused activities for children with hypotonia, poor postural endurance, coordination deficits, or inefficient movement patterns.
Safe and Practical Clinical Application:
Emphasis is placed on safety considerations, activity setup, and real-world feasibility so strategies can be implemented immediately within skilled pediatric aquatic therapy practice.

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:

Carrie Ciaverelli, PT, MPT, CYT is the lead physical therapist at Lakeway Aquatic Therapy & Wellness Center in Austin, TX. Carrie has been practicing physical therapy since graduating from the University of Louisville in 2002. She specializes in manual therapy, pediatrics and aquatics across the age spectrum. Carrie also received her yoga teacher certification in 2010. Carrie routinely presents clinical research at APTA Conferences and has been featured as a speaker at both CSM, WAHC and the AOAP conferences in areas of aquatics. Carrie and her husband have two children.

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.

Don’t Get Sunk, Use the Trunk: Innovative Aquatic Pediatric