Aquatic Therapy for Arthritis, Osteoporosis & Sarcopenia

Available LIVE 9/11/26 | 3.0 contact hrs | On-demand recorded webinar + distance learning module.

Description: This course examines evidence-informed aquatic therapy approaches for individuals with arthritis, osteoporosis, and age- or condition-related muscle wasting (sarcopenia). Content focuses on how the properties of water buoyancy, warmth, and resistance can be used to reduce joint loading, support comfortable movement, and facilitate safe participation in therapeutic exercise.

Participants will explore clinically appropriate aquatic strategies to address pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and declining strength while considering bone health and tissue tolerance. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning, dosing of resistance, and progression of activities that support functional movement and appropriate transition to land-based rehabilitation within skilled aquatic therapy practice.

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

Format & Delivery

Format: Available LIVE 9/11/26 and afterwards on demand.

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

Total contact hours: 3.0 hours

Learning Objectives

List benefits of aquatic exercise for pain and mobility in arthritis.
Describe how buoyancy and temperature impact comfort and range of motion.
Compare aquatic and land-based exercise recommendations for joint health.

Additional Information about Course Content

Joint Protection and Comfortable Movement:
Participants examine how buoyancy and warmth can reduce joint stress and stiffness, allowing individuals with arthritis to move more freely and confidently during therapeutic exercise.
Bone Health and Safe Loading Considerations:
The course addresses how to respect fracture risk and bone integrity while still promoting movement and muscular engagemen, particularly in individuals with osteoporosis.
Strength Preservation and Muscle Activation:
Content highlights aquatic strategies to address age- and condition-related muscle wasting using resistance, drag, and movement speed to encourage activation without excessive joint strain.
Resistance Dosing and Progression:
Participants learn how to scale resistance and intensity in the aquatic environment to support gradual strength gains while monitoring fatigue and tolerance.
Functional Carryover and Land-Based Transition:
Emphasis is placed on designing aquatic interventions that prepare patients for functional movement on land, supporting independence, safety, and long-term participation.

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.

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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.

Aquatic Therapy for Arthritis, Osteoporosis, & Muscle Wasting (Sarcopenia)