Aquatic Therapy After Total Knee Replacement

Available on demand | 2.0 contact hr | On-demand recorded webinar + distance learning module.

Description: This course examines innovative yet clinically defensible aquatic therapy strategies for patients following total knee replacement, with relevant application to total hip arthroplasty. Content focuses on appropriate patient selection, timing of aquatic intervention, post-surgical precautions, and phase-based progression across arthroplasty rehabilitation. Participants will explore functional aquatic interventions addressing gait retraining, strength progression, balance, and movement confidence. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning, patient safety, and coordination between aquatic and land-based rehabilitation to support skilled, integrated post-operative care.

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

Format & Delivery

Format: Available on demand.

Recorded Webinar (1.0 hours) with Distance Learning Module

Total contact hours: 1.0 hours

Learning Objectives

Describe clinical indications, precautions, and appropriate timing for aquatic therapy following total hip and total knee replacement.
Analyze post-operative presentations to select aquatic interventions that support mobility, strength, gait, and functional recovery.
Compare aquatic and land-based rehabilitation strategies across phases of total joint arthroplasty care.

Additional Information about Course Content

Phase-Based Aquatic Progression After Arthroplasty:
Participants examine how aquatic therapy can be safely integrated at different stages of recovery, from early protected movement to more advanced strengthening and functional conditioning.
Safe Loading and Joint Protection Principles:
The course highlights how buoyancy, resistance, and depth selection can be used to reduce joint stress while still promoting meaningful muscle activation and movement practice.
Gait Retraining and Movement Confidence:
Content explores aquatic strategies to improve step symmetry, weight acceptance, and confidence with movement—particularly for patients hesitant to load the surgical limb on land.
Balance and Functional Task Integration:
Participants learn how aquatic environments can be used to challenge balance and postural control in a graded manner that supports safety and functional carryover.
Coordination with Land-Based Rehabilitation:
The course emphasizes how aquatic therapy fits within a comprehensive post-operative plan, supporting—not replacing—land-based interventions and return-to-function goals.

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.

Evidence-Based Aquatic Therapy for the Total Knee Replacement