Aquatic Therapy Precautions and Contraindications

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

Description: This free, archived webinar provides an introductory overview of commonly encountered precautions and contraindications in aquatic therapy practice. Content is designed to prompt clinical reflection, risk awareness, and thoughtful decision-making when considering patient safety in aquatic environments across rehabilitation settings. The course is intended as a foundational discussion rather than a comprehensive or current reference. Rehabilitation professionals seeking detailed, up-to-date instruction on aquatic precautions, contraindications, and clinical decision-making are encouraged to complete the Aquatic Therapy Essentials: Bootcamp module available through Aquatic Therapy University.

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

Explain the importance of maintaining a very short contraindications list (and a very long precautions list) in the aquatic therapy setting.
Describe the conditions under which it is important to seek additional orders from the referring provider.
Create a definitive precautions & contraindications list which all therapy pools should consider.
Cite the expert opinion and scientific literature which supports aquatic treatment choices.

Additional Information about Course Content

Foundational Risk Awareness:
Participants review common medical, surgical, dermatologic, cardiopulmonary, and neurologic considerations that may influence appropriateness for aquatic therapy.
Clinical Judgment Over Checklists:
The course emphasizes why precautions and contraindications should inform—rather than replace—clinical reasoning, patient screening, and interdisciplinary communication.
Gray Areas in Aquatic Decision-Making:
Content addresses situations where aquatic therapy may be conditionally appropriate, highlighting the importance of context, monitoring, and individualized decision-making.
Scope and Limitations of Introductory Education:
Clear boundaries are established regarding what this overview does—and does not—cover, reinforcing the need for ongoing education and updated references.
Pathway to Comprehensive Training:
The webinar serves as a gateway to more in-depth learning through Aquatic Therapy Essentials: Bootcamp, where precautions, contraindications, and safety considerations are addressed in greater depth and context.

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

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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.

The Definitive Aquatic Precautions and Contraindictions List