1621 – Intro. to AquaStretch

Beginner / Full-Day Workshop

Chicago, IL / Thursday, April 12, 2012 – 7:30 am-4:30 pm – 8.0 credit hours equal to 8.0 CECs/.8 CEUs

Pool: 7:30-9:30 am

Classroom: 9:30 am-12:30 pm

Lunch on own: 12:30-1:30 pm

Classroom: 1:30-3:00 pm

Pool: 3:00-4:30 pm

Faculty: Beth Scalone, PT, DPT, OCS; and Connie Jasinskas, MSc

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

AquaStretch™ (AS) is considered a breakthrough in aquatic therapy and pain management. AS helps to quickly restore flexibility lost due to accidents or surgeries; significantly and immediately reduces chronic pain or pain with movement; creates profound relaxation that helps to improve function, quality of life, and sleep and therefore overall ability to heal. This course presents the foundations and applications of AquaStretch™. AS is a new form of facilitated aquatic exercise that has been successful in treating various patient populations, including people with chronic pain, joint replacements, wellness participants, and elite athletes. AquaStretch™ theoretically breaks down fascial adhesions utilizing a combination of the facilitator / therapist’s manual pressure and the client / patient’s active movement. AquaStretch™ method can be utilized in a wellness program or specifically applied as a skilled aquatic manual therapy technique.

This one-day introductory AS course will cover the basic wellness applications. Topics include starting positions and grips for several AS techniques within the wellness program paradigm. Participants will practice AS procedures, including:

· Understanding AS theory

· Dialogue with patients regarding pain

· Grips and holds for several body regions

· How to safely apply stretch resistance using 5-15 pound weights on lower extremities

· Explaining and facilitating intuitive movement

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to:

1) Explain basic AquaStretch™ theories including, restoration of movement, stretch resistance, fascial adhesions and intuitive movement.

2) Safely perform 3-4 basic starting positions and grips within the AquaStretch™ wellness program.

3) Effectively cue and perform basic AquaStretch™ procedure.

4) Discuss appropriate water depth and equipment usage including safe application and removal of weights.

FACULTY: Beth Scalone, PT, DPT, OCS, is a licensed physical therapist with over 18 years of experience in orthopedic and aquatic therapy. As the owner of North County Water and Sports Therapy Center in San Diego (www.waterpt.com), she continues with hands-on clinical care in addition to her role as educator. Since graduating from the University of Connecticut in 1991, Beth has belonged to the American Physical Therapy Association and has achieved certification as a Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy. In January 2006, she graduated from Boston University with a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Additional certifications include Certified STOTT Pilates™ instructor and Master Instructor for the Burdenko Method.

Beth not only provides continuing education for health care professionals, she is an adjunct faculty in the San Diego Mesa College PTA program, teaching Orthopedic Rehabilitation and Introduction to Pathology courses. She also provides the learning module/instruction on aquatic therapy to the University of St. Augustine San Diego Campus DPT program.

Connie Jasinskas, MSc, is an international educator through her company: For the Love of Fit. She is the author and trainer of numerous aquatic post-rehab workshops and courses, including Aquanatal, Back Splash and Aqua Arthritis. She is currently providing aquatic rehabilitation for the Canadian Back Institute Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre.