A multidisciplinary committee of aquatic therapy professionals has created Standards for the Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Industry. The project was completed over a two-year period, with written and oral input from therapists across the US and Canada.

The committee was made up of representatives from various disciplines including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Kinesiotherapy, Recreation Therapy, Athletic Training, Exercise Physiology, Aquatic Exercise, Massage Therapy, Physical Education and Adapted Aquatics. In addition, representatives of therapy management, the YMCA, the Arthritis Foundation, aquatic safety, aquatic and therapy academics, the legal profession and the Canadian therapy industry served on the committee to add their perspective to the project.

The goal of the Standards Committee was "to create standards for aquatic therapy and rehabilitation practitioners that, if these base criteria are met, will demonstrate the knowledge to provide clients with safe aquatic therapy and/or rehabilitation."

The committee began by developing this definition: "Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation is the use of water and specifically designed activity by qualified personnel to aid in the restoration, extension, maintenance and quality of function for persons with acute, transient, or chronic disabilities, syndromes or diseases."

After the definition was finalized, these standards were developed:

I.  Aquatic therapy and rehabilitation practitioners should have knowledge of Movement Mechanics and Science (anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and biomechanics) including knowledge of the cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory,  nervous, muscular and skeletal systems and their collective interactions; knowledge of  basic anatomy, physiology and kinesiology concepts; knowledge of  basic health care terminology; and knowledge of body terms, positions and movements.

II.  Aquatic therapy and rehabilitation practitioners should have knowledge of aquatic principles including variations to movement quality using aquatic and physics concepts correctly, knowledge of how to choose equipment based on client need and goals, and knowledge of  practical skills in aquatic therapy and rehabilitation. 

III.  Aquatic therapy and rehabilitation practitioners should have knowledge of  basic principles and methods used in aquatic therapy and rehabilitation including  indications, contraindications, precautions and opportunities for aquatic therapy and/or rehabilitation; knowledge of the client evaluation process; and knowledge of the treatment and prevention components.

IV.  Aquatic therapy and rehabilitation practitioners should exhibit professional responsibility, including the proper education, certification, and/or license and training or their equivalent; knowledge of the allied health field; and knowledge of legal, ethical practices.

V.  Aquatic therapy and rehabilitation practitioners should demonstrate health and safety consciousness by maintaining current certifications and training; they should be familiar with supervisory guidelines and possible emergencies; they should be able to maintain an overall risk management program, and personal and client safety.

VI.  Aquatic therapy and rehabilitation practitioners should have knowledge of applicable regulations and legal considerations; comply with all applicable codes and laws relating to aquatics, therapy and rehabilitation; know and apply the limits of practice as they relate to base competencies within the medical system; and  generally know basic reimbursement factors.

Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute, Inc.
13297 Temple Blvd.

West Palm Beach, FL 33412

Phone: 866-go2-atri (462-2874) or  561-422-1974

Fax: 561-828-8150

Email: ATRI@atri.org Website: www.atri.org

Copyright 2004 by Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute, Inc.