What does the course aim to cover? 

The course has a practical emphasis including hands-on clinical management and ideas for functional rehabilitation, and aims to provide physiotherapists with an opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills relevant to this type of aquatic practice. 

Pain management, respiratory benefits, range of movement, strength and strategies to optimise function and fitness are included. We will discuss entries, exits, risk management issues, infection control and equipment specific to the populations. 

Participation in the course should enhance participants’ knowledge and skills, and expand their treatment options to motivate and inspire their practices. 

Who is best suited to undertake this course? 

This course suits both beginners and experienced physiotherapists wanting to expand their skills and knowledge of aquatic physiotherapy for clients with complex neurological issues. 

Those working in hospitals or the health sector may have access to support and mentoring, allowing a gradual approach to building confidence with complex clients. 

However, many private practices and NDIS providers lack the staff or time to provide this kind of support. 

Whether you’re a new graduate whose first role will involve aquatic physiotherapy or you’re in a job that has asked you to start providing this service, this course is for you. 

Ensuring any physiotherapist working in the water has the confidence and skills to offer quality care is our goal. 

What concepts should participants already be familiar with before they undertake this course? What experience should they have? 

Ideally participants should possess knowledge of physics, physiology and precautions and contraindications related to immersion, as well as some pool experience and a knowledge of neurological practice—this is recommended but not essential. 

Adding to your essential aquatic background knowledge and skills can occur in many ways and in any order. 

If you have no prior aquatic experience, undertaking some observation at a practice or facility that offers neurological aquatic physiotherapy would be beneficial. 

However, if your next rotation or job requires aquatic neurological practice and you currently have no experience or knowledge, this course will be beneficial for you and your future clients. 

Those who are relatively new to aquatic physiotherapy are encouraged to seek out all relevant research, courses and available online professional development options. 

A list of pre-reading can also help you gain knowledge if you are inexperienced. 

What kinds of neurological patients benefit most from aquatic physiotherapy? 

There is no short answer to that question. 

If you are thinking about specific conditions that may benefit, the list is expansive and includes cerebral palsy, cerebrovascular accidents, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, an acquired brain injury, Friedreich’s ataxia, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease and many more. 

If you are thinking about symptoms or problems that may improve with aquatic management, then patients with pain, poor balance, stiffness, loss of joint range, limited function (ie, you can retrain rolling over in bed in the pool, sit to stand, walking or even plyometric activities) or limited fitness may benefit. 

We also have clients who come to work on their respiratory goals and mental health. 

Why is aquatic physiotherapy well-placed to provide treatment for those with complex neurological conditions and disabilities?

Hydrotherapy can be a good option if land treatment has plateaued or when new skills present unnecessary risks on land. 

Many clients experience a greater sense of motivation and achievement in the pool, due to how much they enjoy being in the water. 

Clients that have prior experience with aquatic therapy may choose it as their first option. 

Evidence, research and your own experience with previous clients will guide you on when to choose hydrotherapy. 

The effects of warm water, decreased gravitational effects and buoyancy can offer unique benefits, including pain relief even while exercising, safer balance and gait training and easier management of larger clients. 

For instance, a client who struggles with a timed-up-and-go exercise on land may first achieve it in the pool, which will motivate both the physiotherapist and the client. 

You might also decide to combine aquatic physio with land physio to work on specific areas such as stiffness, fitness, respiratory measures or even anxiety and depression. 

‘Aquatic physiotherapy in neurology and disability’ will run on 26 July in Eastwood, New South Wales; and on 16 August in Cheltenham, Victoria. Visit australian.physio/pd/pd-product?id=12736 and australian. physio/pd/pd-product?id=10884 to find out more and to register.  

Julie Harrison APAM (left) and Judy Larsen APAM (below) have worked together in both aquatic hospital facilities and private community aquatic practice since 1989, with aquatic experience prior to then as well. Both physiotherapists have lectured in aquatic physio at multiple universities, they have also provided private courses, mentoring and services around pool design and refurbishment.