Aquatic Physiotherapy Level 2
The Level 2 online course represents a higher level of aquatic physiotherapy practice for those interested in extending their knowledge and skills. Each Unit represents approximately 8 hours work and involves readings, webinars, group discussions and assignments. There are two assignments linked to Level 2, both with a focus on developing clinical practice, in a way that is most relevant to your context.
The level 2 online course includes 3 units:
Unit A-Level 2: Applied Physics and Exercise
Unit B-Level 2: Applied Physiology
Unit C-Level 2: Clinical Reasoning
Unit A: Applied Physics
This unit is designed to be specific to the clinical implications of movement, load and exercise in water, and covers hydrostatics and hydrodynamics, buoyancy and metacentre, drag, viscosity and turbulence. It covers body balance including understanding and using rotation in programs and also covers functional loading in water walking, hopping and running. This unit aims to give you an advanced understanding of force, rotation control, movement facilitation, and quantifying and progressing resistance more accurately with exercise.
Webinar Dates: 12.00pm - 1.00pm (AEST) on Wednesday 11, 18 and 25 June 2025
Unit B: Applied Physiology
This unit examines the physiological effects of immersion and exercise in water, and applies this understanding to treatment planning for the diverse population that seeks aquatic physiotherapy. Using a systems approach, it reviews the cardiovascular, respiratory, thermoregulatory and neuromuscular systems at rest and during exercise in water, and discusses the clinical implications in aquatic physiotherapy.
Unit C: Clinical Reasoning
This unit covers the theory of clinical reasoning in aquatic physiotherapy and the practical application related to planning treatment. The aim of this unit is to understand and challenge the decisions we make and to improve the effectiveness of your practice related to screening, justifying treatment and exercise, monitoring outcomes, incorporating evidence and linking with land-based function.
Webinar Dates: 12.00pm - 1.00pm (AEST) on Wednesday 30 July, 6 and 13 August
For more information, and before you register, please read the Information Booklet and complete the Prior Learning Form .
Learning outcomes
- To develop, monitor and progress an Aquatic Physiotherapy program to perform in a skilful and safe manner; competently and efficiently integrating and modifying aquatic physiotherapy interventions
- Critically evaluate and integrate evidence of exercise and functional loading in water based on physics principles on own practice to maximise clinical outcomes
- Competently and efficiently conduct a range of interventions for an individual or a group in their area of practice
- Monitor the effect of interventions, demonstrating timely modifications
- Recognise uncertainty and the need for assistance or referral in situations that are complex or unusual to the physiotherapist
- Demonstrate critical understanding of the physiological effects of immersion on the human body in health and disease
- Relate the physiological changes associated with immersion to rationalise current precautions and use strategies to complete comprehensive client screening prior to initiation of aquatic physiotherapy to mitigate risk
- Evaluate the physiological impact of immersion on responses to exercise
- Appraise knowledge and understanding of immersion physiology in treatment planning and monitoring over a wide range of conditions, including clients with multiple co-morbidities to improve policy and procedures or client education (including relevant research)
- Understand the role of cognition, knowledge and metacognition in the development of sound clinical reasoning skills
- Plan appropriate methods to continually expand your knowledge
- Understand the role of clinical reasoning, evidence based practice and clinical justification in autonomous professional health care practice
- Integrate new knowledge including physics and physiology in aquatic physiotherapy clinical reasoning
- Evaluate your own knowledge acquisition and cognitive styles and challenge these with case studies, mind mapping and other techniques
Prerequisites
- This course is only available to qualified and AHPRA registered physiotherapists.
- Aquatic Physiotherapy Level 1.Participants must complete the Level 1 course prior to registering for the Level 2 course. An exemption application can be applied for if Level 1 has not been completed and continuous practice area experience, recency of practice and recent CPD can be shown. Click here for more information and how to apply