Aquatic Therapy Training Courses

COURSE – ATACP Accredited Foundation Programme in Aquatic Therapy (taught element)

Venue:

Physiotherapy Department

Alder Hey Childrens Hospital

Liverpool L14 5AB.

Tutor:

Susie Harrison MCSP HT

Dates:

Saturday, Sunday 8th/9th November 2025

Booking information: contact

Martin Harrison : Martin@jasperharrison.co.uk 

Course Details

AIM:- “To equip a physiotherapist with the knowledge and clinical reasoning skills necessary to work safely and unsupervised in a pool”.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:- On completion of the course the participant ahould be able to: -:

Session 1

• Discuss the relevant physical properties of water
• Relate these properties to therapeutic techniques in the water
• Relate 1 and 2 both to the treatment of patients, and to the changes that specific conditions may cause to a persons “Physical Properties”
• Demonstrate an understanding of the physical properties of water to strengthening techniques in the pool
• Appreciate and experience the effects of buoyancy, turbulence and the metacentre on a body in water.

Session 2

• Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of immersion on the physiology of the human body.
• Relate these changes to the safe screening of patients prior to Aquatic therapy
• Evaluate the effectiveness of aquatic therapy in a variety of clinical settings.
• Demonstrate the ability to confidently use various flotation devices in regard to patient handling
• Demonstrate the ability to utilise the physical properties of water to improve range of movement for patients with stiff joints or tight soft tissues
• Demonstrate safe therapeutic handing of a patent in water

Session 3

• Demonstrate an understanding of the main Health and Safety legislation, and its implications on running an aquatic therapy service
• Demonstrate an understanding of water disinfection related to the pool environment.
• Relate the above to maintaining a safe environment for staff and users including the ability to risk assess.
• Demonstrate treatment skills including Relaxation, Stabilisation, and Balance work.
• Relate these skills to the management of a variety of patient problems

Session 4

• Demonstrate clinical reasoning skills in devising a treatment programme for patients with a variety of problems
• Demonstrate an appropriate selection of treatment techniques for these patients