Aquatic Occupational Therapy Treatment Interventions

Dive into the world of aquatic therapy with this comprehensive course, developed as part of a Doctoral Capstone Project within the Drake University Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program. This course explores a detailed individualized learning project focused on harnessing the power of water for therapeutic intervention.

Key topics covered include:

• Functional Aquatic Therapy Interventions: Discover practical examples of how aquatic therapy can improve daily function and overall well-being.
• Continuing Education in Aquatics: Learn about ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with the latest research and best practices in aquatic therapy.
• Marketing & Advocacy for Aquatic Therapy: Explore strategies for promoting the benefits of aquatic therapy to current and future occupational therapists.

This project was built upon a strong foundation of knowledge. The course creator, a certified aquatic therapy and rehabilitation therapist and experienced occupational therapy professional, conducted an in-depth needs assessment and literature review. Extensive continuing education in aquatic therapy research and practices informed the educational materials.

The project involved developing an occupation-based treatment framework for community members across the lifespan, addressing a variety of physical and psychological diagnoses within an aquatic therapy setting. A key focus was advocating for the increased implementation of aquatic therapy practices among occupational therapists.

Hands-on experience was central to the project, with direct engagement in functional water activities with community members. This practical application strengthened skills as a certified aquatic therapist and as a 3-year occupational therapy student. The implementation of aquatic tasks demonstrably improved participants' daily function, health, and wellness, leading to positive outcomes.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify learning objectives within an aquatic therapy project.
• Demonstrate an understanding of OT services applicable across the lifespan.
• Gain a deeper understanding of the functional application of occupational therapy in aquatics.
• Recognize the importance of advocating for increased occupational therapy involvement in aquatic therapy settings.

This course is ideal for occupational therapists seeking to expand their skills and knowledge in aquatic therapy, or for students interested in pursuing a career in this growing field.