Aquatic therapy, or hydrotherapy, involves practicing therapy in a water environment. According to the Therapeutic Recreation Directory, an information resource on recreational therapies, water's resistive nature combined with a body's buoyancy creates a beneficial environment that land-based therapy does not offer.
Types of Aquatic Therapists
A variety of medical professionals may obtain hydrotherapy certification, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, massage practitioners, recreational therapists and kinesiotherapists. The Aquatic Resources Network states, however, that a medical professional may only use aquatic therapy in ways that relate to her field. For instance, a physical therapist must only use hydrotherapy to complement goals in a client's physical therapy sessions.
Certification
Aquatic therapy certification is required to practice hydrotherapy; however, the individual must also be a legally qualified healthcare provider. The Therapeutic Recreation Directory states that aquatic therapy certification covers topics such as simple water principles, the basics of science and movement, professional responsibility and possible legal issues. Professionals can obtain this aquatic education in workshops, training seminars and classes, which may include Internet courses.
Warning
Not all aquatic therapy certifications are equal. Before pursuing the certification process, ensure the hydrotherapy certification program has accreditation by making sure the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) lists the program on the Accredited Certification Programs list.
Tags: Aquatic therapy, aquatic therapy, hydrotherapy certification, Recreation Directory, Therapeutic Recreation