Introduction to Water Principles for Effective Aquatic Therapy
Presented by Kathleen (Kiki) Dickinson
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This course provides a foundational understanding of key water principles and their application in aquatic therapy to support effective clinical outcomes. Aquatic environments offer unique therapeutic advantages—including buoyancy, viscosity, hydrostatic pressure, and turbulence—which can be strategically used to enhance function, reduce pain, and support recovery for a wide range of patient populations. From individuals with musculoskeletal limitations and neurological conditions to those with cardiovascular, respiratory, or sensory integration challenges, many people can benefit from the tailored, progressive treatment options aquatic therapy can provide that may not be feasible on land. This course guides physical and occupational therapists through defining, implementing, and adapting aquatic principles to meet individualized therapeutic goals. Applicable across diverse settings, including outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and sports medicine environments, this course equips providers with essential strategies to integrate aquatic principles into patient care.
Learning Objectives
- Define water principles present in the aquatic environment
- Clarify how water principles positively impact effective aquatic therapy treatments
- Recognize how water principles are implemented in aquatic therapy treatment
- Identify how water principles can be progressed or regressed to provide the optimum amount of intensity for effective aquatic therapy sessions
Meet your instructor
Kathleen (Kiki) Dickinson
Kiki has over 30 years of experience as a physical therapist at St Croix Therapy (Therapeutic Services for Children and Adults) in Hudson, Wisconsin, serving both pediatric and adult clients. Her caseload spans the birth-to-three early intervention population, children with complex neurological conditions, and adults with…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Water Principles Defined
This chapter introduces the core physical properties of water that influence movement and resistance during aquatic therapy. Definitions and explanations of buoyancy, viscosity, hydrostatic pressure, surface tension, refraction, turbulence, flow, and therapeutic warmth are presented to establish a foundational understanding. Recognizing how these principles operate in the water is essential for applying them effectively during clinical interventions.
2. Positive Impact/Implementation of Water Principles on Aquatic Therapy Treatments
This chapter explores how each water principle can be strategically utilized to improve patient outcomes. Through clinical examples, therapists learn how buoyancy can reduce weight-bearing or provide resistance, how viscosity allows for safer balance training, and how hydrostatic pressure supports circulation and edema reduction. The chapter also highlights how turbulence, surface tension, and therapeutic warmth contribute to improved strength, mobility, and sensory feedback, enhancing overall treatment effectiveness.
3. Progression and Regression With Water Principles for Optimum Intensity
This chapter focuses on tailoring treatment intensity by modifying how water principles are applied during exercise. Therapists will learn techniques for adjusting buoyancy, viscosity, turbulence, and other forces to progress or regress activities based on patient ability and therapeutic goals. Strategies for modifying equipment, body position, and water depth are discussed to ensure each session provides an optimal challenge and promotes continuous functional improvement.
More courses in this series
Introduction to Water Principles for Effective Aquatic Therapy
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Aquatic Therapy to Address Obesity and Deconditioning in Pediatrics
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Clinical Decision-Making in Pediatric Aquatic Therapy: Case Studies
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