Mary O. Wykle, Ph.D. - MW Associates
Aquatic therapys growth continues to expand. The aquatic physical therapist has a primary responsibility for understanding the liability issues and taking responsibility for risk management in their aquatic practice setting. Many aquatic therapy practitioners have no safety or lifeguard training and work only one-on-one in a solitary setting. The physical therapy department has a doctors prescription to physical therapy and often recommends aquatic therapy. The therapist that is the aquatic therapy provider(in consultation with the department head) has the final say on accepting patients into aquatic treatment as it may be determined that aquatic therapy is not appropriate at this time. Therapists must follow the Standard of Care as it applies to their qualifications.
Diagnoses with increased liability concerns include chronic and neurologic illnesses, orthopedic traumas, oxygen/catheter users, and other contraindicated conditions. Insurance often limits therapy visits to (six or 8), depending on diagnosis and pain level. Patients introduced to aquatic therapy desire continued rehabilitation and exercise opportunities in the pool when therapy sessions end and seek community programs.
