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Aquatic therapy
Choose your profession and state in Your lens above, and this page answers for you first.
At a glance
- DC, ChiropractorChiropractorVaries by stateChiropractic laws commonly allow exercise, and those that name water, hydrotherapy or physiotherapy clearly reach exercise in water, but narrower laws mention neither, so whether aquatic therapy fits depends on the state board's reading.
- PT, Physical therapistPhysical therapistWithin scopeAquatic therapy is therapeutic exercise in water, and physical therapy laws cover both therapeutic exercise and treatment using water or physical agents.
- PTA, Physical therapist assistantPhysical therapist assistantNot yet covered
- OT, Occupational therapistOccupational therapistWithin scopeOccupational therapists use the pool to work on function and daily activities, though states that regulate water-based physical agents may require added training for some water treatments.
- OTA, Occupational therapy assistantOccupational therapy assistantNot yet covered
- AT, Athletic trainerAthletic trainerWithin scopeAthletic training laws name therapeutic exercise and water-based modalities, though athletic trainers are often limited to athletic injuries and physician direction.
- LMT, Massage therapistMassage therapistVaries by stateMany massage laws include hydrotherapy and bodywork, which may cover hands-on work in water such as Watsu, but they generally do not extend to therapeutic exercise programs and some exclude therapeutic exercise outright, so whether any aquatic work fits depends on the state.
- CSCS, Strength and conditioning specialistStrength and conditioning specialistNot yet covered
- CPT, Personal trainerPersonal trainerNot yet covered
What it is
Aquatic therapy is exercise and rehabilitation done in water, usually a warm pool. Water supports part of the body's weight and resists movement, so people who find exercise on land painful or difficult can often move more freely.
Sessions can include walking, strengthening, balance work and stretching in the water. Some practitioners also offer hands-on work in water, such as Watsu, in which the client floats while being moved and stretched.
Names across professions
| Profession | Term in practice acts | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Physical therapist | Aquatic physical therapy | Term used by the APTA Academy of Aquatic Physical Therapy |
| Occupational therapist | Aquatic occupational therapy | Term used by AOTA |
| Massage therapist | Hydrotherapy | Named in the FSMTB model act and several massage laws; broader than pool exercise |
| Chiropractor | Hydrotherapy | Named in Oregon's chiropractic definition |
| Across professions | Watsu (WaterShiatsu) | Passive aquatic bodywork in warm water |
What the bodies say
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