PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION
Continuing Education Courses

See also Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Homepage Continuing Education Courses

Aquatic Integration (AI)
February 18-21, 2009

Course Description
Aquatic Integration (AI) is a new approach to hydrotherapy which combines eastern meridian and point work with myofascial release, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and breath work. AI is highly effective in restoring sensory perception and motor control as well as increasing range of motion and reducing muscular Spasticity and has proven a profoundly effective tool in pain management. The practitioner may use holds or a soft collar and leg float to achieve the most comfortable and affective positioning. This allows both client and therapist to be in a state of complete relaxation. It also gives the therapist the ability to use both hands for connection, palpation and mobilization. This work is well suited for the physical therapist; massage therapist, adaptive physical educators, occupational therapists, chiropractors and somatic therapists working with neurological or musculoskeletal pathologies and rehabilitation. Aquatic Integration can be utilized as a technique for full treatment or portions can be utilized within another aquatic modality. This type of facilitating warm water technique also works very well in conjunction with an active assist treatment or exercise plan.

Course Objectives

• Increase the practitioner’s ability to distinguish between habitual postural holding patterns and acute muscular holding patterns.
• Create a good understanding of the use of core mechanics for building optimal working postures in the Aquatic Therapy profession
• Learn to effectively use flotation devices to insure optimal constructive rest for the client; and
• Learn basic positioning and clinical application of AI techniques to reduce muscle guarding and stress from pain, and to facilitate a holistic sense of well-being with a meditative quality of relaxation.

About the Instructor
AI was developed by Cameron West a Certified Massage Therapist & Adapted Physical Ed teacher, who has practiced somatic therapies and water based rehabilitation for more than twenty years. Cameron has been very influenced by her studies of Watsu and the Jahara Technique and is a practitioner and teacher of such modalities such as Watsu, Waterdance, Adapted Aquatics, and Aquatic Rehabilitation Therapy. She has combined her knowledge, her experience and skills of working with a large variety of dysfunctions in creating a simple framework of clinical alternative based moves that work well in any kind of Aquatic Therapy setting. Cameron currently is the Owner/Director of the AquaZen Center in Fillmore, CA.

Course Fee
$950.00 before January 15, 2009
$995.00 after January 15, 2009

Registration
Online registration

Location
Chancellor’s Family Center
6535 Dumfries
Houston, TX 77096

Hotel Accommodations
Holiday Inn
11160 SW FWY,
Houston, TX 77031-3698
281-530-1400

For More Information
Mitzi Wiggin, MS, PT
832-826-6107
mmwiggin@texaschildrens.org

CEUs
4.0 (40 contact hours)