CALA Healing Waters:
Aquatic Post Rehabilitation Program
Finally the
'civilized' world is catching up with what ancient societies
recognized the "Healing Power of Water" and practiced
various forms of water exercise for centuries. Movement in water
offers multidirectional resistance in a non impact environment. Water
supports the body and cushions movement. When the water is warm
enough, the pain cycle is interrupted and the healing process is
encouraged. Aquatic Post Rehabilitation is not new. Recently, there
has been renewed interest in water as a therapeutic means of healing.
Health Care Providers, (physicians, chiropractors, physios, OT's,
massage therapists - to name only a few) in the 'know' are referring
patients to exercise in water. The business opportunities are immense.
With certification in Healing Waters, you can expand your business,
bring relied to so many people and contribute to the health and well
being of your community: win-win-win.
Charlene Kopansky, Founder and President of CALA Inc. www.calainc.org
Come on board with CALA! Get trained
and certified through our comprehensive Healing Waters Program.
 Rehabilitation is not just for the aging.
Many health conditions affect all ages and each needs rehabilitation.
Take time to educate yourself on such conditions as osteoporosis,
arthritis, multiple sclerosis, breat cancer, heart and stroke and not to
forget the many injuries suffered during a vehicle accident or sporting
activity. In addition become familiar with those conditions directly
related to aging.
Aquatic therapist and clients have
expressed the need for high quality, effective training in aquatic
treatment practices. The absolute necessity of standardized practices
and training in water has been voiced by numerous agencies involved in
rehabilitation and post rehabilitation. These include hospitals,
clinics, community centres, universities, colleges and elder-care
facilities. This leading edge program is being developed by a team of
medical doctors, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Kinesiologists,
Nurses, Aquatic Therapists, Exercise Physiologists and others.
The CALA Healing Waters program
teaches post rehabilitation techniques which effectively utilize the
aquatic medium to restore and enhance functional ability. This is a
comprehensive training program, based on experiential learning which
involves putting theory into practice. Program
participants will learn skills necessary to design and deliver an
appropriate post-rehab, therapy-based program which incorporates a
multidisciplinary approach. The fundamental paradigm of this program
involves thoughtful integration of the mind, body and spirit - a
holistic approach to client care.
The development and promotion of
standards and training in aquatic post rehabilitation will create a
safer and more effective transition from the health care environment
to functional daily living in the community. A reduction in costs
to the clients, the insurer and the health care system are tangible
benefits of this training program.
The program is organized into one
compulsory course which address important areas of aquatic post
rehabilitation. The courses range from 8 to 16 hours in length and
contain both theoretical and practical components. Currently, the
complete program offers more than 96 hours of training through a
variety of specialty courses.
Indications
For Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic post-rehabilitation should be considered for
patients with problems arising from:
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of joint mobility
- Poor co-ordination or balance
- Pain or lack of confidence
- Pre-gait training
Aquatic post-rehabilitation is of particular value
over dry-land treatment because of the physical
properties of the water. For example, buoyancy counteracts gravity,
provides support and relieves weight-bearing pressure on joints and is
therefore beneficial for degenerative conditions. The warmth of
the water reduces pain and can relax muscle spasm. The aquatic medium
enhances mobility for patients who may be wheelchair-bound or
recovering from prolonged immobilization.
Clearly defining the patient population that can be
treated effectively in your facility is critical. The Medical
Team has the opportunity to consider aquatic therapy/post-rehabilitation
when treating patients with:
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Juvenile chronic polyarthritis
- Spondylosis
- Capsulitis
- Mechanical spinal disorders
- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)
- Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS)
- Major fractures especially of the lower limbs or
spine
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Neurological disorders such as hemiplegia,
paraplegia, tetraplegia, polyneuropathy.
- Pregnancy
- Athletic conditioning during recovery.
- Children
The CALA Healing Waters Aquatic Post Rehabilitation
Program is designed to meet the training needs of health and fitness
professionals who wish to effectively use aquatic exercise as an
instrument of healing. This comprehensive program is comprised of
two main compulsory courses (The Healing Power of Aquatic Exercise
with The Physiology of Immersion and Introduction to Aquatic Therapy),
and a series of other optional courses which provide further education
about specific topics.
This comprehensive program involves therapeutic
exercise designed to meet the needs of people who will benefit from
the specific qualities of warm water immersion and movement. On
medical advice, and or as a follow-up to medical care or
physiotherapy, aquatic post rehabilitation can provide a vital link
between medically-supervised rehabilitation and community-based
aquatic programming. It is vital that the providers of aquatic post
rehabilitation are properly trained to provide appropriate exercise
programming and client-specific care.
back to top
The list below outlines the courses offered in the
comprehensive CALA Healing Waters: Aquatic Post Rehabilitation
Program:
The CALA Healing Waters Program - The Launch -
September 2004.
The launch of this program marks the beginning of an
ongoing series of specialized courses. The selected courses for the
September 2004 launch included:
1. The CALA Aquatic Post Rehabilitation Prep Course
(Compulsory Course) and
2. The CALA Aqua Arthritis, Joint Replacement and
Selected Joint Disorders Specialty Course
Other selected specialty courses will be on
offer in the following areas of interest:
- Cancer
- Post Burn
- Post Cardiac
- Osteoporosis
- Sports Injuries
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Back Care and Whiplash
- Post Stroke and Brain Injury
- Degenerative Neuromuscular Conditions (including
Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson’s)
If you are interested in hosting any of these
educational courses please contact CALA.
Note: Aquatic Post Rehabilitation specialty
areas not listed on this web site, are under development or can be
developed based on the demand (i.e. Parkinson's, Alzheimer's). Contact
CALA to express your interest.
back to top
Continuing
Education Credits
And
Certification
Participants may elect to take any number of courses
to suit their specific training needs. CALA continuing education
credits will be granted for each course. Each course is a
self-contained unit of information, which addresses a specific health
condition.
back to top
Please note: If you have already achieved CALA
certification in Aqua Arthritis you may be granted permission to
attend the other Aquatic Post Rehabilitation courses without
completing the compulsory courses listed above. Call CALA to discuss
your status.
Effective January 1, 2004, all candidates who wish
to complete CALA certification in Aqua Arthritis must complete the
compulsory module included in the CALA Healing Waters: Aquatic Post
Rehabilitation Program
Compulsory
Education
CALA Healing Waters: Aquatic Post Rehabilitation Prep Course
(compulsory: eight hours)
The CALA Healing Waters Aquatic Post Rehabilitation Program is
facilitated through interactive classroom theory. The theory is applied during
practical pool sessions and/or simulated clinical settings.
Written materials containing theoretical and practical
information will accompany each component of the program. It is recommended that
participants be prepared to take notes in preparation for the theory exam and
practical assessment.
back to top
Health
care professionals including but not limited to:
Participant with
a condition that prevents pain-free functioning (including but not
limited to: arthritis, back pain/spinal injury, cardiac conditions,
joint replacement, multiple sclerosis, breast cancer, motor vehicle
accident victims, workplace injury, sports injury), with a desire to
learn how to alleviate or relieve their symptoms through aquatic
exercise
The courses included in the comprehensive CALA
Healing Waters Aquatic Post Rehabilitation Program are intended for a
variety of professionals who will be responsible for teaching aquatic
specialty classes for people with the following:
- Orthopedic and rheumatologic conditions such as
arthritis and fibromyalgia
- Chronic pain
- Athletic injuries
- Pre-surgical conditioning; post-surgical
rehabilitation
- Back pain
- Post motor vehicle accident and/or other musculo-skeletal
injuries
- Post-Polio
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Breast Cancer
- Amputees
back to top
The CALA Healing Waters Aquatic Post Rehabilitation
Program: Compulsory Courses are a total of 8 hours. The other courses
range in length, for example the Aqua Arthritis Course is 12 hours.
During each course, candidates will experience the
following: a combination of land and water 'activity-based' sessions
complimented with applied theoretical sessions.
- a 30 minute question and answer session
- a one hour open book theory exam which will
include a case format
Host affiliates will schedule the courses according
to the availability of the pool and classroom and the needs of
potential course participants.
back to top
You must be a current member of CALA to participate
in this educational opportunity.
There are three levels of acceptance to gain
entrance into this Healing Waters Program. Select the Level that best
describes your level of expertise. If in doubt, contact CALA for
clarification.
Healing Waters Entrance Criteria: Level One:
If you have a diploma or degree in health care or a
related field of study (Kinesiology, Physiotherapy, Chiropractic,
Sports Medicine, Athletic Therapy, Massage Therapy, Occupational
Therapy, Nursing, Human Kinetics, Human Biology, Exercise Physiology,
Physical and Health Education) you are a candidate to participate in
the Healing Waters Program without becoming a CALA certified
Aquafitness Leader.
You will be responsible for learning the
International CALA Compendium of Moves and the Magical Properties of
Water. The CALA Combined Basic Fitness Theory
and Aquafitness Leadership Training manual must be purchased through
CALA. You must purchase a CALA Basic Fitness Theory and Aquafitness
Specialty Training Manual which accompanies the CALA Foundation
Course.
You must complete the open book theory exam
associated with the manual and the Foundation Course. You may also
choose to complete the CALA Foundation Course: Part I to become
familiar with CALA terminology.
Healing Waters Entrance Criteria: Level Two:
If you do not have a degree or diploma as noted in
Level One above, but do have current certification as an Aquafitness
Leader with an organization other than CALA, you may challenge the
CALA certification for aquafitness leadership. You must purchase a
CALA Basic Fitness Theory and Aquafitness Specialty Training Manual
which accompanies the CALA Foundation Course.
You may also choose to complete the CALA Foundation
Course: Part I to become familiar with CALA terminology. Completing
this course usually enables you to earn continuing education credits
with the organization you are certified with.
Healing Waters Entrance Criteria:
Level Three:
If you do not have a degree or diploma as noted in
Level One above, but do have current CALA certification as an
Aquafitness Leader you are accepted as a candidate for the Healing
Waters Program.
back to top
Note: The following are highly recommended,
but not compulsory:
- Keen interest in aquatic post rehabilitation
- Willingness to learn through practice and study
before, during and after the course
- Eagerness to achieve a high standard of
leadership in aquatic post rehabilitation
- Openness to learning and embracing new
information
- A strong desire to help people; to work with
people who may be in experiencing intermittent or chronic pain
- CPR and First Aid are highly recommended
back to top
To earn status as CALA Aquatic Post Rehabilitation
Specialist the following criteria must be met:
- Complete the open book theory exam for the
compulsory course: Aquatic Post-Rehab Prep Course
- Complete the certification exams for one other
optional specialty courses within the program. (ie Aqua Arthritis)
The CALA Aquatic Post Rehabilitation Specialist
Certificate will list the specialties completed.
Note: Refer to the course within the CALA
Healing Waters Aquatic Post Rehabilitation Program to determine the
specific certification requirements.
Continuing
Education Credits
CECs
Note: One CALA CEC is granted for each hour
of each course.
Credits from this course can be applied towards
re-certification in Aquafitness only if the CALA Foundation Course has
been completed and CALA Certification status as an Aquafitness Leader
has been achieved
Attending
CALA Specialty Courses, workshops and conferences and/or re-taking the
CALA Post Rehab Compulsory and/or Optional Courses, will entitle you
to earn Continuing Education Credits (CECs). One hour of education
(theory and/or practical) earns one CALA CEC. For example: Attend a
three hour Aqua Natal workshop, earn three CALA CECs.
To
maintain certification status as an Specialty Aqua Post Rehabilitation
leader you must meet the following criteria:
-
Current
CALA member, in good standing
-
Gather
a minimum of eight CALA CEC's before re-certification date
-
Conduct
a specified number of post aquatic therapy sessions per year (ie.
Aqua Arthritis classes)
-
Pay
an annual re-certification fee. Refer to the fee schedule (pdf
format)
Maintaining
Certification Status: Made Easy!
Note: At CALA, we make it easy to
maintain certification status as a aquatic post rehabilitation
specialist. CECs can be "banked" or accumulated before
attending the Aquatic Post Rehabilitation Program, or completing
certification. If more than eight credits are collected, CALA
will bump the extra credits into the next re-certification period. The
candidate is also required to conduct a certain number of aquatic
rehabilitation sessions per year in order to maintain certification.
Petitioning
for Credits
Note: In the event that the necessary number
of credits are not collected before the certification expiry date, the
candidate can petition for credits. This means, CALA will review
documentation submitted by the candidate that proves attendance at
educational events that enhance knowledge related to aquatic post
rehabilitation. There is a petition fee applicable.
Refer to the fee
schedule (pdf format)
back to top
Attendees taking the course with the goal to lead post
aquatic rehabilitation classes will need the following:
-
Proper Aquafitness shoes ( The RYKA 2 Aqua shoe"
is available through CALA) or good quality running shoes suitable for
the pool deck and dry land movement
-
Shorts to wear over a swimsuit (not short shorts), an
aquafitness or an aerobic outfit (one that can get wet) for 'on deck'
leadership practice
Attendees taking the course for general (personal)
interest:
-
Slip-on water shoes or clean running shoes that can be
used in the water attendees taking the course will need the
following:
-
A couple of swimsuits and towels
- A water bottle
- Shoes and comfortable clothing (tracksuit or
athletic clothing) suitable for dry land movement
- Writing materials to take notes
- A lock to secure valuables
- Details about any medical information that may be
required in case of a medical emergency
- Food for break times
Bring lots of energy and enthusiasm. Get ready to
have fun and learn a lot. Remember - just like a parachute, your mind
works better when it is open.
back to top
Note: Refer to the specific course within
the CALA Healing Waters Aquatic Post Rehabilitation Program to
determine the availability of the course manual for purchase prior
to the course.
Healing Waters Program Testimonial
To the CALA team
After having just completing the
evaluation process for the Healing Waters Course I want to thank the
whole team for making the experience so positive. Right from the start
getting my many questions answered and setting up registration from
Ottawa was welcoming and made the decision to go ahead with the course
very easy. During the course Linda and Janet were very professional
and shared their knowledge on a level that was able to reach all
participants. Questions were welcome, practice in the water was well
balanced and really helped hit the theory home. We also benefited by
sharing the experience of other participants. The course content was
informative and will be applicable in both specialty and main stream
classes that have varied participants. How fortunate Linda and her
team are to have such a great facility to work in. The exam process
was again very accommodating, I appreciate being able to write the
exams in Ottawa, and have my supervisor act as proctor. This
definitely helped complete the certification process in a good time
frame. As always this CALA training like past experience has left me
with a lot of new knowledge and skill, as well as confirming there is
always more to learn and expand on. The addition of the AET text was
very helpful as an extra recourse.
In conclusion, thank you to all for
being part of "the team" and for providing the education
that helps make us better leaders.
Nancy Peever, Kanata, Ontario
CALA
exceeds Provincial and National Standards and Guidelines
for Aquafitness and Related Leadership Training Courses
and Certification.
Credits
are granted for CALA courses, workshops and conferences with many provincial,
national and international organizations.
|
