Team Aquatic Therapy - Beta Testers Help Create Site for Aquatic Therapists

Welcome, Beta Testers, to The Aquatic Therapist!

This blog helps us keep the public updated on what's new in the field of aquatic therapy.

Over the next 4 months, your Team will help us craft and hone AquaticNet.com, your aquatic therapy command center. In order to do so, you have been given a 1-year membership in Team Aquatic Therapy (and a 1-year membership for a friend; more on that later).

IMPORTANT: Your responses should be entered in the POST A COMMENT section below this blog. You do NOT need to enter your email or web addresses. 

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Assignment #2

Deadline: May 6, 2007 5 PM

Duties: To understand why aquatic professionals would want to join Team Aquatic Therapy. To help us create additional value in membership in Team Aquatic Therapy.

Go to www.aquaticnet.com and assume that you are interested in learning about -- and perhaps eventually joining -- Team Aquatic Therapy.

1. Once online, what path did you follow to learn about Team Aquatic Therapy? (for instance, you clicked on "X" link). Did you have any trouble?

2. Assume you are poised on the edge of joining Team Aquatic Therapy. It will cost you 50 bucks and, by Jove, you want your money's worth. You've joined other organizations before and been disappointed with what you get in return! Now, tell us all the things you want as a Team Aquatic Therapy member. Give us your crazy, out-there, no-organization-would-ever-do-this-wish-list.

(For instance, perhaps we can hold an annual aquatic therapy conference, complete with CEUs, free to all Team members. Or perhaps we can offer eBooks free online to members. I don't know! That's what you are for. Tell us what YOU want ... and help us meet the needs of thousands of aquatic professionals across the globe.)

Action: Provide your written responses to this task in the COMMENTS section immediately after this blog. You do not need to provide your email or web addresses.

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Thanks again for your assistance.

Warm water regards, Andrea Salzman, Founder
AquaticNet.com
Powered by the Aquatic Resources Network

Comments

[Jane Styer-Acevedo]

My favorite books are:

Ruoti RG, Morris DM, & Cole AJ: Aquatic Rehabilitation, Phila, PA. Lippincott-Raven, 1997. ISBN # 0-397-55152-5
It is easy to follow and gives solid treatment ideas.

Cole & Becker: Comprehensive Aquatic Therapy, 2nd edition. Philadelphia: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd, 2004. ISBN # 0-7506-7386-9
Very comprehensive & complete. Easy to read.

Jane

[Charlotte]

As usual, a wealth of information. I would like to see a mechanism to link individuals who want to learn about research with mentors who are experienced. Additionally, I would like to see all types of equipment that are available in the market place.

[Steve Saneda]

I really enjoyed going through the website. I especially liked the "stats" and media sections. Interesting to have that information available.
I enjoyed seeing and having access to the articles and research. A section on physician education re: referring for aquatic therapy (with "canned" brochures) would be a nice addition.
As an APTA member, I have joined the aquatic section in the past. This site and membership offers far more for less money. Thanks for the opportunity to participate.

[Ruth Meyer, MEd, RKT]

I had a little difficulty with my " slow" dial up... In moving between pages...
I think $50 is very reasonable for all that the new website has to offer, especially the access to others
I agree it would be great to have a list of those of us who are willing to travel to teach and consult... Can there be a speakers bureau?
I also like the idea of a book club- I have joined one locally with my chamber womens group and find it helpful in getting to my reading...

[Caryl Sircus]

The advantage of being late in responding is that many answers are listed already. I especially want to echo Marti and Dee's comments. I like the idea of regional groups, free seminars, legal advice, a way to get quality info on complicated treatment questions, case studies listed once a week or so by the members. I am pleased to have access to references and books. Love the idea of free stuff ( sweatshirts, hats, hooking up with a company that sends free samples for us to try) since getting to a seminar is tough even if it's free. I think that would be a big draw as even non profits have to give stuff away for people to donate.

[Patty Murphy]

#1
Once on-line I clicked team and had no issues accessing info.

#2
Sorry, this is late, my computer has been down and I was not able to access site to respond to the assignent.

I would love to see postings on specific exercises and or protocol for specific injuries i.e. ACL repair (both deep and shallow work)

[Susan Nachimson, SLP]

Sorry, I missed the date because I didn't know how to get to Assignment #2...by the time I got back to my computer and received Laurie's note, it was past the due date...whoops!

The site is very interesting, barring the technical reviews preceding me by the excercise specialists. Nothing is pertinent for speech pathology, but we are working on that as I participate.

I have not scrutinized the site well enough to know if there is a place for parents to pursue information about aquatic practices for their children with and without special needs. This would be a valuable thing to easily click onto.

I don't agree that the WABA site serves a similar purpose b/c WABA is geared towards aquatic (floating) therapy in contrast to active physical therapy. I have often felt frustrated about how to blend it all...maybe clearly defined "sections"...

I love the energy and intention to create opportunity for all professionals and participants to come together. It is a huge feat that will attract critiques from many areas, but a valiant and probably very valuable, effort. Thank you, Andrea!
Susan

[Lexie Cox]

I found the site very user friendly. I was very impressed at the scope and "inclusiveness" of the application and survey. I assume we are to fill this out later and submit it for membership. I look forward the learning more at i grow with this group.

Thanks for the opportunity.

[Sally Brindle, ATRIC]

It was easy to find how to become a team member and also to find all the wonderful things the site and being a member includes!

Also, I would like to find out what is being done and how close we are to those of us who are Aquatic Specialists (with more aquatic experience than the typical PT, OT or whatever medical title) will become recognized and therefore reimbursable by both "regular" insurance and medicare.

[Kathy "Z"]

Forgot the most important point----

What "hook" would attract me to spend $50 for a membership to Aquatic Therapy? (in addition to what is offered)

Being able to offer & list my name, certifications & scope of aquatic "practice(s)" to market my services to professionals & future personal training clients----to continue them in their journey of wellness.

May your waters be pure & warm!
Kathy "Z"

[Kathy "Z"]

After carefully reviewing the site, drooling over the access to multidisicplinary aquatic research & examining the journal would I join?--- NO.

Why? As an aquatic fitness specialist/personal trainer what would I want from aquatic therapists? #1 RESPECT/understanding of our combined roles in the health progression of our clients.

While you may SAY that you would like to extend membership to non-aquatic therapists, your website and journal article contents are developed "exclusive" to therapists'.

To make membership "inclusive" for other aquatic specialists I would recommend:

1. Expand the organization title to reflect organization intent----Perhaps, Aquatic Therapy and Wellness (indicating that there can be aquatic ex. progression)

2. Under Glossary section--differentiate between aquatic group & personal fitness training. Requires different & many additional studies/ cert. (Your def. indicates aquatic group instructor--where I startted in my career over 20 yrs. ago)is the opposite role to aquatic therapy---NO- Clarify and define the differences between theraputic and recreational(multi-level of cert.) exercise.( e.g.While I work on the "recreational" cert. end, my work continues to progress clients from "theraputic" exercise)

3. Findapool--Split & expand categories to define who is enrolling---aquatic personal trainer---independent? with facility? etc.

4. Journal articles--When I reviewed the available journal online for non-members, I was very surprised to find an article that I would never have considered publishing because------The way that the study was designed (w/ 3 control groups-1-land walking/ 1-swimming in 80 water/ 1 group walking in 84 water AT WAIST LEVEL! )would easily support the hypothisis extended that there is no difference in the effect of aerobic activities on land vs. water. ----Of course, water was not appropriately or effectively utilized!

WHY: Any beginning water fitness instructor knows that @ waist level the body is 50% submerged, not optimal for utilizing the buoyant & resistive properties of water (better @ chest level).

Therefore---I am NOT SURPRISED that the study verified its premise!

SO----As a knowledgeable aquatic fitness professional, I was surprised that an aquatic therapy journal would extend & publish that study.It led me to believe that the editor does not understand the effectiveness of aquatic exercise(recreational exercise).

5.YOUR JOURNAL EDITORIAL TEAM needs another person, knowledgeable in aquatic fitness, to screen studies for publication

6. Working toward a total "wellness" approach would expand the vision of aquatic therapy, while helping to define & perhaps integrate the roles that orthopedic doctors, aquatic therapists, aquatic fitness specials/personal trainers & aquatic group exercise instructors have in working together to expand & share knowledge, in order to better serve the clients we serve.

Respectfully submitted-----

Sharing "your" water----
Kathy Zanardelli
Aquatic fitness specialist/personal trainer

[Sara Firman]

As a non-clinical aquatic bodyworker (with a clinical background), I have been impressed by the inclusive approach Andrea has taken here.

The new site has a clarity to it that is not easy to acheive when you are sharing the amount of information that this site sets out to offer.

For non-clinical private practices, the membership fee will seem high unless the value to this group is clear. I think we could do more work on that.

The Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork website is the alternative for the above group but it has not been as responsive, interactive, or progressive as the current site.

The membership information was easy to follow and I think enough information has been made public to give a taste of what is on offer without a free trial.

[rosie]

I agree with previous comments, Perhaps a mission statement and alist of benefits/services available for members and non members, I tried to get a list of pools by zip code and it did not work well. also make the lists longer, instead of only listing 3-4 pools per page. Otherwise things went well.

[Stephanie McDaniel]

Hello and thank you for this opportunity. I am looking at this site through the eyes of an exercise physiologist designing special population aquatic exercise maintenance programs. I had no problem clicking on Team to learn more about memberships. When I was looking into this myself, I would have appreciated a "30 day free trial" to get a taste of all the resources available. Especially the research articles and library! Anyone who is in the field can be overwhelmed by all of the certifications, seminars, etc. It would be nice for this site to keep a running/current list of the popular/proven certifications, and a link to their site or contact info. Maybe even a few comments from team members who have participated and use the info they learned! I also agree with a previous entry of creating a regional, state, or even profession oriented networking opportunity. I know with what I am trying to create, I would love a resource of people to contact that have the same goals/job description/experience.
Thanks again for opportunity.
Steff McDaniel

[Barb Zipperer]

I enjoyed reading everyone's previous posts..they have covered everything and anything that I could ever want.

[Sheralee]

I enjoyed my exploration of the site. I could see that I could spend much of my time cruising the site and refreshing my knowledge, and picking up new tid bits. I was pleased with the variety of products for sale, and would consider shopping off this site for future purchases. I did not encounter any glitches, except it took me a few minutes to find the comments section. Great comments by team bloggers.

[Laurie Denomme]

Navigation by clicking on Team to start was simple.
Wish List (some comments already mentioned but I also feel important)
-Research based articles with the ability to access by category
-Training courses: More courses (link to other websites in the industry); Multi-level courses (beginner to advanced ... what does the person practicing for 15+ years attend?)
-a source to build local networking opportunities
-for the products sold suggestions on what type of client might benefit from them. If I don't know what a product is or why I would use it why would I buy it. Maybe some video clip samples of product uses.

[Mary Jo Mack]

I found the site to be rather user friendly. I enjoyed having access to the articles. I did not have any problem navigating the site.

I would be intersted in in having educational resources available for hand outs to patients/clients

More affordable CEU opportunities

Job site

[mary ellen harris]

I clicked on "team" and found everything ok, I clicked on "books" but when I went there and then clicked on a certain book, it said the page was unavailable? Just me or anyone else? I love all of the ideas so far-yearly meetings, ebooks, research reviews, ect. I would like to have someone produce some patient education cd's..with a view from under the water..sometimes the patient's don't have a clue of how they should be doing something and if I could just give them a cd(no one has vcr anymore) with certian exercises on them,(back, knee, shoulder) it may help them visualize what I want them to do. don't know if it would work......

[mary essert]

I wandered between blogs, but enjoyed the farmer wife stories and advice...thanks for great metaphorical teaching.
Also visited the glossary which is great, finally arrived at the correct spot...
Wish list includes extra strong info. on aquatic safety issues and where to obtain reliable training, ARC, ATRIC, RAST course from Mary Wykle, Human Kinetics...and always the YM and ARC Lifeguard courses....

Also would like current info on liability insurance, what works?

Free CEC's

Resources and articles as well as current research... What on line groups should we consider for info: i.e. Highbeam?

Some truth re: techniques we all use ( I am an Aquatic Specialist) and "translate" for others daily....where do certifications begin and end? Like Barbara Linnehan with whom I began in Poughkeepsie N.Y. in the 70's, some skills begin to run together...but we find them useful . Good history is helpful.
Thanks Andrea and all....

[Lori Thein Brody]

Thank you for allowing me to review this site. I have read most everyone's comments, so I don't feel the need to repeat. There are many good things found on the website; most importantly are references and research which are very important to me. A couple comments for improvement and/or snags:
1. I take some offense at the statement regarding "kicking the nasty land habit". We function in a land environment and many (most) people are successful negotiating this environment. I don't think it moves the discussion forward or makes those of us who work in the water more professional by making disparaging comments about land interventions. They are and probably will continue to be the bread and butter of many of our professions.
2. I had some difficulty with the membership application page; it was a bit confusing if you didn't want to have your pool posted. It wasn't clear if I could just obtain a membership without submitting all the information for my profile; if it is required to get the membership, then it should be clearly stated. If any information is optional, then that should be highlighted in some way; for example, some websites have highlighting or asterisks for required information. I wouldn't want to necessarily submit all the information requested in my profile; I might just want to sign up for the membership, so providing a lot of information about myself might be a deal breaker for some.

Overall a good job; just wanted to provide some constructive feedback

[Mary Wykle]

I had no problem clicking into the TEAM.

Wish list:
*Blog for common questions for discussion rather than separate emails.
*Source to access research and research projects currently on-going.
*Listing of approved sources of infomation - books, journals, courses (incl. on-line), providers.
*Affordable CEU's - maybe so many free with membership.

[Zia Parker]

Hello!
I am on the Beta tester team for Aquaticnet.
1) As such, I have received a free membership for one year. In trying to
follow instructions for our #2 assignment, I found the catelogue of
available pools.

Since I was told I have a free membership, I began to list my pool.
However, there is no option "for members"--only to pay the annual fee.

This is one of the key services I would be interested in as a member.
Also, in terms of feedback, I found the number of questions to be too
much. A more brief profile would be better. Now that I have waded
through the entire questionaire, and my data has not been accepted, that
is a bit tedious.

2) When I clicked on the link to take me to the page that should have "
Enter your comments", I was brought back to the page I was on--it had no
space for comments, and I could not see what I should do next.

[Barbara Linnehan Smith]

I clicked on all of the sites, but the first thing that always interests me is the list of seminars and trainings. As I live in Maine, I find it difficult to sometimes access trainings without spending a fortune on travel, accomodations and then the actual course fee.

I reviewed the articles of interests and research and found all easy to access.

I am now working within a school setting and work within a transdisciplinary approach which is great. So, the more I can be exposed to other disciplines and offerings by all disciplines is always welcome. I am ATRIC, CTRS and CAPE certified,along with an American Red Cross WSI, Lifeguard, Lifeguard, CPR and First Aid Instructor along with American Heart Association CPR and First Aid instructor but am always looking for other organizations where I can share info and experiences. After being in the field for over 30 years now, it is exciting to see how far we have come and how much more is offered.
Thanks
Barbara

[Meg]

I have accessed this site in the past when looking for research and originally decided to not join. The cost seemed like a lot of money for information that I could not 'try out' to verify that it met my needs.

However, the site has changed radically since my last look! I'm an 'aquatic specialist' -- provide aquatic fitness classes, swim lessons & 1-1 aquatic training per certifications: AEA, American Red Cross, ATRIC and soon ACSM for personal training]. So my approach to the site is from a different perspective than the PT/PTA/OT aquatic therapists. I spent 2 hours checking it out and making notes:
"Join T.A.T." looks good -- I love the information available from the articles "How To" 'Launch' an A.T. Practice, "Certification" & "Qualifications". I was able to get information on 'members' prices for equipment -- which is a very good discount. But in a few links I did not get linked to what I expected to see. The "Research" link/page has an excellent article on 'how to' for research, but I was disapopointed to not find more information/explanation on the RefShare database. The "State Guidelines" links to the NSPF website. If I was in a hurry I might think I did not get what I needed, whereas I would only need to place the cursor over the "Resources" section. A
pull-down menu with "State Codes" as a selection then comes up which links directly to the codes/regulations at the states official site. Great information in the NSPF website, too.

I am impressed and feel very positive about the Aquaticnet.com site. I wonder if anything should [and if so, could] be done to make it more appealing and user friendly to non-Therapists who provide aquatic work for post-PT clients. Also, there have been times when I have wanted information on the 'why' and 'how' of aquatic work. As a 'prospective member', I would want to know if this site would be able to provide information to me as an aquatic specialist [aware of her scope of practice] who is not a licensed therapist.