Instructor Bio

Deanna Lentini is a pediatric physiotherapist at Kaylas Children Centre. She has trained internationally in multiple aquatic therapy techniques including Watsu and Halliwick. Deanna has instructed Pediatric Aquatic Therapy courses across Canada, most recently for Erin Oak Kids, CHEO and BC Centre for Ability. Deanna believes the pool can be fun for everyone, and enjoys supporting the most complex clients in maximizing their physical potential and quality of life in the pool.

Course Outline

Course Outline This eight hour course runs from 8:30am to 4:30pm with a 30 minute break for lunch. Lectures review hydrodynamics, physiology of immersion and specific contraindications when working with children in the aquatic environment. A review of evidence and case discussions pertaining to paediatric populations including ASD, CP, DMD, SMA, post-op inpatients and outpatients will be discussed. Pool sessions will practice application of aquatic interventions for both group and 1:1 therapy settings. On completion of the course therapists will be able to design and evaluate evidence based aquatic physiotherapy treatment plans.

Provisional Schedule

08:30 – 10:00: Lecture reviewing hydrodynamics, physiology of immersion, contraindications and outcome measures. Review of aquatic interventions with video demonstration
10:15 – 12:30: Pool session practicing techniques reviewed in morning lecture
12:30 – 13:00: LUNCH and change
13:00 – 14:15: Lecture reviewing Halliwick, evidence update, case studies
14:30 – 16:30: Pool session and client demonstration

Course Registration