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Charlene Kopansky
President & Founder

CECs Accreditation:  CALA AFLCA BCRPA CanFitPro NSFLA SPRA Sport PEI NLPRA  YMCA & YWCA LSS (petition CALA CECS)

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Rehab Prep Course
Arthritis/Joint Rehab
Back Splash
Breast Cancer
Cardiac Rehab
Deg. Neuromuscular
Multiple Sclerosis
MVA Rehab
Osteoporosis
Post Burn
Sports Injuries
Stroke/Brain Injury

"The Foundations of Vertical Water Training - The Kopansky Method Pre-Requisite Course and the Group Aqua Fitness Specialty Training and Certification Course have been launched in Ontario and Alberta thus far. All other provinces continue to use the CALA Combined Foundations of Fitness Theory and Aquafitness Leadership Training Course, Part 1 & Part 2. Any person who has completed the CALA Combined Foundations course, is not required to complete the Vertical Water Training Course or the Group Aqua Fitness Specialty Course."


 
International
 

Rehab Prep Course  

CALA Introduction To Aquatic Therapy 
(Part of the CALA Healing Waters: Aquatic Post Rehabilitation
Program)

Fee Schedule * CECS * Registration 

Description · Content · Target Audience 
Duration · Prerequisites · Recommendations
Certification · Recertification · CECs
  Fees · What to Bring · Manual

CALA pictureCALA continues to promote the "Healing Waters" theme through conferences, intensive training weekends, workshops and courses. At every national and regional CALA conference, an aquatic rehabilitation stream is offered.  The quarterly newsletter, "Wavelink", also includes articles specific to the aquatic post rehabilitation.

The 'Prep' Course is offered on an ongoing basis to create a standardized approach to the design and delivery of aquatic post rehabilitation programs within facilities. Also, selected specialty courses addressing topics from the following list will be scheduled according to the needs expressed by the CALA membership.

  • Cancer

  • Post Burn

  • Post Cardiac

  • Osteoporosis

  • Sports Injuries

  • Multiple Sclerosis

  • Back Care and Whiplash

  • Post Stroke and Brain Injuries

  • Degenerative Neuromuscular Conditions (M.D., Parkinson's...)

Description

The diagnosis of chronic diseases such as Diabetes, Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Cancer used to be followed by advice to ‘take it easy’ and rest. Research confirms that exercise can strengthen the immune system and promote healing. Certain conditions and special populations respond best to activity in an aquatic environment. In the classroom and the pool, this comprehensive prep course sets the stage for future learning through exploration of the following:

  •  Introduction to Aquatic Post Rehabilitation

  • Philosophical Approach – integration of mind, body and spirit

  • Physiological effects of immersion from a post rehab perspective and the Healing Power of Movement in Water

  • Benefits of aquatic physical activity, for certain special populations and the treatment of a number of chronic diseases

  • Indications and Contraindications

  • Phases of Rehabilitation (I, II, III, IV), Characteristic Symptoms, Corresponding Goals and Advantages of Water: Pain Cycle, Healing Cycle

  • Team Approach to Healing, Building Your  Business

  • Risk Management Strategies, Screening, Insurance, Facility Considerations

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 Content

Course participants will be introduced to:

  • The goals of aquatic activity for most musculo-skeletal conditions

  • The phases of healing

  • The stages and goals of aquatic post rehabilitation

  • Aquatic therapy facility requirements

  • Contraindications to aquatic post rehabilitation

  • General exercise guidelines and effective teaching techniques

  • Class design for therapeutic pools, including temperature considerations

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Target Audience

Health care professionals including but not limited to: 

  • Kinesiologist

  • Physiotherapist

  • Doctor, Chiropractor

  • Athletic therapist

  • Massage therapist

  • Occupational therapist

  • Home care specialist

  • Others with a keen interest in post rehabilitation: Rehabilitation and post rehabilitation specialist

  • Group fitness instructor

  • Personal trainer

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

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Duration

  • The AQUATIC POST REHABILITATION PREP COURSE is a compulsory eight(8) hour course.
  • This course is facilitated using active theory and active pool sessions. If a warm-water pool is available (31 °C / 88°F to 35° C / 95°F), a minimum of one hour in the pool will be incorporated into the course agenda. If the water is cooler, the trainer has the option to include practical pool session(s).
  • A question and answer period is included within the eight hour agenda.
  • Time is allotted to complete the certification exams within the eight hours.
  • Host affiliates will schedule the courses according to the availability and suitability of the pool and classroom and the needs of potential course participants.

Sample Agenda - (Facility dependent)

8:30:   Theory in Classroom
10:45:  Break
11:00:  Participation in a Therapy Pool Session
12:00:  Observation of ‘real’ therapy class
13:00:  Lunch provided – nutritional & plentiful
14:00: Theory in Classroom
16:30:  Theory assessment

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Pre-requisites

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.

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Recommendations

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
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Certification Process

Theory Component of certification is offered at the end of the course. The theory assessment is a one hour open book exam, for the 'Prep' Course. There is no practical assessment for the 'Prep' Course.

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

Re-certification

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)

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Fees

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What To Bring

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.

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Manual

  • 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.

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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.
 

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.

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