This research based presentation addresses the significance of aquatic intervention in the management of low back pain. The epidemiology of low back pain tells us that:
The review of the Pathophysiology of the spine includes anatomy of the lumbar spine and the biomechanics of movement. It includes the theory of lumbar stability; the anatomical relationships which impact stability; the impact of a specific exercise regime to address instability; and the criteria involved with water therapy. The theory is based on Panjabi's Theory of Spinal Stabilization which is a model that incorporates three systems - passive, active, and neural. Decreased function of one system may place increased demands on the other two systems for which they cannot compensate. Based on current research, land-based evaluation and principles of exercise with desired outcomes will be reviewed. Aquatic based research by the author will be presented with the aquatic program and the indications for choosing aquatic therapy for pain management of the low back patient. Understanding the appropriate biomechanics and logical progression are presented in applying the goals for an aquatic dynamic stabilization program.
Specific considerations in choice of aquatic exercise for lumbar stabilization include:
Marty is a licensed physical therapist and also holds certification as an aquatic rehabilitation specialist and a strength and conditioning specialist. Marty is co-owner of Therapeutic & Wellness Specialists and has been involved in various aspects of aquatics for 29 years. Marty has devoted her professional service to the development and evolution of aquatic therapy. Since 1984 she has dedicated herself professionally to this area of clinical concentration and has served in multiple capacities in outpatient clinics, hospitals and wellness facilities as aquatic therapy consultant and specialist coordinating programs, managing services and administering aquatic therapy to patients with a multiplicity of physical impairments from all diagnostic groups. She is a sought-after speaker and presenter at the national level. She has served as faculty for the ATRI since 1997. Marty is currently the Director of Practice for the Aquatic APTA section of the American Physical Therapy Association. In that capacity she serves on key task forces evaluating clinical specialization issues and the implementation of post graduate clinical residency and fellowship credentialing programs in aquatic rehabilitation. She is currently a consultant for doctoral physical therapy students from Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, West Virginia in a research evaluating the effect of Lumbopelvic stabilization on patients with unstable spine. Marty has written chapters in several books regarding water therapy, including the second edition of Cole & Becker's Comprehensive Aquatic Therapy, the clinical reference in the field of aquatics. She is currently completing a book on low back pain treatments. She continually takes courses, searches for new treatments in the water (often experimenting on herself), and thoroughly researches all new ideas and advances put forth. She continues to strive toward self development in the pursuit of her doctoral degree. Marty is considered an expert in the aquatic rehabilitation management of patients with disorders of the spine. Marty received the ATRI 2008 Aquatic Therapy Professional award. She is the past recipient of the 2006 ATRI Dolphin Award and the 2000 ATRI Tsunami Award. Her service in community agencies such as the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Red Cross has led to the Outstanding Achievement Award from the VINCA of Lake County in Illinois and the Carol Lee Swim Memorial Award for Excellence in the field of physical education.
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