The Aquatic Therapy Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (ATACP) are a Professional Network recognised by the CSP.
We are a self-governing body that are responsible for our own financial and organisational liabilities. We openly welcome all Chartered Physiotherapists, Physiotherapy Assistants and Students working within or specialising in Aquatic Therapy practice.
History
Originally the Hydrotherapy Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (HACP) was founded by Alison Skinner & Yvonne Rogers in 1989 following an 'expression of interest' meeting in 1988 hosted by Pam Harris. Sheila Ingerfield was the first Chair. The initial remit was to provide specialist support to Physiotherapists working in Hydrotherapy. “To promote Hydrotherapy as a treatment modality, and to ensure that Physiotherapists have sufficient skills and knowledge to utilise hydrotherapy safely and effectively”
Since then, twice yearly study days, a biannual journal "Aqualines" and further publications have come from this committed group.
In 2008 the name was changed to The Aquatic Therapy Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (ATACP), and clarification was made that Aquatic Therapy is a form of water based therapy that is carried out only by suitably qualified physiotherapists.
Non-specialist physiotherapists may still carry out 'hydrotherapy'. But the ATACP notes that the term ‘hydrotherapy’ is also used for the very different practices of colonic irrigation and spa bathing. 'Hydrotherapy' may also be carried out by carers or teaching assistants in homes or special schools, who may not have the underpinning knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
In order to ensure this specialist knowledge an accredited Foundation and Assessment process was developed. As Universities and Tertiary Education Establishments dropped Hydrotherapy/Aquatic Physiotherapy training from their undergraduate curriculum the group realised that the ATACP Foundation was providing the only gold standard for teaching the level of knowledge required for those treating patients in aquatic therapy pools.
The committee were integral in setting up a standardised data collection project which ran nationally in collaboration with Brighton University and a number of NHS Trusts.
In November 2014 the committee celebrated their 25 year anniversary by organising a 2 day international conference at Headley Court Military Rehabilitation Centre.
There is hope for more international courses and study days over the next 25 years of making WATER WORK!
Objectives
- To collect and share knowledge about hydrotherapy / aquatic therapy
- To set Standards of Practice for physiotherapists working in hydrotherapy/ aquatic therapy
- To educate members through study days, publications, e-mails and iCSP
- To bring together people who have a common interest in hydrotherapy/ aquatic therapy
- To promote hydrotherapy/ aquatic therapy within the profession, to other professionals and to the public
Mission Statement:
The ATACP is a Professional Network of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. We are a highly experienced, skilled and motivated professional network specialising in water based rehabilitation. The network promotes water based therapy, through, education, clinical skills, research, publications, study days and membership support.
Aquatic Physiotherapy definition:
“A physiotherapy programme utilising the properties of water, designed by a suitably qualified Physiotherapist. The programme should be specific for an individual to maximise function, which can be physical, physiological, or psychological. Treatments should be carried out by appropriately trained personnel, ideally in a purpose built, and suitably heated Aquatic Physiotherapy Pool” (ATACP 2014)
SHORT TERM AIMS
- Set up ATACP as a limited company and register with Companies House
- Review and update website information
- Determine members' views on Aqualines journal and study day webinars and action as appropriate
- Add Research Database to ATACP website
- Provide information for website to assist with cost benefit analysis for Aquatic Therapy Service
- Mantain a social media presence by posting monthly and linking Twitter and Facebook links to website
- Review provision of online training:
- Devise online ATACP introduction to Aquatic Therapy
- Foundation Course - Theory
- Promotional clip for YouTube
- Update all Foundation course information / documents / website
- Develop international visibility and collaborations
ATACP committee
Meet the committee and find out more about us