Copyright (C) Dr. Luis G. Vargas 2007 All Rights Reserved
Dr. Vargas has distinguished himself as a consummate aquatic therapist and consultant specialist in a number of aquatic rehabilitation clinics throughout the country. Although his vast knowledge and multifaceted experience extends beyond the norm to include orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, and cardiopulmonary, Dr. Vargas has focused his work as an expert in the aquatic rehabilitation of the patient with Fibromyalgia.
His dedication and commitment to the aquatic rehabilitation industry led him to be recognized by the Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute (ATRI) with the 2000 Dolphin Award at their annual symposium. Dr. Vargas has been an active as a member of the ATRI family serving as faculty and speaker nationally at specialty institutes, professional seminars and the annual symposia. He is a renowned international expert in aquatic rehabilitation having served as speaker and presenter at International Congresses in countries such as Brazil, Costa Rica, Argentina, his own homeland of Puerto Rico and throughout the United States. He continues to receive international invitations to serve as speaker in renowned professional congresses and conferences. His efforts to establish the clinical value of aquatic rehabilitation as a specialty and the effectiveness of his interventions as well as other popular ones used in the field are evident in his research. He has completed four research studies:
The Effect of Aquatic Physical Therapy In Improving Motor Function and Decreasing Pain in a Chronic Low Back Pain Patient: A Retrospective Case Report (published in the Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy, March 1998)
A Pilot Single Subject Design Study on the Effects of the Clinical Wassertanzen Protocol on Decreasing Pain and Spasmodic Activity, and Improving Sleep Patterns on a Patient with Fibromyalgia (which is published in his book, Aquatic Therapy: Interventions and Applications)
The Effect of Phase III Clinical Wassertanzen Submersive Maneuvers on Oxygen Saturation Levels, Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate in Normal Subjects (published in the Aquatic Therapy Journal, January 2004)
The Effect of Bad Ragaz Trunk and Lower Extremity Patterns on Lumbar Spine Flexibility and Mobility in Normal Subjects (published in the Aquatic Therapy Journal, January 2005)
In August 2004, Dr. Vargas received the highest honor in the Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Industry: the Aquatic Therapy Professional of the Year Award. This honor was bestowed upon him by the Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute at the 2004 Symposium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dr. Vargas has been pivotal in the development and implementation of a new credentialing process for aquatic physical therapists and other multidisciplinary aquatic therapy professionals. His chartered proposal and work in this endeavor led to the establishment of The National Commission for the Credentialing of Aquatic Rehabilitation Disciplines (THE NCCARD). In February 2007 he was appointed President of the Executive Board of Governors of the NCCARD.