About IFOMPT

IFOMPT in a Nutshell

What is IFOMPT?

The International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists Incorporated (IFOMPT) represents groups of Manipulative and Manual Physical Therapists around the world who have completed stringent post-registration/post-graduation specialisation programmes in the field of neuro-musculoskeletal disorders.

IFOMPT actively encourages improved patient management by its Standards Document and by actively endorsing evidence-based practice. IFOMPT was formed in 1974 and is a subgroup of World Physiotherapy.
OMPT definedMission & Visionour story

How does IFOMPT Work?

IFOMPT is a subgroup of World Physiotherapy which is the sole international voice for physical therapy, representing more than 350,000 physical therapists worldwide. IFOMPT is legally and financially independent of World Physiotherapy.

IFOMPT is registered as an Incorporated Society in New Zealand and holds not for profit status. Its office is in Auckland. It is governed by its Constitution and the Executive Committee is appointed by the Delegate Assembly and tasked with the oversight and management of its affairs that take place in terms of the Strategic Plan.

The Standards Committee is a standing committee appointed by the Executive Committee to assist it in performing tasks relating to ensuring compliance with the standards as well as providing advice on educational issues. A number of Advisory Groups consisting of members from the various Member Organisations have been appointed by the Executive Committee to guide the activities and outputs of IFOMPT. This ensures that the membership remains actively involved in its operations and activities. In addition, Task Forces are appointed by the Executive Committee to investigate specific issues from time-to-time. Executive CommitteeWhat are we up to?

Standing Committees

Standards Committee
 

Advisory Groups

Finance Marketing and Communication OMPT Advocacy Membership Development
 

Task Forces

Pediatric Manipulation
 
 

Governance Documents

Constitution Code of Conduct Strategic Plan Strategic Plan French Translation Diversity and inclusion PolicyStandards Document
 

Copyright of IFOMPT Authored Documents - In order for IFOMPT to retain the intellectual property and the integrity of the content of its authored documents, it is necessary to declare ownership and usage rights of such material. This will be done by use of Creative Commons licencing as per the guidelines by Creative Commons.org and will be annotated on the relevant documents.

Where is IFOMPT?

IFOMPT represents over 23 000 physical therapists passionate about OMPT from 37 countries

Member Organisations (MOs)
Click on country name for details
 Associate Member Organisations (AMOs) and Registered Interest Groups (RIGs)
Click on country name for details
IFOMPT Life Members
Life Members WS IFOMPT has awarded Life Membership to a number of individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Federation and OMPT over time and we honour these members:
April 1996 - Ian Searle
November 2000 - Robert Elvey
November 2000 - Stanley Paris
March 2004 - Gwendolyn Jull
June 2008 - Freddy Kaltenborn
October 2020 - Annalie Basson
October 2020 - Karen Beeton
October 2020 - Lorrie Maffey
October 2020 - Ann Moore
October 2020 - Duncan Reid
October 2020 - Alison Rushton

IFOMPT AWARD RECIPIENTS
The David Lamb Research Award recognises and commends an individual who has published a high quality, peer reviewed research paper.
The Geoffrey Maitland Advancement of Clinical Practice Award recognises and commends an individual who has significantly contributed to the clinical practice of OMPT.
These awards are made following a call for nominations and ususally awarded at the general meeting at the IFOMPT Conference. 
Awards 1

Lion Animal Photo Collage-961-879

Why join IFOMPT?

IFOMPT was founded almost 50 years ago with the aim of facilitating the acceptance and introduction of manipulation into physical therapy to develop the art and science of manipulation and to set standards for its education and practice. Over time it has evolved and grown considerably thanks to the dedication and hard work of many volunteers who continued to strive for excellence and the growth and protection of the profession. The result is that we now have a mature organisation that is regarded as the custodian of high standards for OMPT across the world.

By being involved with IFOMPT, the Member Organisations and their individual members are part of an international, professional organisation where membership is gained solely through extensive, postgraduate OMPT education. Obtaining these accredited qualifications attaches a status to the members that sets them aside as being able to provide care of a very high standard based on the quality of the education and the collective value ascribed to it.

Meeting the standards of education and care is further strengthened by ensuring that the educational programmes maintain a required post-professional educational standard over time. This is done through rigorous International Monitoring which is carried out for all programmes over a scheduled time period.

By putting in place these Educational Standards and requirements that are measurable and comparable, the members become more mobile and are able to have their qualifications recognised elsewhere in the world. This reciprocal recognition opens up opportunities to work and gain experience and collaborate on a global scale.

IFOMPT provides a vehicle and platform for its members to contribute to the clinical, education and research to the advancement of OMPT practice worldwide. Being part of this international community facilitates debate and collaboration and the joint effort is greater and with more far reaching benefits for the profession and ultimately the patients than would be without the platform to collaborate. This includes potential involvement in international consensus and development and approval of OMPT Frameworks and Clinical Resources that span across borders or regions and shape the way in which treatment is provided.

The four yearly IFOMPT Conference affords researchers and clinicians alike the opportunity to present their research, collaborate and attend presentations on the latest and most up to date information and developments in the profession. In addition to the scientific benefits, the Conference is also an unrivalled networking opportunity where members can connect and meet with colleagues from around the world.

Benefits of membership in French

 
Join1-368
  • "With 30 years of practise, the IFOMPT webinars allow me to have a perfect update in manual therapy. I think that the fact that a webinars take only one hour means that lecturer sticks to the point, and that gives us maximum information in short time. Thanks for your organisation."

    Jan Herreman, Belgium

  • "As a faculty member in a DPT program and as a practicing clinician, I am always looking for educational opportunities to help challenge me to think more deeply about what we say and do in orthopaedic manual therapy. The recent series of lectures from IFOMPT have been really helpful in my growth as an educator and clinician."

    Emily J Slaven, USA

  • "The best days of IFOMPT are still ahead and I am so excited for what IFOMPT can still achieve."

    Ken Olson, Outgoing President at 2020 General Meeting

  • "We should be proud that this organisation - a manual therapy organisation - is recognised by World Physiotherapy as THE musculoskeletal expert."

    Laura Finucane, IFOMPT President at 2020 General Meeting

  • I simply wanted to thank for your IFOMPT Prof Louie Puentedura webinar which I just watched! It was a fantastic summary of what I have known so far but added more information. It was easy to follow and motivating.

    Rudiger Wolfrath, Germany

IFOMPT Life Members
Life Members WS IFOMPT has awarded Life Membership to a number of individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Federation and OMPT over time and we honour these members:
April 1996 - Ian Searle
November 2000 - Robert Elvey
November 2000 - Stanley Paris
March 2004 - Gwendolyn Jull
June 2008 - Freddy Kaltenborn
October 2020 - Annalie Basson
October 2020 - Karen Beeton
October 2020 - Lorrie Maffey
October 2020 - Ann Moore
October 2020 - Duncan Reid
October 2020 - Alison Rushton

IFOMPT AWARD RECIPIENTS
The David Lamb Research Award recognises and commends an individual who has published a high quality, peer reviewed research paper.
The Geoffrey Maitland Advancement of Clinical Practice Award recognises and commends an individual who has significantly contributed to the clinical practice of OMPT.
These awards are made following a call for nominations and ususally awarded at the general meeting at the IFOMPT Conference. 
Awards 1

Lion Animal Photo Collage-961-879