What is IFOMPT?
The International Federation of Manual and Musculoskeletal Physical Therapists Incorporated (IFOMPT) represents groups of Manual and Musculoskeletal 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.
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 and Business and Finance Committee are standing committees 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 issue and guiding IFOMPT business and finance matters respectively. 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.
50 years of IFOMPT (video)
50 years of IFOMPT (PDF)
Vision and Mission
Purpose
Advancing global excellence in manual and musculoskeletal physiotherapy to improve movement, health, and lives.
Vision
A world where musculoskeletal physiotherapy transforms lives and strengthens global health.
Mission
To promote and advance manual and musculoskeletal physiotherapy worldwide by fostering the exchange of scientific knowledge, encouraging research and innovation, supporting high educational and clinical standards, and representing the field internationally through collaboration and evidence-informed practice.
Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy (OMPT) Definition
Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy / physical therapy for the management of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions, based on clinical reasoning, using highly specific treatment approaches including manual techniques and therapeutic exercises.
Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy also encompasses, and is driven by, the available scientific and clinical evidence and the biopsychosocial framework of each individual patient.
(Voted in at General Meeting in Cape Town, March 2004)