Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy

Manual physical therapy refers to the application of skilled and specialized techniques by physiotherapists to assess and treat movement and joint dysfunction in the body. Manual therapists use their enhanced skill set to do detailed assessment of the muscles, joints, ligaments and nerves of the body. They use the findings from their assessment to make a treatment plan that may include manually applied movement techniques (e.g. joint mobilization/manipulation), muscle release techniques, soft tissue mobilization and neural mobilization techniques as well as exercise to treat excessive and/or restricted movement.

The Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists (CAMPT) recognizes education programs that fulfill the criteria for recognition as a certified manual therapist. In Canada the designation Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapists (FCAMPT) refers to physiotherapists who have completed this education and examination process.

The training for an FCAMPT therapist includes 5 levels of orthopedic courses (over 20 weekends of in person study) as well as completion of 150 hours of mentorship and comprehensive written and oral/practical examinations.

One of our therapists, Cara Humphreys, received her FCAMPT designation in 2008. Although her interests and training has evolved to include women's health concerns and persistent pain disorders, she draws on her extensive orthopedic training every day. She incorporates manual and manipulative therapy techniques with her patients when they are necessary and appropriate.

For more information on manual and manipulative physiotherapy, please visit the CAMPT website:www.manipulativetherapy.org.