Track Overview

Musculoskeletal Manipulative Therapy is a specialized area of physical therapy for the management of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions that is based on clinical reasoning and uses highly specific treatment approaches including manual techniques and therapeutic exercises. It is designed based on the standards of practice of the International Federation of Orthopedic Manipulative Therapists (IFOMT) - a subdivision of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT).  Musculoskeletal specialization encompasses, and is driven by, evidence-based practice and the biopsychosocial framework of each individual patient.

Nova Southeastern University has collaborated with the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manipulative Therapy (NAIOMT) to offer physical therapists this exciting educational opportunity!  Students can enroll in our manual therapy coursework in 1 of 4 ways: as part of our Transition DPT program, as continuing education courses, as an elective upon completion of the entry level DPT program requirements for graduation, and as an elective in our PhD program. We designed the manual therapy certification process with the working adult in mind.  Instructional material is delivered using a “hybrid” method, combining on-line instruction for didactic components with intensive lab hands-on training to develop psychomotor skills.  We currently offer two courses that prepare students for manual therapy specialization: Musculoskeletal Manual Therapy Lower Quarter, and Musculoskeletal Manual Therapy Upper Quarter. Upon completion of these courses the student may take the exam for Level II NAIOMT competency.

The collaboration between NSU and NAIOMT means that you will receive a quality education by two nationally recognized organizations.  The NAIOMT Fellowship Program is accredited by the APTA and recognized as well by the American Academy of Orthopedic Manipulative Physical Therapy (AAOMPT). Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelors, masters, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. The continuing education courses offered at NSU may be used to renew PT licenses in most states in the country."

Instructor

Jim Meadows is the main course instructor. Jim has 30 years of clinical and teaching experience throughout North America, Britain and Norway. His first teacher of manual therapy was James Cyriax and he continued his learning in Norway and Canada, earning his certificate in Manipulative Therapy in 1983. He was chair of the Canadian Orthopedic Division's Education and Specialization Committees for 12 years and a past Examiner and Instructor with the Canadian Orthopedic Division. Jim is a co-founder and a senior faculty member and Senior Examiner with the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy.

Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of the musculoskeletal specialization track at NSU is to:

1. Advance physical therapists' knowledge of the physical therapy theory of assessment, diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal disorders;
2. Assist physical therapists to integrate knowledge from the basic, medical and behavioral sciences in the clinical setting;
3. Develop a high level of clinical skill in the assessment, physical diagnosis and management of patients with musculoskeletal disorders;
4. Develop a high level of expertise in the selection and application of musculoskeletal manipulative therapy techniques;
5. Enhance knowledge of the theory of manipulative therapy practice and encourage critical review of its scientific merit;
6. Ensure that physical therapists have a comprehensive knowledge of the indications and contra-indications for manipulative therapy practice;
7. Enhance the physical therapists' expertise in preventative programs for musculoskeletal disorders;
8. Enhance physical therapists' knowledge of professional issues relevant to the practice of manipulative therapy.

Objectives: On completion of this specialization, physical therapists will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the theory and science of musculoskeletal manipulative therapy practice;
2. Integrate the information from the basic, medical and behavioral sciences and apply it to the problem solving process of the clinical examination and treatment of neuro-musculoskeletal disorders;
3. Demonstrate a depth of knowledge of the interrelationship of the neuro-musculoskeletal structures in normal function and pain syndromes;
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the type and nature of the patient's complaint and apply this interpretation towards physical diagnosis and the indications for and contra-indications to manipulative therapy management;
5. Demonstrate a high level of skill in performing appropriate and effective physical examinations of patients with neuro-musculoskeletal injuries or disorders of the axial or appendicular skeleton;
6. Demonstrate a high level of skill in implementing and instructing patients in appropriate therapeutic rehabilitation exercise programs;
7. Perform manipulative therapy techniques safely, effectively and accurately, demonstrating high levels of skill.

Contact Information

Carlos Ladeira
Phone: (954) 262-1271 or 1 (800) 356-0026 extension: 21271