History of IFOMT

Click here for pics of IFOMT history!!

In the latter part of the 1960's and early 1970's a number of eminent physiotherapists, with an interest and expertise in Manual/Manipulative Therapy, started to perceive a need for an international forum in this area of physiotherapy. Their geographic dispersion not withstanding, the first meeting of the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapists, IFOMT, was held in Montreal in 1974. Some of those present were: Stanley Paris, David Lamb, Gregory Grieve, Brian Edwards, Freddy Kaltenborn and Geoffrey Maitland. The first President of IFOMT was Richard Erhard, followed by S. Paris in 1976, R.Elvey in 1984, R.Sydenham in 1992, J Endresen in 1996 and A.Lando in 2000.
The importance of a firm link with the World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) was necessary to maximise the contacts within the profession and with professions allied to physiotherapy. To that effect IFOMT applied for, and was granted, subgroup status to WCPT in 1978. IFOMT was the first subgroup of WCPT. 

The principle aims for the instigation of IFOMT, was to achieve a world forum for  exchange of expertise and information, to hold seminars and lectures and for the setting of standards, academic and clinical in the field of Manipulative Physiotherapy. The ultimate objective being to improve the treatment outcome for patients suffering with neuro-musculo-skeletal disorders. These aims are represented in the constitution, in which regular conferences no less than every four years are stipulated, and the criteria for membership are laid down. The IFOMT Standards Document, originally developed by Gregory Grieve, and updated by Gwen Jull, most recently in 2000, forms the foundation for the educational programs which have to be submitted by any Manual Therapy Group aspiring to membership. This document also provides The International Standards of Manipulative Physiotherapy.

In 2004 a new website for IFOMT was launched. This is a further step towards enabling IFOMT to fulfil its aims and objectives. Amongst many diverse areas of information, the website provides information on latest publications, research and clinical guidelines from the membership groups of IFOMT. In addition there are names of people with particular areas of expertise relevant to Manipulative Therapy, who also have a working knowledge of the IFOMT Standards. These experts have offered to assist developing groups to formulate their post-graduate educational programs. An organisation such as IFOMT has a tremendous wealth of expertise within its member organisations. This wealth of knowledge will increase with an expansion of our membership, facilitating the dissemination of information around the world. The benefit of the existence of the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapists to our patients is clear for all to see. The vision of the founders is being enacted.
    
Agneta Lando
Past President of  IFOMT (2000-2004)

For further information regarding the History of IFOMT see the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, Vol 11 No2 (2003) 73-76:Paris,D; Kaltenborn,F; Lamb,D.