Manual Therapy Online

CAMPT’s response to criticism that is unthinking and lacking perspective

---

Good Morning Fellows,

You are receiving this message because you are a Fellow of CAMPT. As some of you may be aware, late last week a commentary by Blaise Dubois was posted to his personal blog page. Similarly, a blog post by Adam Meakins was also referenced by Mr. Dubois and presented as supporting evidence. In both cases, these commentaries were the personal thoughts of the writers and focused on their beliefs that manual therapy, and the education programs that teach manual therapy, such as our own IFOMPT accredited programs, are among other things, of low-clinical and educational value.

It was unfortunate, and disappointing, to see such dialogue placed in the public domain. At this time the intentions and motivation of Mr. Dubois’ message are unclear, however, whether it was an attempt to educate, stir debate, or simply to increase visitor traffic, the message offered little in the way of objective support or benefit to the profession of physiotherapy as a whole.

Because of the misconceptions and ill-informed nature of these blog posts, some members have responded in an effort to educate Mr. Dubois and his readership. We appreciate those efforts.

Because educational efforts have already been provided to Mr. Dubois and his readership, CAMPT has chosen not to respond formally to Mr Dubois. Instead, the CAMPT executive feels that this is an important time to engage in discussion with our own members and focus on the facts at hand.

We are part of something bigger.

CAMPT is one of 22 member organizations accepted to the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT). There are an additional 16 registered interest groups working towards becoming member organizations. As CAMPT maintains member organizational status, we are partnered under the World Confederation for Physical Therapists (WCPT), an organization under the purview of the World Health Organization (WHO). You can find more information on CAMPT, our relationship to IFOMPT, as well as to the WCPT, and the WHO on the ‘about us’ section of the CAMPT website.

http://manippt.org/about-us/

Additionally, in an effort to better inform both the public and our peers, CAMPT recently created an information video better describing the international standards set by IFOMPT and how the international organization works in concert with the World Health Organization (WHO).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAVdHU0mGMk

What is important to understand is that the standards used in CAMPT programs are not set by CAMPT. Rather, the standards are set by the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT), and by extension, the WHO. CAMPTs role is to monitor and uphold the standards set forth by IFOMPT in each and every program accredited within Canada.

Here in Canada we are extremely proud to hold full IFOMPT accreditation standing, an achievement very few member organizations reach due to exceptionally difficult international standards. Canada is proud to have 3 IFOMPT accredited educational programs, with the potential for a 4th currently under consideration.

As part of the international standard, IFOMPT outlines the various roles of an Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapist (OMPT) as; an expert/clinical decision-maker/clinician, as a communicator, as a collaborator, as a leader/manager, as a health advocate, as a scholar and as a professional. IFOMPT programs are centered on evidence informed practice and our programs integrate a myriad of theories, clinical techniques, research, and reasoning skills that go well beyond mere mobilization and manipulation.

With these in mind, CAMPT feels that its role is not to engage in an online debate by way of blog. Engaging in such an act is unlikely to affect meaningful change with the authors of such blogs and it will not serve as a benefit to our colleagues or the public. Further, engaging in such an act does not positively promote our profession or our CAMPT brand.

Instead, CAMPT will continue to focus on something bigger.

We will continue to engage and provide support to our peers, invite open and relevant conscientious dialogue, and we will facilitate educational opportunities and professional growth wherever possible. CAMPT will also continue to engage the public through our own open source social media and information videos, and we are encouraging our members to do the same.

If you have any feedback or questions, contact us.

Your CAMPT Executive