Purpose

Written and developed by Gregory S. Johnson, PT, FFFMT, FAAOMPT and Vicky Saliba Johnson, PT, FFFMT, FAAOMPT.   FM I (formerly FO I) was the first biomechanical soft tissue mobilization (STM) course offered to the PT profession. It presents an integrated approach to patient care with emphasis on soft tissue mobilization combined with PNF, joint mobilization and exercise training. This course presents techniques that are the foundation to advanced course material. 

FM I trains the participant to observe structure, posture, and movement and correlate the presenting mechanical, neuromuscular, and motor control objective findings to dysfunctions in the soft tissue system. The concept of the human body as an interconnected dynamic system will be stressed, presenting evidence as to the interrelationship between the soft tissue system and the articular, neuromuscular, and motor control systems.  Emphasis is placed on the evaluation of the soft tissue structures and the application of specific treatment techniques to normalize any identified dysfunction.

Prerequisites

None.

Required Course Preparation

Prior to the classroom portion of this course, all students must complete required course preparation.  The preparation for FM I includes videos, quizzes, and articles.  Plan to spend 5-6 hours learning this important information.  Once enrolled in a course, required course preparation can be found by logging on to your IPA account and selecting "My Upcoming Courses."  If you have any trouble accessing the required course preparation please call our office at 970-870-9521 for assistance. Note: Mobile devices using an Apple operating system may not be compatible with our Pre-course tests.  Also, please note that approved CEUs may vary depending on individual states' treatment of Online vs. Classroom Instruction.

It is required that each participant reviews the Bibliography and read any article they are unfamiliar with prior to the course. 

Required Equipment

None

Objectives

• Define and identify efficient and inefficient structure and function utilizing three IPA Functional Tests.
• Correlate subjective findings to dysfunctions in the soft tissues of the body.
• Develop specific layer palpation skills to assist in the delineation of structures involved.
• Perform seven specific Functional Soft Tissue Mobilization techniques as an integrated component of the Functional Manual Therapy® system for posterior and anterior spinal structures.
• Discuss the current literature related to Soft Tissue Mobilization.

Hours

3 Days, 22.5-30.0 Hours. (Approved CEUs vary by state.)

FM I requires students to complete online videos before attending the classroom instruction. Approved CEUs for this course may vary depending on individual states' treatment of Online vs. Classroom Instruction. Before registering for a course you should verify approved CEUs with your state licensing board or association. State rules are subject to change. IPA courses are approved for the state in which the course is held.

Schedule

Schedule may necessitate changes due to travel restrictions of the instructor. The instructor will discuss any changes at the beginning of the course if applicable.

Breaks

No break food will be provided during FM I courses.  We suggest you bring a water bottle and feel free to bring your own snacks.

Audience

PT, PTA. OTs may attend with another OT or PT as lab partner. Each student is expected to attend all hours of instruction to receive a certificate of completion. Any exceptions to this policy must be pre-approved in writing by the Directors.

Lab Clothing

Lab clothing is required Friday through Sunday only. Each participant's body must be accessible for observation and treatment. Please refrain from wearing large or sharp jewelry. A sweat suit is advisable between demonstrations, as temperatures may vary in the room. 

• Women: Two-piece swim suit or halter top / sports bra and shorts. Please note that if you choose to wear a sports bra you will need an alternative top for the thoracic spine lab on Friday afternoon.
• Men: Shorts or swim trunks. 
• ALL: Warm-up suits or other clothing worn over the above described attire is advised to ensure comfort between demonstrations.

Course Preparation

This workshop is quite demanding and intense.  Please come prepared and rested.  Have your fingernails clipped back and filed as some techniques require fingertip pressure.  Review your basic anatomy of the trunk muscles, joints and fascia.  You will need this foundation readily available to apply the principles and procedures taught. Be sure to complete the required course preparation listed above.

Required Reading

• "Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (3rd Edition)". Robert Donatelli and Michael Wooden (eds.), Churchill Livingstone, 2001: "Soft Tissue Mobilization" by Gregory S. Johnson. 

Recommended Reading

• Gray's Anatomy, English Edition: The section on connective tissue.
• Trail Guide to the Body.  4th Edition.  Biel, Andrew, Books of Discovery: 2001. www.booksofdiscovery.com, 800-775-9227 or info@booksofdiscovery.com.
• Anatomy Trains.  Myers, Thomas W.  China:  Churchill Livingstone, 2001.

Bibliography

• FM I Bibliography A Part 1 
• FM I Bibliography A Part 2 
• FM I Bibliography A Part 3 
• FM I Bibliography B 
• FM I Bibliography A Reference List

Instructors

Tim Wittenauer, MSPT, CFMT (Primary)

Mr. Wittenauer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering from Florida Tech in 1986. He served as a graduate assistant in Biomechanics at Indiana State University in 1989-1990. He earned a Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the Medical College of Virginia in 1993. Mr. Wittenauer worked in outpatient orthopedics and home care from 1993 – 1999, treating a variety of orthopedic and neurological patients. 

In 1999, Mr. Wittenauer founded Advanced Physical Therapy, Inc. in Richmond, VA. and currently serves as President and CEO. He and his staff treat a variety of orthopedic and neurological conditions, utilizing as a primary foundation the principles and techniques taught by the Institute of Physical Art. 

Mr. Wittenauer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering from Florida Tech in 1986. He served as a graduate assistant in Biomechanics at Indiana State University in 1989-1990. He earned a Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the Medical College of Virginia in 1993. Mr. Wittenauer worked in outpatient orthopedics and home care from 1993 – 1999, treating a variety of orthopedic and neurological patients. 

In 1999, Mr. Wittenauer founded Advanced Physical Therapy, Inc. in Richmond, VA. and currently serves as President and CEO. He and his staff treat a variety of orthopedic and neurological conditions, utilizing as a primary foundation the principles and techniques taught by the Institute of Physical Art. 

Mr. Wittenauer earned his Certified Functional Manual Therapy (CFMT) credentials with distinction in 1998, from the Institute of Physical Art. He began teaching Functional Orthopedics (FOI) courses in 1998 and currently serves as a Primary Instructor for this course. Mr. Wittenauer is a 7th Generation Lineage Disciple and a Certified Associate Qi Gong instructor in Ch’iang Ba Gua Zhang, Mr. Wittenauer continues to pursue knowledge through accredited continuing education courses, a variety of licensed healthcare professionals, and from experts in the fields of the functional human body.

Elliot Fishbein, PT, OCS, CFMT, FAAOMPT

Elliot has more than 15 years of experience in rehabilitation and functional enhancement. After spending his early career frustrated by inconsistent success and limitations he found with traditional Physical Therapy approaches, Elliot dedicated himself to ongoing studying with the goal of trying to provide elite level care to every patient who walked in the door, no matter what the diagnosis or condition. 

Elliot then began taking courses focused on the Functional Manual Therapy® (FMT) approach specializing in whole body care, integrating manual therapy, exercise, and body awareness training. Over the next 10+ years he continued his FMT studies and became one of only 25 therapists in the country to have completed fellowship level training in this area. 

After spending multiple years teaching in NYU's Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Elliot now dedicates himself full time to patient care and clinical education in the FMT approach. In continuing with his belief in lifelong learning, Elliot continues to take classes in Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Mobilization, Neuromeningeal Manipulation and keeps up with the latest physical therapy and medical research.

The instructors advertised for the course are the intended instructors. The final number of instructors will be determined by course enrollment. Every effort is made to hold the course with the scheduled instructors. Course refunds or transfers will not be granted based on a change of instructors. Please note there may be instructor changes without prior notice. Multiple instructors are scheduled for each course. However, the actual number of instructors at a course will be determined by final enrollment. 

Questions

The Institute of Physical Art, Inc.
43449 Elk Run
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
970-870-9521
info@instituteofphysicalart.com