Stimulate your clinical practice and enhance your career with this comprehensive manual therapy program.

The Certificate in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT) provides clinicians with intensive tuition in an integrated and thoroughly modern, evidence-based approach to orthopedic manual therapy of the spine, pelvis, as well as upper and lower limb.

This is a unique opportunity to be educated by our internationally respected team of clinical educators and expert local clinicians.

The primary aim of this intensive, evidence-based program is to develop broad state-of-the-art knowledge and skills in the examination and management of disorders affecting the joint, muscle and neural systems.

The emphasis is on understanding when and where to use physical treatments including a range of manual therapy concepts and exercise to provide a more functional and comprehensive approach to the management of a range of neuromusculoskeletal conditions.

Assessment:

Assessment of articular dysfunction incorporates the Combined Movement approach, as well as segmental manual diagnosis. Evaluation and management of lumbopelvic motor control impairment is designed around Cognitive Functional Therapy developed by Professor Peter O’Sullivan in Perth, which has substantial evidence to supports its validity and efficacy in management. Evaluation and management of motor control impairment for the cervical spine is likewise based on current evidence based criteria.

Managment:

Management is based on identification of specific sub-groups amenable to manual therapy including:

Movement impairment (articular dysfunction).
Neural tissue pain disorders.
Motor control impairment

Treatment for the movement impairment articular dysfunction sub-group includes a range of mobilisation, manipulation (high velocity thrust) and mobilisation with movement techniques.

Neural pain disorders are also sub-classified according to clinical examination findings into sensory hypersensitivity, compression neuropathy, and peripheral nerve sensitization. This sub-classification system is management driven and is backed up by supporting evidence for its validity and efficacy in management.

Manual Concepts’ offers a leading team of educators with at the highest level of specialization to guide participants through our comprehensive courses.

Teachers:

Kim Robinson and Toby Hall are the founders and the directors of Manual Concepts. This organization was established to develop and provide a level of excellence in manual therapy education to physiotherapists. Through their expertise in this area Kim and Toby have been awarded the positions of Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists (Fellowship being awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2007), as well as positions as Adjunct Associate Professor and Senior Teaching Fellows at Curtin University.

Dr. Toby Hall

PhD, MSc, Post Grad Dip Manip Ther. Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2007).
Adjunct Associate Professor (Curtin University).
Accredited Mulligan Concept Teacher
Founder, Manual Concepts, Western Australia.

After gaining his undergraduate qualification in physiotherapy in the UK in 1985, Toby travelled to Perth to complete the postgraduate Diploma in Manipulative Therapy at Curtin University in 1990. He went on to complete a Master of Science by thesis in 1996 and a PhD in 2010. He has lectured extensively within Australia and more than 35 countries, while been heavily involved in research at many centers around the world. Toby has presented at many conferences and is a published author of textbooks and book chapters, as well as 150+ articles related to research in the area of neural tissue dysfunction, cervicogenic headache and the Mulligan Concept. View his publications here. Toby is on the advisory board of the journal Musculoskeletal Science & Practice and Associate Editor for the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy.

Dr. Vaidas Stalioraitis:

Vaidas is the principal lecturer who has worked extensively alongside course developers Dr. Kim Robinson and Dr. Toby Hall. They have been awarded Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists and have a wealth of clinical and teaching experience at postgraduate level.

FACP – Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2016)

MSc (Curtin University); Graduate Entry Master of Physiotherapy (Curtin University)

Master of Clinical Manipulative Physiotherapy (Curtin University)

Accredited Mulligan Concept teacher

Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist; Director, Manual Concepts, Western Australia.

Vaidas has extensive Australian and international experience as a clinician and educator at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He has vast clinical experience and a special interest in managing people with complex spinal pain conditions. Vaidas commenced with Manual Concepts in 2007, providing teaching and practical supervision on the Certificate in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy, Certificate in Advanced Sports Rehabilitation, and Certificate in Spinal Manual Therapy programs.

Vaidas is a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and an internationally accredited Mulligan Concept teacher, both of which were gained through exhaustive examination processes. He continues to consult in private clinical practice and is Director and Principal Lecturer at Manual Concepts.