What the FCAMPT are you talking about?
Image captured from the official CAMPT website, manippt.org
What the FCAMPT are you talking about?
In December 2012 I was awarded a Fellowship with the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (CAMPT). CAMPT is the governing body in Canada that ensures education programs here meet the standards of the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapists (IFOMPT). So needless to say, fellowship is a pretty big deal in the physiotherapy profession.
What does Fellowship mean?
To give you an idea of how much work goes into earning this designation. This is a post-graduate program. It took me 6 years, 7 courses, over 150 mentorship hours, hours upon hours of study by myself and with colleagues, 6 written exams and 2 major practical exams to get here. It was through the Canadian Physiotherapy Association’s Orthopaedic Division that I was mentored by some of the leaders in manual therapy here in Canada and was able to hone my own skills. It means that my designation as a Fellow is recognized world wide as being a skilled manual therapist.
As a way of giving back to this amazing program, I now offer myself as a mentor to other physiotherapists now going through the education system. I have a passion for manual therapy and teaching, and I love helping my colleagues navigate their way through the clinical reasoning process and become more confident in their hands on skills.
What is Manual/Manipulative Therapy?
Image by Ambro – freedigitalphotos.net
As a current or prospective patient of physiotherapy in outpatient private practice, it is important for you to look for the term “manual therapy” as part of your therapist’s skill set. This means that therapist will conduct a portion of their assessment and treatment with their hands. They will aim to actually feel how your body moves and your your joints move on one another, both actively and passively. This helps to aim treatment towards the at fault area by either mobilization/manipulation or via tailored exercise prescription for joints that are hypermobile (move too much).
Do you actually Manipulate joints?
Yes, I am trained and proficient at joint manipulation of the spine and extremities. Do I manipulate all the time? Absolutely not. I only use a manipulative technique if I feel it is warranted, all screening tests are clear and most importantly, if I have the patient’s consent. Physiotherapy manipulative techniques are VERY specific in that we only aim to manipulate the joint that needs it, when it needs it. In my personal practice, I do not apply repeated manipulations over and over every time you see me. My goal is to get you moving and then teach you how to use and train your body once optimal movement is restored. Once you learn motor control, you’re on your way!
What does this mean for you?
Here at ellephysio, all of our physiotherapists are manual therapists. We work hard to listen carefully to your story and conduct a thorough examination in order to provide you with what I feel is top notch physiotherapy treatment. I am privileged to work with other like-minded therapists that put you, your goals and expectations at the centre of our treatment planning. You are a part of your treatment strategy, making your recovery a team effort.
Physiotherapist, Jen Denys, is currently navigating through the Orthopaedic Division program and is studying to challenge the Intermediate Exam this-coming April. Join me in cheering her on in her study and supporting her through the mentoring process.
At ellephysio, our goal is to to be the ultimate clinic experience for patients and clients and change the perception of rehabilitation. Share your comments below on what your experience at ellephysio has been!
For more information on CAMPT and to find other highly trained manual therapists here in Canada, please visit the CAMPT website.
