Certification in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (COMT)

Certification in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (COMT)

An Integrated, Evidence-Based, Hands-On Program

Course Duration

6 Days (48 Hours) | Structured as 3 + 3 Days
Format: 100% Face-to-Face | Highly Practical | Case-Driven Learning

Course Overview

The Certification in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (COMT) is a comprehensive, clinically oriented program designed to develop advanced manual therapy competence in physiotherapists managing complex musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions.

This program integrates classical and contemporary manual therapy concepts into a unified clinical framework, enabling participants to assess, reason, and treat patients with confidence, precision, and safety.

Unlike technique-based short courses, COMT emphasizes:

• Clinical reasoning

• Differential diagnosis

• Integrated treatment planning

• Evidence-based decision-making

The course is intensive, hands-on, and practice-focused, ensuring immediate translation of learning into real-world clinical practice.

Why This Course Is Career-Defining

• Covers spine and peripheral joints comprehensively

• Integrates multiple global manual therapy schools into one coherent system

• Focuses on why, when, and how to apply techniques—not just how

• Builds confidence in managing complex, chronic, and non-responsive cases

• Elevates participants from technique users to clinical thinkers

This certification enables physiotherapists to niche their practice, improve outcomes, and position themselves as advanced musculoskeletal clinicians.

Core Philosophy of COMT

The COMT program is built on Integrated Manual Therapy, combining:

• Articular concepts

• Muscular and myofascial systems

• Neural dynamics

• Fascial continuity

• Biomechanics and kinematics

• Psychosocial contributors to pain

All interventions are grounded in evidence-based practice and aligned with modern pain science and clinical reasoning models.

Manual Therapy Concepts Integrated

Participants will clinically apply and integrate principles from:

• Maitland Concept

• Kaltenborn–Evjenth Concept

• Mulligan Concept

• McKenzie Method

• Mennell Mobilization

• Myofascial Release (MFR)

• Positional Release Therapy (PRT)

• Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)

• Cyriax Orthopaedic Medicine

• Neural Mobilisation (David Butler & Michael Shacklock concepts)

• Fascial Manipulation

• Osteopathic & Chiropractic Manipulation Principles

The emphasis is not on isolated techniques, but on choosing the right approach for the right patient at the right time.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

• Perform comprehensive orthopaedic assessments using integrated frameworks

• Apply advanced joint mobilization and manipulation techniques safely

• Identify and manage neural, muscular, fascial, and articular contributors to pain

• Enhance clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis skills

• Integrate manual therapy with exercise, ergonomics, and patient education

• Confidently manage complex spine and peripheral joint conditions

Skills & Outcomes

Participants will gain:

• A structured assessment framework (articular, neural, muscular, fascial, psychosocial)

• Advanced hands-on skills across spine and peripheral joints

• Ability to solve complex musculoskeletal presentations

• Strategies to empower patients through self-management

• Improved clinical outcomes in sports, orthopaedic, and chronic pain cases

Detailed Course Structure (48 Hours)

Day 1 – Foundations & Shoulder Complex

8 Hours

• Introduction to Integrated Manual Therapy

• Overview of global manual therapy schools

• Clinical reasoning models

• Shoulder conditions:

  • Frozen shoulder

  • Tendinopathies

  • Capsular patterns

  • Bursitis and instability

• Evidence-based manual therapy applications for the shoulder

Day 2 – Elbow & Wrist Complex

8 Hours

• Elbow and wrist biomechanics

• Clinical assessment strategies

• Conditions covered:

  • Tennis elbow

  • Golfer’s elbow

  • Stiff elbow

  • De Quervain’s disease

  • MCP arthritis

• Integrated treatment planning and progression

Day 3 – Knee, Ankle & Foot Complex

8 Hours

• Knee joint complex assessment

• Meniscal and ligament involvement

• Conditions covered:

  • Knee osteoarthritis

  • Stiff knee

  • Ligament injuries

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Calcaneal spur

  • Metatarsalgia

  • Post-fracture stiffness

• Functional integration into gait and loading

Day 4 – Cervical Spine

8 Hours

• Cervical biomechanics and neuroanatomy

• Red flags and differential diagnosis

• Conditions covered:

  • Cervical spondylosis

  • Cervicogenic headache

  • Facet joint dysfunction

  • Disc bulge

  • Cervical radiculopathy

  • Cervical strain

• Manual therapy and neural mobilization integration

Day 5 – Lumbar Spine & Pelvic Girdle

8 Hours

• Lumbar spine biomechanics

• Disc vs facet vs neural pain differentiation

• Conditions covered:

  • Lumbar spondylosis

  • Lumbar radiculopathy

  • Sciatica

  • SI joint dysfunction

  • Disc pathology

• Safe manipulation and stabilization strategies

Day 6 – Thoracic Spine

8 Hours

• Thoracic spine anatomy and rib mechanics

• Visceral referral patterns

• Conditions covered:

  • T4 syndrome

  • Postural thoracic pain

  • Costochondritis

• Integrating thoracic mobility with cervical and shoulder function

Mode of Delivery

• Offline / In-Person

• Highly practical

• Live demonstrations, supervised practice, and case discussions

• Study material provided

Eligibility

• Physiotherapy Interns

• Practicing Physiotherapists

• Postgraduate Physiotherapy Students

• Physiotherapy Lecturers

• Doctorate holders in Physiotherapy

Accreditation

• Approved by DOH/DHA/MOH

• Certification awarded upon successful completion

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for physiotherapists who:

• Want to advance beyond basic manual therapy

• Treat complex musculoskeletal and spine conditions

• Aim to improve clinical confidence and outcomes

• Wish to develop a specialized orthopaedic practice

Instructor

Dr. K. Pearlson, MPT (AUS)
Emeritus Professor | Founder – FIMT
Director – Shree Saradha Academy

A globally respected educator with decades of clinical and academic experience in orthopaedic manual therapy, Dr. Pearlson is known for his deep clinical insight, clarity of teaching, and practical approach that bridges theory with real-world application.