What is Functional Manual Therapy (FMT)?

 

Functional Manual TherapyTM is a unique evaluation and treatment approach to physical therapy, which uses specific techniques to identify movement dysfunctions that contribute to pain, decreased mobility and degenerative changes in the body.  Based on the evaluative findings, specific manual therapy techniques and movement patterns are used to restore efficient mobility of the joints and soft tissues, which include muscle, nerves, organs, fascia, skin, tendons and ligaments.  Once efficient mobility of the system has been restored, neuromuscular re-education is utilized to improve specific muscle initiation, strength and endurance.  The final component is to improve motor control, which focuses on proper movement patterns that allow for the most efficient use of the body.  This includes integration of sports specific movements, to everyday activities such as walking, lifting, active sitting, and other day-to-day activities.

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The co-founders of Functional Manual TherapyTM - Gregory Johnson, PT, FFFMT, FAAOMPT and Vicky Saliba Johnson, PT, FFFMT, FAAOMPT - describe it as "an integrated and seamless treatment system which couples mechanical treatment of the joints, soft tissues, visceral and neurovascular systems with manual neuromuscular facilitation to enhance optimum motor control and human function."

 

The unique aspect of Functional Manual TherapyTM is the integration of the mobility treatment with neuromuscular facilitation (ability to initiate the right muscles at the right time with proper strength and endurance) and motor control (the ability to effectively produce coordinated postural and movement strategies).  Unlike many approaches to physical therapy, which teach the patient to volitionally activate their core muscles during daily activities, the CoreFirstTM approach developed by Vicky Saliba Johnson facilitates an Automatic Core Engagement (ACE) through efficient postures and specific proprioceptive and kinesthetic training.  The ultimate goal of Functional Manual TherapyTM is to provide the patient with the mechanical ability and the neuromuscular tools of strength, endurance and proprioceptive awareness to become self-sufficient and more proficient in all areas of human performance.

 

(Cited from www.ipanyc.com & www.jandjpt.com)

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