Reflections on 50 years of IFOMPT

2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT). IFOMPT became the first subgroup of World Physiotherapy. IFOMPT aims and works for global promotion of excellence and unity in clinical and academic standards for manual/musculoskeletal physiotherapists. This dissertation reflects on some of IFOMPT's initiatives and achievements as an international organisation in its first 50 years as well as challenges for next 50 years. IFOMPT has achieved in several initiatives. These include the development of an international educational curriculum in manipulative/musculoskeletal physiotherapy which underpins education standards for membership. Educational standards for membership is a relatively unique requirement of a professional organisation.

IFOMPT has achieved in developing several initiatives to disseminate knowledge for best standards of practice for its members and the wider community. The pinnacle is its four yearly international scientific conferences where the latest issues in both research and practice are presented and discussed. IFOMPT has also developed frameworks to guide clinical practice in key areas for safe practice – vascular pathologies of the neck, a clinical reasoning pathway to identify ‘red flags’, and the use of spinal manipulation in paediatrics. Other resources include on-line lectures, podcasts and research reviews.

IFOMPT has challenges for the future. These include increasing the number of member countries and further establishing its profile and position of leadership in manual/musculoskeletal physiotherapy in the international context, particularly with decision makers in world health.