Hvad er det overordnede udbytte/mål med Maitland konceptet:
Geoffrey D. Maitland, Australian physiotherapist and cofounder of IFOMT (The International Federation of Orthopedic Manipulative Therapists) developed this specific treatment concept in the 1950’s. The advent of the Maitland Concept belongs to the most important developments in Manual Therapy.

The Maitland Concept is referred to as a’ concept’ and not as a ‘technique’. Emphasis is placed not on the technique of treatment but on a basic philosophy- a thought and decision making process, involving analytical examination and assessment on which treatment decisions are based.
Manual Therapy is relevant in a broad spectrum of specialist areas including conservative Orthopedics, post operative Orthopedics, Sports Therapy and rheumatological conditions.
Present day Manual Therapy no longer concentrates exclusively on the articular components of movement but also encompasses the assessment and treatment of the function and mechanical sensitivity or mobility of the neural system and the function of the muscular system.
When knowledge of current concepts of pain physiology is also integrated into therapeutic decision making, a specific treatment regime can be planned for each individual. This enables the physiotherapist to improve and broaden clinical practice in the following ways:
- Through the use of precise procedures of assessment.
- By the application of a specific thought process model that facilitates the analysis of patient problems on a theoretical and clinical level.
- Through the integration of the ICF in examination and treatment.
- By the use of manual examination and treatment techniques of the vertebral column and peripheral joints.
- By the use of examination and treatment techniques of neural structures.
- Through the analysis of muscular imbalance.
- Through instruction and advice relating to movement, posture and self management.
The Maitland Concept continues to be a dynamic concept through the integration of current scientific evidence. We are constantly striving to provide the most effective treatment methods to suit individual patient needs.
Konceptets opbygning:
IMTA offers an eleven week curriculum (440 hours) of postgraduate courses divided into 4 Modules. IMTA courses provide the basis for the Orthopaedic Manual Therapy qualification at IFOMT level (International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapists) in several European countries
Examble of a Maitland Group
The aim of IMTAs curriculum is to educate physiotherapists in comprehensive problem-solving and management of patients with neuromusculoskeletal disorders of the movement system based on the principles of the Maitland Concept.
During all IMTA courses students assess and treat patients under the supervision of the course teachers. Practical demonstrations of patient treatment are carried out by the course teachers.
Level 1:
4 week introductory course
Conditions of participation:
Physiotherapist or Medical Doctor.
Content includes:
- An introduction to the Maitland Concept of manipulative Physiotherapy within the context of a bio-psycho-social paradigm, modern clinical reasoning procedures and evidence based practice.
- The analysis, interpretation and specific treatment of movement dysfunctions emphasising peripheral neurobiological mechanisms.
- Basic skills of manual techniques of examination and treatment of all peripheral and vertebral joints and of neural structures
- The use of the Maitland Concept in the examination and assessment of patients with neuromusculoskeletal movement disorders and the planning and implementation of a safe and effective programme of management
Level 2a:
2 week intermediate course

Conditions of participation:
IMTA Certificate of Attendance of a Level 1 course.
IMTA recommends a minimum time of 6 months and a maximum of 4 years between the completion of level 1 and beginning level 2a.
Content includes:
- Consolidation of the contents of the Level 1 course
- In depth knowledge of the Maitland Concept of manipulative Physiotherapy
- Advanced skills of manual techniques of examination and treatment of all peripheral and vertebral joints including the relevance of functional demonstrations, differentiation testing, vertebral biomechanics, the use of combined movements and the use of compression
- In depth assessment and management of neurodynamics with the related theoretical knowledge
- The assessment and management of selected clinical syndromes
Level 2b:
2 week advanced course
Conditions of participation:
IMTA Certificate of Competence from a Level 2a course or a DVMT 1e certificate.
A minimum of 6 months of clinical experience is recommended between Level 2a and Level 2b.
Content includes:
- Further consolidation of the contents of the Level 1 and Level 2a courses
- Critical appraisal of the Maitland Concept of manipulative Physiotherapy
- Advanced skills in the examination and treatment of the neuromusculoskeletal system using a problem orientated approach with the generation and testing of multiple hypotheses
- Vertebral Manipulative thrust techniques (Grade V) including indications and contraindications
- Advanced assessment and management of neurodynamics with related theoretical knowledge and evidence
- Introduction to the principles of dynamic control or stability of the spine
- Advanced understanding and knowledge of neurophysiological pain mechanisms related to clinical patterns and the implications for assessment and management
- The assessment and management of further selected clinical syndromes
- Advanced Clinical Reasoning
Level 3:
3 week advanced course
Conditions of participation:
IMTA Certificate of Attendance from a Level 2b course.
A minimum of 6 months of clinical experience is recommended between Level 2b and Level 3.
Contents include:
- Further consolidation of Level 1, Level 2a and Level 2b contents
- Advanced pain management and clinical reasoning including secondary prevention, psychosocial assessment and specific pathobiological risk factors.
- Principles, assessment and treatment of dynamic control impairments of the pelvis, hip and knee
- Assessment and management of craniofacial dysfunction and related pain syndromes
- Assessment and management of selected clinical syndromes including shoulder instability, shoulder impingement, Lumbar Stenosis, advanced management of, update and revision of cervical instability
- Upgrade, update and revision of vertebral manipulations (high velocity thrusts Grade V)
- Advanced Clinical reasoning and problem solving strategies in patient assessment and management
Link to curiculum from IMTA: http://imta.ch/miscpdf/shared/curriculumenglishnew.pdf