“Completing the Folsom year long program in 2010 has rekindled my passion for our profession immensely.  Their extraordinary reputation stems from their unrelenting desire to teach and develop clinicians' skills with the ultimate goal of enhancing patients' quality of life.  Not only have they changed the way I practice, but have improved the lives of thousands through their teaching, dedication, and devotion to others”

Eric Lederhaus, DPT

2012 Folsom Long-term Orthopedic Manual Therapy Course

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Course History

The Folsom Long-term course is the longest-running of its kind in the western United States. It evolved from a Sacramento area orthopedic study group of 12 local therapists in 1981. Of this original group Tim McCarthy, PT and Don Torrey, PT had invited Michael Moore, PT, who had just completed a two-year course in Norway, to make a presentation on his European experience.  Passionate about sharing the knowledge he gained from his studies in Oslo’s Level 1 Orthopedic Manual Therapy course, Michael’s lectures provided the foundation for what is now known as the Folsom Long-term Orthopedic Manual Therapy course.

Over the past thirty years participants have traveled from all over California, while others relocated from out-of-state to attend the long-term course.  Tim McCarthy, Michael Moore and Tim McGonigle, all physical therapists recognized and respected for their clinical successes, continue to be dedicated educators who look forward to sharing their experience, insight and knowledge with other motivated physical therapists. 

Objectives

Enhance positive patient management outcomes by:

  • Developing manual and management skills
  • Honing palpation and movement testing expertise
  • Improving recognition of patterns in common patient presentations
  • Sharpening clinical reasoning

Course Content

The content of this course has a strong emphasis in manual therapy and therapeutic exercise, creatively developed by the founders.  It is influenced by the Norwegian Kaltenborn-Evjenth approach as well as by the practice of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF). This curriculum reflects the manner in which each instructor conducts his own clinical practice: an integration of manual therapy skills, thoughtful execution of therapeutic exercise, and high-level patient management strategies.  Close academic and manual supervision are hallmarks of this course.

Level of instruction:  Advanced
Instructional methods:  Lecture, lab, demonstration
Student / instructor ratio: 12:1

Requirements

The instructors, noted for their intensity and enthusiasm, hope to attract participants who share their passion for the stated objectives. They value full attendance and energetic participation at each session.  Scheduling vacations to allow full commitment to the schedule is strongly encouraged. 

Therapists accepted to this course are required to attend:

  • Training the Patient with Low Back Dysfunction by Dennis Morgan, PT, DC, Tim McGonigle, PT and Michael Moore, PT (one weekend)
  • Three courses from our Weekend Schedule (dates are on the Long Term calendar)
  • Three full-day Saturday sessions with Dennis Morgan, PT, DC
  • Special Ergonomic Considerations by Eileen Vollowitz, PT (one full Saturday session)
  • Shoulder Session by Tim McCarthy, PT (one weekend)
  • Knee Session by Tim McCarthy, PT (one weekend)
  • Guest Lectures on Pharmaceutical and Medical Specialties

In addition each student is required to participate in:

  • Weekly Wednesday night sessions
  • Clinical Observation at one of the instructor’s clinics
  • Practical and written quizzes, mid-term and final exams
  • Weekly reading assignments and independent practice between class sessions

Note: This is a theoretical and motor skill educational experience of 246 class hours. Please refer to the 2012 Required Dates for dates and details.

Course Highlights 

  • Taught and supervised by experienced faculty who are practicing full time
  • Participation in the course “Training the Patient with Low Back Dysfunction”
  • Supervised clinical observation at one of the instructors’ facilities
  • Practical and written mid-term and final examinations
  • Saturday sessions with Dennis Morgan, PT, DC
  • One full day of special ergonomic considerations with Eileen Vollowitz, PT
  • One weekend on the shoulder and one weekend on the knee with Tim McCarthy, PT.
  • Cost savings for Weekend courses if participant enlists new participant (see details under “Weekend courses”)  

Cost: $3560.00/year to be paid in quarterly installments of $890.00.

Application due:    November 7, 2011.

Instructors

Michael J Moore, PT
Tim McGonigle, PT

Guest Instructors:
Tim McCarthy, PT
Dennis Morgan, DC, PT
Eileen Vollowitz, PT