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Programme details

The Maitland® Concept combines thorough, extensive, and methodical clinical process for the examination, treatment, and ongoing evaluation of movement-related neuromusculoskeletal disorders.

It is a person-centred approach that integrates the best available research evidence, skilled hands-on techniques when appropriate and feasible, targeted and carefully dosed exercise programmes, and patient education, with the aim of optimising patient outcomes.

The concept is built on strong and flexible clinical reasoning strategies that focus on clinical evidence rather than on a fixed diagnosis, and this approach is supported by solid theoretical knowledge as well as evidence from current scientific literature.

The programme consists of 10 modules delivered across 3 levels, and learners may take a final examination at the end of the programme. The total workload is about 505 hours, including 353 classroom hours and 152 hours of self-directed learning, and within the classroom hours there are about 68 hours of supervised clinical work with real patients.

After successful completion of Level 2 (old curriculum: Level 2a) and the DVMT certificate module (www.DVMT.org), German physiotherapists  may invoice the statutory medical insurance companies for the additional fee for “manual therapy”.

Completion of the IMTA programme enables you to apply for 
IMTA´s Teacher training programme.

Download IMTA Curriculum

Level 1

Foundations of manual therapy

20 days 

REQUIREMENTS:

physiotherapists or doctors

More information

Level 2a

Underpinning and developing skills

10 days

REQUIREMENTS:

IMTA certificate of attendence

More information

Level 2b

Advanced skills and reasoning

10 days 

REQUIREMENTS:

IMTA Level 2a (proof of passing the exam at Level 2a) or DVMT 1e certificate

More information

Level 3

Integrating approaches

15 days

REQUIREMENTS:

IMTA Level 2b certificate of attendence

More information

Examination

IMTA Certificate of Competence in Advanced Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy based on the Maitland® Concept

REQUIREMENTS:

IMTA Level 3 certificate of attendence

More information

Levels in the new curriculum

Level 1 (updated)

Fundamentals of Assessment and Management of Neuromusculoskeletal Disorders

20 days 

Admission requirement:
Physiotherapist or Medical Doctor

More information

Level 2 (new)

Advanced Assessment and Management of Neuromusculoskeletal Disorders

15 days

Admission requirements:
Completed Level 1 & Mandatory Self-Studies

More information

Level 3 (new)

Assessment and Management of Complex Neuro­musculoskeletal Disorders

13 days

Admission requirements:
Completed Level 2 & Mandatory Self-Studies

More information

Accreditation Examination (new)

IMTA Certificate of Competence in Advanced Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy based on the principles of the Maitland® Concept

2 Days

Admission requirement:
Completed Level 3

More information

Official Maitland® Workshops – focused clinical specialisation

Official Maitland® Workshops provide focused deep dives into selected areas of neuro-musculoskeletal practice. These optional short-format courses combine fresh clinical perspectives,
advanced practical knowledge and topic-specific expertise beyond the core Level 1–3 curriculum.
(Additional workshops will be added as soon as they become available)

Assessment and management of headache and orofacial dysfunction and pain

A focused clinical deep dive into diagnostic reasoning, pain science and practical craniofacial management.

3 days presence & 15 hours self-study

Admission requirements:
Physiotherapist or Medical Doctor

More information

Medical screening and differential diagnosis for physiotherapists

A focused clinical workshop on recognising red flags, differentiating serious pathology and making safe referral decisions.

2 days presence teaching

Admission requirements:
Physiotherapists with experience in neuromusculoskeletal assessment and
management. Previous Maitland® Concept training or comparable clinical reasoning experience is recommended, but not necessary.

More information
Learn more about the transition from old to new curriculum

Levels in the old curriculum

Level 2a (phased out)

Underpinning and developing skills

10 days

REQUIREMENTS:
IMTA certificate of attendence

More information

Level 2b (phased out)

Advanced skills and reasoning

10 days 

REQUIREMENTS:
IMTA Level 2a (proof of passing the exam at Level 2a) or DVMT 1e certificate

More information

Level 3 (phased out)

Integrating approaches

15 days

REQUIREMENTS:
IMTA Level 2b certificate of attendence

More information
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Level 1 (updated)

  • Presence hours: 140
  • incl. clincical work by teacher: 9,5
  • incl. clincical work by students: 16,5
  • Self Directed Learning incl. Webinars: 46,2
  • Total Workload (rounded): 186

You will learn to:

Apply the principles of the Maitland® Concept of NMSK-Physiotherapy in the management of patients with neuromusculoskeletal movement disorders.

  • Develop clinical skills to a level adequate for safe and effective patient centred management.
  • Further develop existing knowledge and enhance your understanding of relevant concepts, theory and mechanisms based on current evidence.
  • Immediately apply acquired knowledge and skills in clinical practice

Format: Mix of required presence days and online-completable units.

Module 1 (5 days): Fundamentals of the assessment and management of neuromusculoskeletal (NMSK) disorders based on the principles of the Maitland® Concept. Lower quadrant with a clinical focus on the lumbopelvic region.

Module 2 (5days): Assessment and management of the NMSK disorders of the upper quadrant with a clinical focus on the cervicothoracic area and shoulder regions.

Module 3 (5days): Assessment and management of the NMSK disorders of the lower quadrant with a clinical focus on the knee and foot/ankle regions.

Module 4 (5days): Assessment and management of the NMSK disorders of the upper quadrant with a clinical focus on the elbow, wrist/hand and craniofacial regions.

Between the presence modules: Mandatory webinars, clinical activities, formative assignments, case discussions and self-study tasks in order to provide consolidation of course content. These activities will be delivered through our Moodle platform.

Webinars:

  • Pain mechanisms part 1
  • Exercise and load management principles
  • Communication part
  • Red flags
Book Level 1 Course

Level 2a (PHASED OUT)

Gap between Level 1 and 2a of no less than 6 months and no more than 4 years is recommended.

  • Consolidating knowledge gained on Level 1 course and providing deeper understanding of the Maitland® Concept.
  • Advanced skills in the examination and treatment of all peripheral joints and spine, including assessment of functional demonstration.
  • Application of differentiation tests, knowledge of the biomechanics of the spine and application of combined movements and compression.
  • Detailed examination and treatment of neurodynamic structures; providing theoretical background.
  • Examination and treatment of selected clinical syndromes.


After successful completion of Level 2a and the certificate module at the DVMT (www.DVMT.org). 

German physiotherapists may invoice the statutory medical insurance companies the extra sum for “manual therapy” .

Book Level 2a Course

Level 2b (PHASED OUT)

Participants are recommended to have at least six months clinical experience between Level 2a and Level 2b.

  • Deeper understanding of knowledge gained on Level 1 and Level 2a courses.
  • Critical evaluation of the Maitland® Concept
  • Advanced skills in examination and treatment of movement system by adopting problem-orientated approach and making multiple hypotheses.
  • Manipulation technique (grade V) with indications and contra-indications.
  • Advanced examination and treatment of neurodynamic structures.
  • Introduction to the principles of dynamic stability of the spine.
  • Advanced understanding of neurophysiological pain mechanisms including chronic pain syndromes.
  • Further examination and treatment of selected clinical syndromes.
  • Advanced clinical reasoning.
Book Level 2b Course

Level 3 (PHASED OUT)

Participants are recommended to have at least six months clinical experience between Level 2b and Level 3.

  • Further understanding of content of Level 1 and Level 2.
  • Advanced pain management and clinical reasoning, psychosocial aspects in examination and treatment.
  • Discussion of specific pathobiological risk factors.
  • Principles, examination and treatment of dynamic control defects around the pelvis, hips and knees.
  • Examination and treatment of craniomandibular dysfunctions together with associated pain syndromes.
  • Examination and treatment of clinical syndromes such as shoulder instability, shoulder impingement and lumbar stenosis.
  • Advanced management and modifications of cervical instability.
  • Modifications and revisions regarding manipulation (grade V) of the spine.
  • Advanced clinical reasoning, problem solving and pain management strategies.
Book Level 3 Course

Accreditation Examintion (new)

  • Presence hours: 10
  • incl. clincical work by teacher: 1,5
  • incl. clincical work by students: 4,0
  • Self Directed Learning incl. Webinars: 5,0
  • Total Workload (rounded): 15

Eligibility criteria and application requirements: Physiotherapists who have successfully completed the 10 modules of IMTA’s programme may participate in IMTA’s Accreditation Examination.

Purpose: By successfully passing IMTA’s final examination learners demonstrate that they have achieved the learning outcomes of IMTA’s programme.

This final two days and examination enables you to:

  • Reflect, analyse, and critically appraise the responsibilities of a professional NMSK expert.
  • Compare, contrast, critically analyse and synthesise theory, professional practice, and current best available scientific evidence.
  • Facilitate autonomic decision-making in the therapeutic process of complex, unpredictable contexts.
  • Naturalize patient handling skills and innovate them according to the patient’s needs.
  • Adopt life-long-learning skills.


The IMTA Certificate of Competence in advanced neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy is recognised by IMTA’s cooperation partners. These institutes of higher education or professional associations accredit IMTA’s programme in their Masters or OMPT programmes.

Format: 2 days (instruction, practical patient treatment and written/practical exam components).

Book exam course

Level 2 (new)

  • Presence hours: 105
  • incl. clincical work by teacher: 9,0
  • incl. clincical work by students: 9,0
  • Self Directed Learning incl. Webinars: 52,5
  • Total Workload (rounded): 158

Before starting Level 2: Mandatory webinars on Moodle. You will be given the code to access the video before the Level 2 starts and complete the assignments.

  • Basic strength and conditioning principles
  • Manipulations: Theory part 1
  • Pain mechanisms part 2

This Level enables you to:

  • Build upon and further develop your understanding and application of NMSK physiotherapy based on the principles of the Maitland® Concept.
  • Analyse, synthesize, and integrate training principles and cognitive behavioural principles in rehabilitation.
  • Extend and develop your handling skills and apply and evaluate these within a comprehensive patient management based on the patient’s individual needs and values, current evidence, and clinical assessment.
  • Deepen your understanding of current evidence underpinning theories of clinical reasoning and apply this to further develop reflective and evaluative practice and the related roles of physiotherapy.
  • Develop your critical thinking in the analysis and synthesis of theory, in professional practice and in transferring theoretical knowledge and scientific evidence into clinical practice in an analytical and reflective manner.
  • Explore and critically appraise current concepts of complex clinical presentations and to apply competent communication, assessment, and management skills in the management of patients with complex clinical presentations.
  • Recognize precautions and contraindications and decide autonomously if referral to other medical professionals is necessary.
  • Describe, discuss, and demonstrate pre-manipulative safety tests.
  • Apply a proper set-up and perform various manipulations and critically discuss their role and application.

Format: Mix of required presence days and online tasks.

Module 5 (5 days): Advanced Nerve-Related Disorders. Advanced assessment and management of the NMSK nerve-related disorders, 7 advanced pain science with a clinical focus on neuropathic pain, fundamental thoracic manipulations.
Module 6 (5days): Advanced Lower Limb. Advanced assessment and management of NMSK disorders of the lower limb, with a clinical focus on the advanced clinical patterns of the foot/ankle, knee and hip. Manipulations of the thoraco-lumbar area.
Module 7 (5days): Advanced Upper Limb. Advanced assessment and management of NMSK disorders of the upper limb, with a clinical focus on the advanced clinical patterns of the shoulder, elbow and hand. Manipulations on the cervico-thoracic area.

Between the presence modules: Mandatory webinars (transfer tasks, exam preparation).

  • Tendinopathy theory and clinical application
  • Osteoarthritis theory and clinical application
  • Shoulder theory
Book Level 2 Course

Level 3 (new)

  • Presence hours: 98
  • incl. clincical work by teacher: 9,0
  • incl. clincical work by students: 9,0
  • Self Directed Learning incl. Webinars: 49
  • Total Workload (rounded): 147

Before starting Level 3: Mandatory webinars available on Moodle. Learners will be given the code to access the video before the Level 3 and complete the assignments.

  • Communication part 2
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis
  • Pain mechanisms part 3
  • Lifestyle and contributing factors to chronic pain

This Level enables you to:

  • Reflect, analyse, and critically appraise the responsibilities of a professional NMSK expert.
  • Compare, contrast, critically analyse and synthesise theory, professional practice, and current best available scientific evidence.
  • Facilitate autonomic decision-making in the therapeutic process of complex, unpredictable contexts.
  • Naturalize patient handling skills and innovate them according to the patient’s needs.
  • Adopt life-long-learning skills.

Format: Presence plus supplementary online modules, mandatory webinars between presence modules.  

Module 8 (5 days): Complex Pain Disorders. Assessment and management of complex and persistent pain presentations, including headaches and lumbar stenosis.
Module 9 (4 days): Advanced Cervico-Thoracic Spine. Advanced assessment and management of complex neuromusculoskeletal disorders of the cervical spine and thoracic spine. Advanced manipulations of the cervical spine.
Module 10 (4 days): Advanced Lumbar Spine. Advanced assessment and management of complex neuromusculoskeletal disorders of the lumbopelvic area. Advanced manipulations of the thoracolumbar spine.

Between the presence modules: Mandatory webinars for consolidation, clinical activities and assignments, case discussions and self-study tasks. These activities will be delivered through our Moodle platform.

Webinars:

  • Manipulations theory part 2
  • Persistent lower back pain
  • Advanced neurological examination: focus on cranial nerves
Book Level 3 Course

Assessment and management of headache and orofacial dysfunction and pain

  • Presence hours / contact time: 21 hours
  • Self-directed learning and introductory webinar: 15 hours
  • Total Workload: 36 hours

You will learn to:

  • Develop advanced knowledge of the neuromusculoskeletal anatomy and physiology of the craniocervical, mandibular and facial regions.
  • Understand the functional relationships between the upper cervical spine, temporomandibular joints, cranium and cranial tissues.
  • Apply clinical differentiation tests for the assessment of neck, temporomandibular, cranial nerve and orofacial pain presentations.
  • Deepen your understanding of pain mechanisms, with a particular focus on the trigeminocervical vascular system.
  • Use relevant headache and orofacial pain classifications, including IHS, AAOP and DC/TMD criteria, to support clinical diagnosis and management.
  • Practise and refine craniofacial manual therapy techniques and critically evaluate their application from different pain-system perspectives.
  • Assess cranial neuropathic pain and persistent orofacial pain presentations as part of a comprehensive clinical reasoning process.
  • Integrate manual therapy, pain science, clinical diagnostics and multidisciplinary perspectives into individualised patient management.

Format: 3 days of presence teaching, combined with a 4-hour introductory online webinar, guided reading and formative assessment.

Introductory webinar: Orofacial pain, TMD and headaches – state of the art. The webinar introduces key anatomy, pain mechanisms, headache classifications, craniofacial manual therapy concepts and the role of the IMTA musculoskeletal therapist in the management of orofacial pain and dysfunction.

Day 1: Foundational knowledge and clinical differentiation Functional anatomy and physiology of the head and face, clinical patterns of orofacial dysfunction and pain, clinical differentiation tests for the neck, TMD and cranial nerves, and case-based diagnosis of craniocervical-mandibular disorders.

Day 2: Pain mechanisms, headache classification and craniofacial manual therapy Pain mechanisms within the trigeminocervical system, clinical implications of different pain models, headache and orofacial pain classifications, DC/TMD criteria and practical craniofacial manual therapy techniques.

Day 3: Cranial neuropathic pain, body distortion and multidisciplinary integration Assessment of cranial neuropathic pain, conduction and neurodynamic testing of cranial nerves, body distortion in persistent orofacial pain and headaches, multidisciplinary case analysis and development of individualised treatment plans.

Assessment: 10 multiple-choice questions and 2 open questions.

Book Workshop

Medical screening and differential diagnosis for physiotherapists

  • Presence hours / contact time: 2 days
  • Self-directed learning and introductory webinar: 0
  • Total Workload: 16 hours

You will learn to:

  • Develop awareness of signs, symptoms and differential diagnoses related to visceral and nonneuromusculoskeletal pathology.
  • Understand the broad spectrum of red flags and their clinical relevance.
  • Apply the hierarchy and interpretation of red flags in everyday physiotherapy practice.
  • Differentiate safely and efficiently between neuromusculoskeletal dysfunctions and serious pathology.
  • Develop clinical reasoning skills for managing non-mechanical presentations and cases where serious pathology may be suspected.
  • Integrate medical screening procedures into physiotherapy assessment and management.
  • Develop an appropriate clinical examination of the neurological system.
  • Identify and assess conditions that may require medical intervention.
  • Decide when it is appropriate to treat and when referral to another healthcare profession is required.
  • Strengthen autonomous clinical decision-making within the scope of physiotherapy practice.

Format: 2 days of presence teaching, combining lectures, case study presentations, group discussions and practical sessions.

Day 1: Foundations of medical screening and red flag reasoning Introduction to medical screening in physiotherapy, recognition of serious pathology, differential diagnosis of neuromusculoskeletal and non-neuromusculoskeletal presentations, and the clinical use and hierarchy of red flags.

Day 2: Clinical application, neurological examination and referral decisions Practical integration of screening procedures, development of neurological examination skills, casebased clinical reasoning, identification of conditions requiring medical intervention and decisionmaking around treatment, referral and clinical pathways.

Assessment: Informal quiz at end of course

Book Workshop

Transition rules between old & new curriculum

If you have completed

  1. Level 1 in the old curriculum you can transfer directly to new Level 2
  1. Level 2a in the old curriculum you start with Modules 6 and 7 in the new Level 2
  2. Level 2b in the old curriculum, you complete Modules 6 and 7 from new Level 2 and will have only Module 8 remaining in Level 3.
  3. Level 3 in the old curriculum you can transfer directly to new Level 3 exam.
More Details about the new curriculum are available through the course centers and here from 2026. Make sure not to miss anything and sign up to our newsletter.

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