FM I: Functional Mobilization I

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IPA has led the profession since 1978 in the understanding and implementation of myofascial and soft tissue mobilization for treatment of human structure and function.  FMI, (formerly FO I) was the first biomechanical soft tissue mobilization (STM) course offered to the PT profession. In FMI, the participant personally experiences the dynamic changes in his or her structure and function as well as facilitates changes in a lab partner during supervised lab sessions.  Master clinician instructors guide the participants in:

  • An understanding of the dynamic Functional Manual Therapy® clinical reasoning system
  • Comprehensive discussion of the three pillars of FMT:  Mechanical Capacity, Neuromuscular Function, and Motor Control
  • Observation of posture and dynamic movement assessment
  • Three Functional Tests to be used before and after each intervention
  • End feel assessment and interpretation
  • Localization of mechanical myofascial and soft tissue dysfunctions
  • Specific Functional Mobilization™ techniques which combine soft tissue and joint mobilization with active or resisted patient movements and PNF. With direct progressions into specific exercise training.

After taking FMI, the skills and techniques learned will directly impact your clinical practice by empowering you to create immediate changes in the function of the human body with three dimensional and localized manual therapy interventions.  The immediate clinical impact of FMI stems from the supervised lab sessions in which the participants observe the correlation between the mechanical capacity of the soft tissue system and posture and functional movements.  The concept of the human body as an interconnected and dynamic system permeates the instruction and lab practice sessions.  Emphasis is placed on your skill development for both observation and manual treatment. 

Testimonials

I really love this class! Hands-on approach, systematic approach, soft tissue techniques, the repetition of this approach, the energetic lead instructor and lab assistants. [FMI] had the perfect balance between lecture and lab work. Ample time to perform hands-on labs without feeling like it was dragging on.

T McKenzie

PT, DPT

I have taken so many classes and this has been the closest I have felt to being Harry Potter because I felt like a wizard!! This IPA stuff really works! The best part is I do not need to work as hard as I usually do and I got better results with my patients! Thanks again!

Kimmi (Cindy) Dao

PT, DPT

Objectives

  • Apply the clinical reasoning system of Functional Manual Therapy® to the assessment and treatment of the human system
  • Define the relevance between treating towards “normal” versus “efficient”
  • Develop skills to identify efficient and inefficient structure and function through observation, palpation, and three IPA functional tests
  • Correlate subjective and objective findings to soft tissue dysfunctions
  • Develop layer palpation skills to assist in specifying the exact dysfunctional structures
  • Perform seven specific functional soft tissue mobilization techniques as an integrated component of the FMT system
  • Acquire the knowledge necessary to design and implement an appropriate home exercise program
  • Discuss the current literature related to myofascial and soft tissue mobilization

Requirements & Additional Information

  • Required Course Preparation

    Prior to the classroom portion of this course, all students must complete required course preparation.  The preparation for FM I includes videos, quizzes, and articles.  Plan to spend 5-6 hours learning this important information.  Once enrolled in a course, required course preparation can be found by logging on to your IPA account and selecting “My Upcoming Courses.”  If you have any trouble accessing the required course preparation please call our office at 970-870-9521 for assistance. Note: iPads and iPhones do not support flash which is required for the quiz portions of the pre-course work. Videos are viewable, but a computer will be needed to complete all quizzes.  Also, please note that approved CEUs may vary depending on individual states’ treatment of Online vs. Classroom Instruction.

    • Prior to the classroom portion of this course, all students must complete the required course preparation which includes videos, quizzes, and articles. Once enrolled in a course, required course preparation can be found by logging on to your IPA account and selecting “My Upcoming Courses.”  If you have any trouble accessing the required course preparation please email [email protected] for assistance.  Prep time varies by course so be sure to review required course work immediately following your purchase to allow for sufficient time to complete assignments prior to the start of the course.  To receive CEUs all required course preparation must be completed prior to course commencement.
    • This 3 day class is quite demanding and intense.  Please come well rested.
    • Please have your fingernails filed and trimmed.

  • Required Equipment

    Release of Liability Form: Complete the Release of Liability Form and bring it to the course.

    Towel

    Pillow and 2 cases

  • CEU Information

    28 Contact Hours (includes in person and pre-course video review and quizzes)

    To receive CEUs all required course preparation must be completed PRIOR to course commencement.

    Approved for PTs in NY, IL, and CA.  For a different state, please check with your state board for reciprocity of CEU approval from one of these states.  IPA will provide the standard documentation needed for individual state approval if your state does not accept reciprocity.  OTs, and PTAs should check with their approving body to determine if the PT approval is acceptable.

    To determine if any additional state approvals have been obtained, please check facility information for a specific course. (Select more info for the specific course at the bottom of this page and then select Facility Information tab.  Any additional approval will appear in the top left of the tab below the facility name.)

  • Price Information

    Earlybird Price: $750 / Regular Price: $850

    Earlybird Discounts: Register at least one month prior to course commencement and receive a discount of approximately 10%.  Register early and save!

    Student / New Professional Discounts: Students and First Year New Professionals can receive a 20% discount. Full details here.

    Repeat Discounts: IPA makes two (2) spots in each in-person course available at half-price for those repeating a course within five (5) years.  Registration for the half-price spots is on a first-come basis.  You must register by phone to receive a half-price repeat spot.  Registering online will result in you being charged full price. Credits cannot be issued once your transaction is complete.  Half-price tuition does not include a course manual or any supplies distributed at the course. Full details here.

  • Recommended Reading and Viewing
  • Audience & Attendance

    PT, PTA, OT, OTA, SPT, OTS

    Attendees agree to utilize all skills of evaluation, assessment and treatment learned in this course to the extent allowed under the regulations of their professional practice act. By registering you acknowledge that your attendance does not represent authorization by the IPA, or any of its officers, to utilize any of the material learned which may lie outside of the strict interpretation of your practice act.

    Each attendee is expected to complete the required pre-course work before the course begins, and attend all hours of instruction to receive a certificate of completion. Any exceptions to this policy must be pre-approved in writing by the Directors.

  • Lab Clothing

    • Each participant’s body must be accessible for observation and treatment.
    • Women:  Halter tops, sports bras, or similar and shorts which allow access to the upper thigh.  NOTE:  Be sure the posterior spine is accessible for complete palpation.  Be sure your top does not have too broad of covering in the back and/or can be easily unfastened.   Avoid leggings as they do not allow sufficient access to the lower extremity.
    • Men:  shorts or sweat pants.
    • Please refrain from wearing large or sharp jewelry..
    • It is recommended to wear layers for comfort between labs as temperatures may vary in the room.

  • Breaks

    While we continue to cope with the presence of COVID-19, the IPA shall adhere to ongoing CDC guidelines related to food and beverage consumption at each course.  To avoid community spread, participants are requested to bring their own drink and any desired snack.  Each participant will be requested to step out of the room while consuming drink or food or create a socially acceptable distance from other participants.

  • Instructor Note

    While specific instructors are scheduled for each course, circumstance may necessitate instructor changes. In addition, the final number of instructors is determined by enrollment.  Course refunds or transfers are not granted related to changes in the designated instructor or number of instructors.

     

    Instructor/Participant Ratio:

    • 1 Instructor:  ≤ 20 participants
    • 2 Instructors:  22 – 32 participants
    • 3 Instructors:  ≥ 34 participants

Dates & Locations

  • Long Island University
    Brooklyn, NY

    Feb 21, 2025 - Feb 23, 2025
    Elliot Fishbein
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Long Island University
    Brooklyn , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EST
    Ends at 8:30 am EST
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Long Island University
    Brooklyn , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EST
    Ends at 7:00 pm EST
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Long Island University
    Brooklyn , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EST
    Ends at 6:30 pm EST
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Long Island University
    Brooklyn , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EST
    Ends at 4:00 pm EST
  • ReLive Physical Therapy
    Bloomingdale, IL

    Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025
    Christopher DeMarco
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    ReLive Physical Therapy
    Bloomingdale , IL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 8:30 am CDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    ReLive Physical Therapy
    Bloomingdale , IL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 7:00 pm CDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    ReLive Physical Therapy
    Bloomingdale , IL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm CDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    ReLive Physical Therapy
    Bloomingdale , IL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm CDT
  • Agape Physical Therapy
    Glendora, CA

    Mar 28, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025
    Jimmy Armentrout
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Agape Physical Therapy
    Glendora , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 8:30 am PDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Agape Physical Therapy
    Glendora , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 7:00 pm PDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Agape Physical Therapy
    Glendora , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm PDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Agape Physical Therapy
    Glendora , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm PDT
  • Therapy Excellence
    Arlington, TX

    Apr 25, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
    Jimmy Armentrout
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Therapy Excellence
    Arlington , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 8:30 am EDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Therapy Excellence
    Arlington , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 7:00 pm EDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Therapy Excellence
    Arlington , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Therapy Excellence
    Arlington , TX
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
  • Beacon Physical Therapy
    San Francisco, CA

    Apr 25, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
    Matthew Thomason
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Beacon Physical Therapy
    San Francisco , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 8:30 am PDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Beacon Physical Therapy
    San Francisco , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 7:00 pm PDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Beacon Physical Therapy
    San Francisco , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm PDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Beacon Physical Therapy
    San Francisco , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm PDT
  • Emory University Hospital
    Atlanta, GA

    May 16, 2025 - May 18, 2025
    Cheryl Wardlaw
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Emory University Hospital
    Atlanta , GA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 8:30 am EDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Emory University Hospital
    Atlanta , GA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 7:00 pm EDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Emory University Hospital
    Atlanta , GA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Emory University Hospital
    Atlanta , GA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
  • Roots Integrative Therapies,
    Portsmouth, NH

    Jun 6, 2025 - Jun 8, 2025
    Trudy Messer
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Roots Integrative Therapies,
    Portsmouth , NH
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 8:30 am EDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Roots Integrative Therapies,
    Portsmouth , NH
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 7:00 pm EDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Roots Integrative Therapies,
    Portsmouth , NH
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Roots Integrative Therapies,
    Portsmouth , NH
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
  • Total Function Physical Therapy
    Colorado Springs, CO

    Jun 6, 2025 - Jun 8, 2025
    Jimmy Armentrout
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Total Function Physical Therapy
    Colorado Springs , CO
    Date:
    Starts at 12:00 pm MDT
    Ends at 12:30 pm MDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Total Function Physical Therapy
    Colorado Springs , CO
    Date:
    Starts at 12:30 pm MDT
    Ends at 9:00 pm MDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Total Function Physical Therapy
    Colorado Springs , CO
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am MDT
    Ends at 7:00 pm MDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Total Function Physical Therapy
    Colorado Springs , CO
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am MDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm MDT
  • Congruency Therapy & Wellness - Midtown
    Charlotte, NC

    Jun 27, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025
    Trudy Messer
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Congruency Therapy & Wellness - Midtown
    Charlotte , NC
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 8:30 am EDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Congruency Therapy & Wellness - Midtown
    Charlotte , NC
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 7:00 pm EDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Congruency Therapy & Wellness - Midtown
    Charlotte , NC
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Congruency Therapy & Wellness - Midtown
    Charlotte , NC
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
  • Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
    White Plains, NY

    Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025
    Elliot Fishbein
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
    White Plains , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 8:30 am EDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
    White Plains , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 7:00 pm EDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
    White Plains , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
    White Plains , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
  • Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers
    Omaha, NE

    Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025
    Christopher DeMarco
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers
    Omaha , NE
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 8:30 am CDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers
    Omaha , NE
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 7:00 pm CDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers
    Omaha , NE
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm CDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers
    Omaha , NE
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm CDT
  • Encompass Physical Therapy LLC
    Annapolis, MD

    Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025
    Trudy Messer
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Encompass Physical Therapy LLC
    Annapolis , MD
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 8:30 am EDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Encompass Physical Therapy LLC
    Annapolis , MD
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 7:00 pm EDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Encompass Physical Therapy LLC
    Annapolis , MD
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Encompass Physical Therapy LLC
    Annapolis , MD
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
  • Inspired Athletx
    Plymouth, MN

    Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025
    Jimmy Armentrout
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Inspired Athletx
    Plymouth , MN
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 8:30 am CDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Inspired Athletx
    Plymouth , MN
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 7:00 pm CDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Inspired Athletx
    Plymouth , MN
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm CDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Inspired Athletx
    Plymouth , MN
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm CDT
  • Holy Cross Health at Holy Cross Healthplex
    Ft. Lauderdale, FL

    Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
    Trudy Messer
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Holy Cross Health at Holy Cross Healthplex
    Ft. Lauderdale , FL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 8:30 am EDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Holy Cross Health at Holy Cross Healthplex
    Ft. Lauderdale , FL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 7:00 pm EDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Holy Cross Health at Holy Cross Healthplex
    Ft. Lauderdale , FL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm EDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Holy Cross Health at Holy Cross Healthplex
    Ft. Lauderdale , FL
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm EDT
  • Elite Sports Physical Therapy
    Fremont, CA

    Oct 24, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025
    Matthew Thomason
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Elite Sports Physical Therapy
    Fremont , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 8:30 am PDT
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Elite Sports Physical Therapy
    Fremont , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 7:00 pm PDT
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Elite Sports Physical Therapy
    Fremont , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PDT
    Ends at 6:30 pm PDT
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Elite Sports Physical Therapy
    Fremont , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PDT
    Ends at 4:00 pm PDT
  • Hunter College
    New York, NY

    Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025
    Elliot Fishbein
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Hunter College
    New York , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EST
    Ends at 8:30 am EST
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Hunter College
    New York , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EST
    Ends at 7:00 pm EST
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Hunter College
    New York , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am EST
    Ends at 6:30 pm EST
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Hunter College
    New York , NY
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am EST
    Ends at 4:00 pm EST
  • Weyco
    Glendale, WI

    Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025
    Christopher DeMarco
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    Weyco
    Glendale , WI
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am CST
    Ends at 8:30 am CST
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    Weyco
    Glendale , WI
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CST
    Ends at 7:00 pm CST
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    Weyco
    Glendale , WI
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am CST
    Ends at 6:30 pm CST
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    Test Venue
    Steamboat Springs , CO
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am MST
    Ends at 4:00 pm MST
  • American Career College - Ontario, CA
    Ontario, CA

    Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025
    Jimmy Armentrout
    Schedule Location Date & Time
    Course:
    Check-in
    Location:
    American Career College - Ontario, CA
    Ontario , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PST
    Ends at 8:30 am PST
    Course:
    Friday Instruction
    Location:
    American Career College - Ontario, CA
    Ontario , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PST
    Ends at 7:00 pm PST
    Course:
    Saturday Instruction
    Location:
    American Career College - Ontario, CA
    Ontario , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:30 am PST
    Ends at 6:30 pm PST
    Course:
    Sunday Instruction
    Location:
    American Career College - Ontario, CA
    Ontario , CA
    Date:
    Starts at 8:00 am PST
    Ends at 4:00 pm PST