Physiotherapy Across Borders: Advancing Orthopedic Manual Therapy in East Africa

In this episode of Hands On, Hands Off, host Amy welcomes two international physiotherapists to discuss the growth of orthopedic manual physiotherapy (OMPT) in East Africa. They explore the challenges of clinical training, specialization, and accessibility, as well as how mentorship and international collaboration are shaping the future of physiotherapy in their countries.

The conversation covers:

• The evolution of OMPT education in East Africa and its integration into physiotherapy training
• Challenges in advancing specialization, including access to structured programs and recognition within the healthcare system
• The role of mentorship and international partnerships in expanding knowledge and practice
• Clinical reasoning vs. protocol-driven treatment approaches and how shifting perspectives improve patient care
• Advocacy efforts to increase awareness, acceptance, and resources for physiotherapists

This episode is a must-listen for physiotherapists, educators, and advocates looking to understand the unique barriers and opportunities in growing manual therapy education and practice in low-resource settings.