Institute of Physical Art
Institute of Physical Art is a private, US-based continuing education company founded in 1978 that trains physical therapists and allied health professionals through 26 in-person courses, an on-demand catalog, certifications, and AAOMPT-accredited residency/fellowship programs built around its proprietary Functional Manual Therapy® paradigm.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1978
- HeadquartersSteamboat Springs, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Institute of Physical Art does
The Institute of Physical Art (IPA), founded in 1978 and headquartered in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is a private continuing-education company serving physical therapists and allied health professionals. It has trained more than 50,000 practitioners through 3,100+ delivered courses, with a stated downstream footprint of 150M+ patients treated by IPA-trained clinicians. Its core offering is the Functional Manual Therapy® (FMT) paradigm — a proprietary clinical framework integrating soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), and CoreFirst Strategies for whole-body assessment and intervention.
IPA commercializes FMT through a structured curriculum of 26 in-person courses (foundational CFS/PNF/FMI through advanced REM, CBI, GAIT, and specialty tracks), a self-paced On-Demand catalog of 11 modules, CFMT and CAFMT certifications, and AAOMPT-accredited residency and fellowship programs. Distribution combines in-person cohorts hosted at partner universities and hospitals (e.g., Hunter College, Emory University, Burke Rehabilitation, Orange Coast Medical Center), direct-to-practitioner on-demand access, and immersive residency placements. Pricing tiers include early-bird ($675-$825), regular ($725-$875), 20% student/new-professional discounts, 50% repeat-course discounts, and a $100 referral voucher.
Revenue is generated from course registration fees (one-time/perpetual license), certification and fellowship tuition, product/hardware sales (mobilization belts, foam rolls, Dycem, fascia tools), and residency/fellowship programs. The company maintains CEU approvals in 40 of 51 US jurisdictions, BOC provider status for athletic trainers (2025), and AAOMPT fellowship accreditation. It is co-founded and operationally led by Gregory S. Johnson (PT, FFFMT, FAAOMPT) and Vicky Saliba Johnson, with no disclosed external funding, parent company, or M&A activity.
Institute of Physical Art firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Institute of Physical Art
- Legal name
- The Institute of Physical Art, Inc.
- Website
- https://instituteofphysicalart.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1978
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Institute of Physical Art is a private, US-based continuing education company founded in 1978 that trains physical therapists and allied health professionals through 26 in-person courses, an on-demand catalog, certifications, and AAOMPT-accredited residency/fellowship programs built around its proprietary Functional Manual Therapy® paradigm.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Institute of Physical Art industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Continuing Education for Healthcare Professionals
- NAICS
- Technical and Trade Schools (6115)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Rehabilitation Support (PT/OT Aide) (EDAOAJAI)
Keywords
Where Institute of Physical Art is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Steamboat Springs
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Institute of Physical Art business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Course Registration Fees: Primary revenue stream from in-person and on-demand continuing education courses for physical therapists and allied health professionals. Pricing varies by course type with early-bird and regular pricing tiers.
- Product Sales: Sale of course materials, equipment, and supplies including manuals, foam rolls, mobilization belts, Dycem, and specialized tools.
- Certification Fees: Revenue from certification and fellowship programs including CFMT (Certified Functional Manual Therapist) and CAFMT credentials.
- Residency and Fellowship Programs: Full-time immersive mentorship programs with advanced manual therapists.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | CFS: CoreFirst Strategies - In-Person |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | PNF: Functional Neuromuscular and Motor Control Training - In-Person |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | FM I: Functional Mobilization I - In-Person |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | FMLE: Functional Mobilization Lower Extremities - In-Person |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | On-Demand Courses |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Core Curriculum Recorded Courses (Repeat) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Institute of Physical Art product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Institute of Physical Art (IPA) delivers continuing education and certification in Functional Manual Therapy (FMT) for physical therapists and allied health professionals. Its offering spans 26 distinct in-person lab courses (CFS, PNF, FMI, FMLE, FMLT, FMUE, FMUT, CBI, GAIT, VFM, CRS, DFA, KJD, KSC, PGP, SOP, REM), self-paced on-demand courses, CFMT and CAFMT clinical certifications, and AAOMPT-accredited residency and fellowship programs, taught by master clinician instructors.
Product overview
The Institute of Physical Art (IPA) offers a comprehensive education and certification platform built around Functional Manual Therapy® (FMT), an advanced treatment paradigm. The core product consists of multiple specialized courses (CFS, PNF, FMI, FMLE, FMLT, FMUE, FMUT, CBI, GAIT, VFM, CRS, DFA, KJD, KSC, PGP, SOP, REM) totaling 26 unique course types, complemented by On-Demand courses for flexible learning. The portfolio includes certification pathways (CFMT, CAFMT), residency programs, and AAOMPT-accredited fellowship programs. IPA also offers physical therapy products and supplies. Founded in 1978, the organization has trained over 50,000 professionals across 3,100+ courses.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Functional Manual Therapy® (FMT): An advanced, comprehensive system for all patients incorporating Functional Mobilization, Resistance Enhanced Manipulation, and advanced training for neuromuscular function and motor control.
- CoreFirst®
- CFMT
Products and services
- CFS: CoreFirst Strategies for Optimum Function Lab-intensive course teaching genetically driven human forms of stability and locomotion using the Saliba Postural Classification System to enhance dynamic stability and controlled mobility during functional tasks. Targeted at physical therapists and allied health providers.
- PNF: Functional Neuromuscular and Motor Control Training Dynamic motor control course based on human genetics of growth and development, utilizing PNF patterns to restore proprioceptive and kinesthetic awareness and facilitate CoreFirst Strategies. 28 contact hours; for physical therapists and advanced practitioners.
- FM I: Functional Mobilization I Foundational biomechanical soft tissue mobilization course teaching the three pillars of FMT: Mechanical Capacity, Neuromuscular Function, and Motor Control. 28 contact hours; for physical therapists.
- FMLE: Functional Mobilization Lower Extremities Advanced FMT course focusing on assessment and treatment of the hip, knee, foot and ankle using Functional Mobilization techniques and PNF patterns. 21 contact hours.
- FMLT: Functional Mobilization Lower Trunk Advanced manual skills course covering the lumbar spine, pelvic structures, abdomen, coccyx, sacrum, innominate and hip with focus on three pressure systems and CoreFirst strategies.
- FMUE: Functional Mobilization Upper Extremities Course focusing on Functional Mobilization techniques for the upper extremities including the shoulder complex, arm, elbow, wrist, and hand.
- FMUT: Functional Mobilization Upper Trunk Course focusing on Functional Mobilization techniques for the upper trunk including the thoracic spine, ribs, and costal cage.
- CBI: Complete Body Integration Advanced integration course bringing together all FMT principles for total body treatment and assessment.
- GAIT: Functional Gait Course focusing on functional assessment and treatment of gait disorders using FMT principles.
- VFM: Visceral Functional Mobilization Course focusing on mobilization techniques for visceral structures including abdominal organs.
- CRS: Continence, Reproduction, and Sex Specialized course addressing pelvic floor dysfunctions related to continence, reproduction, and sexual health.
- DFA: Dynamic Foot and Ankle Lab-intensive introduction to the FMT system for foot and ankle management focusing on biomechanical and functional impact on the kinetic chain.
- KJD: Knee Junction Dilemma Course addressing knee dysfunction with focus on hip and foot/ankle contributions using FMT principles.
- KSC: Kinetic Shoulder Complex Course focusing on kinetic chain relationships affecting the shoulder complex using FMT evaluation and treatment techniques.
- PGP: The Pelvic Girdle Puzzle Course focusing on biomechanical and functional impact of the pelvis on the kinetic chain with advanced evaluation and treatment techniques.
- SOP: Strategies for Optimizing Performance Course for high-functioning patients and athletes focusing on CoreFirst principles and performance enhancement.
- REM: Resistance Enhanced Manipulation Advanced manipulation course combining resistance techniques with joint mobilization for enhanced therapeutic outcomes; restricted to licensed physical therapists.
- On-Demand Courses (OD Series) Self-paced online continuing education including OD-3PS (Three Pressure Systems), OD-VVN (Vagus Nerve), OD-SHR (Sleep Health), OD-TP (Taming Pain), OD-TES (Endocannabinoid System), OD-TSS (Stress System), OD-PGP, OD-KJD, OD-DFA, OD-SOP, and OD-MTF (Manual Therapy Foundations), accessible 24/7 via the IPA e-Learning platform and completed within 6 weeks of registration.
- CFMT: Certified Functional Manual Therapist Advanced clinical certification demonstrating ability to attain remarkable clinical results through oral, practical and written exams; an internationally recognized credential.
- CA-FMT / CAFMT: Certified Advanced Functional Manual Therapist Advanced mastery certification for Functional Manual Therapists who have completed additional advanced training.
- Residency Programs Full-time, fully immersive mentorship residency programs located throughout the US providing in-person training with daily mentorship and broad clinical exposure.
- Fellowship Programs Most advanced level of clinical training for physical therapists; AAOMPT-accredited fellowship with expert clinical mentors and advanced manipulation training.
- IPA Products (Equipment and Supplies) Physical therapy equipment and supplies including mobilization belts, foam rolls, dycem, fascia tools, sacral blocks, and other treatment supplies for course attendees and practitioners.
Quantifiable outcome
- 50,000+ professionals trained and 150,000,000+ patients served
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Institute of Physical Art
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Institute of Physical Art technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature6 records
Institute of Physical Art partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- MedBridge EducationcoreMedBridge Education partnership displayed on IPA website - providing continuing education platform integration for healthcare professionals
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)flagshipProfessional association partnership providing CEU approvals through state APTA chapters across multiple jurisdictions
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT)flagshipAAOMPT accreditation of IPA Fellowship program indicating highest clinical training standards
- Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers (BOC)coreAs of 2025, IPA is approved BOC provider for Category A CEUs for select courses (CFS, PNF, FMI, FMUE, FMLE, GAIT, KSC, KJD, DFA, PGP)
- RegenexxcoreRegenerative medicine and orthopedic services partnership displayed on IPA website
- MW TherapyminorPhysical therapy practice partnership for course hosting and professional collaboration
- PT PACminorPolitical action committee partnership supporting physical therapy profession advocacy
- American Academy of Physical Medicine and Dentistry (AAPMD)minorProfessional organization partnership for multidisciplinary collaboration
- Cardon RehabminorRehabilitation equipment and supplies partnership
- IPA PhysiocoreIPA-affiliated course hosting location offering courses in Portland, OR and other locations
- University Course Hosting PartnerscoreHosting partnerships with universities including Hunter College, Long Island University, Dominican University New York, Emory University, Hardin-Simmons University for PT programs
- Hospital Course Hosting PartnerscoreHosting partnerships with hospitals including Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, Orange Coast Medical Center, Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Institute of Physical Art competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- MedBridge Education: Large online continuing education platform serving PTs, OTs, and ATCs with on-demand courses, certifications, and patient education. Directly competes with IPA's on-demand and CEU offerings and is already an IPA partner, making it the most comparable competitor in channel and customer overlap.
- North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy (NAIOMT): Specialized manual therapy education provider offering advanced orthopaedic manual therapy courses and certification pathways for physical therapists. Highly comparable in product category (advanced manual therapy courses, certifications) and target buyer (licensed PTs seeking advanced credentials).
- Evidence in Motion (EIM): Provides continuing education, residency, and fellowship programs for physical therapists with strong online and hybrid delivery. Directly comparable in residency/fellowship structure and PT continuing education focus, with overlapping accreditation pathways.
- Mulligan Concept: Internationally recognized manual therapy continuing education program teaching Mobilizations with Movement (MWM). Comparable in methodology-driven manual therapy CE and international footprint, serving the same PT audience seeking advanced manual certifications.
- Great Seminars and Books: Long-standing PT continuing education provider offering manual therapy and geriatric rehabilitation courses. Similar business model (in-person CE courses for PTs with certification pathways) and overlapping customer base in geriatric and manual therapy niches.
- Institute of Clinical Excellence (ICE): Modern physical therapy continuing education platform offering online and live courses in orthopaedics, manual therapy, and pain science. Comparable target customer (licensed PTs seeking advanced skills) and increasingly competitive in online/manual therapy CE delivery.
Broad incumbents
- University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences: Established PT and OT university offering DPT programs, continuing education, and residencies/fellowships. Comparable as a broader PT education provider with manual therapy focus; not a niche specialist but competes for advanced manual therapy learners and clinical mentorship dollars.
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): National professional association providing CEU-approved courses, certifications (OCS, FAAOMPT), and learning resources to its PT membership. Comparable as a PT education/CE authority but with much broader scope; IPA is already an APTA-credentialed partner.
Emerging players
- Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute: Specialized pelvic health continuing education provider offering manual therapy courses for PTs treating pelvic floor dysfunction. Comparable in serving the same licensed PT customer with hands-on manual therapy CE, but focuses on a narrower (pelvic health) specialty than IPA's whole-body FMT approach.
- OPTIM Manual Therapy: Specialized manual therapy education provider offering certifications and courses for physical therapists focused on orthopedic manual therapy. Comparable in advanced manual therapy certification model and PT-targeted curriculum, though smaller scale and narrower course catalog than IPA.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Institute of Physical Art social profiles
Digital presenceInstitute of Physical Art financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Institute of Physical Art leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Institute of Physical Art funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Institute of Physical Art M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Institute of Physical Art
What does Institute of Physical Art do?
The Institute of Physical Art (IPA) delivers continuing education and certification in Functional Manual Therapy (FMT) for physical therapists and allied health professionals. Its offering spans 26 distinct in-person lab courses (CFS, PNF, FMI, FMLE, FMLT, FMUE, FMUT, CBI, GAIT, VFM, CRS, DFA, KJD, KSC, PGP, SOP, REM), self-paced on-demand courses, CFMT and CAFMT clinical certifications, and AAOMPT-accredited residency and fellowship programs, taught by master clinician instructors.
Is Institute of Physical Art a public or private company?
Institute of Physical Art is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Institute of Physical Art founded?
Institute of Physical Art was founded in 1978. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Institute of Physical Art based?
Institute of Physical Art is headquartered in Steamboat Springs, United States, in the North America region.
How does Institute of Physical Art make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Course Registration Fees are the primary driver. The others are product Sales, certification Fees and residency and Fellowship Programs.
Who are Institute of Physical Art's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are MedBridge Education, North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy (NAIOMT), Evidence in Motion (EIM), Mulligan Concept, Great Seminars and Books and Institute of Clinical Excellence (ICE). Broad incumbents are University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Emerging players are Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute and OPTIM Manual Therapy.
Does Institute of Physical Art have an API?
No public API is recorded for Institute of Physical Art.
What industry is Institute of Physical Art in?
Institute of Physical Art's product category is Continuing Education for Healthcare Professionals. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAOAJAI, Rehabilitation Support (PT/OT Aide). Its NAICS code is 6115 and its SIC code is 8200.