MPA established and the new drive towards specialisation

The year 2000 saw further discussion within the association on how best to take members forward into the new millennium. The term ‘Manipulative Physiotherapist’ was now felt by some to be too limiting in concept, as postgraduate members were highly skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral as well as spinal musculoskeletal disorders. After intense discussion, the decision was made to change the name again, this time to Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Australia (MPA), at the 10th Biennial General Meeting of the association in Perth in November 2000. Members could now use the alternative title of ‘Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist’.

In 2000, MPA identified specialisation as a key future focus in the ongoing business and maturation of the profession. Many physiotherapists were approaching MPA to express their interest in learning more about advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy, and the National Committee recognised the need to adopt a structured approach to career progression for the expanding profession.

Thus in 2001, MPA opened its doors to admit members to a new, three-tiered structure of membership. The highest tier, Level Three, was reserved for those members who had achieved Fellowship of the College of Physiotherapists, the highest level of specialisation. The next tier, Level Two, applied to all current members and future members who met the eligibility requirements contained within the Charter of Educational Standards – i.e. Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists. The broadest tier, Level One, was set up to encourage any physiotherapist who wished to develop their interest and skills in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. The reaction from the physiotherapy community was amazing, and MPA doubled its membership of 750 Titled Level Two members, by admitting 760 Level One members in 2001. This interest in the specialisation process is continuing to grow rapidly.