SPORTS MANUAL THERAPY
CERTIFICATION
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ABOUT
IAR offers a certification course for clinicians who work specifically in Professional and Amateur Sports. The SMTC is a comprehensive course that provides the Professional and Amateur Sports clinician the opportunity to significantly expand their intervention options by exposing them to the most advanced manual therapy techniques and clinical reasoning specific to the sports population. In addition, the course presents emerging concepts to further enhance the athlete's recovery potential, increase athletic performance, and decrease injury risk. The a la carte course framework allows the participant group to select a preferred track of program material and intervention techniques the clinicians' specific to the athletic population. This allows for a more seamless integration of course information in to the clinician's current practice patterns. The course is offered in 2 or 3 day blocks to make it convenient for the participants seasonal schedules. Upon successful completion of the course participants will become Sports Manual Therapy Certified (SMTC).
ADMISSION STANDARDS
Open to Professional and Amateur Sports Clinicians:
Athletic Trainers
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Chiropractors
Athletic Training Students
Physical Therapy Students
IAR (BOC AP# P10127) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers. ​This program is eligible for a maximum of 22.5 Category A CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program. ​
Texas Physical Therapy Association = 16 CCUs
SCHEDULE
April 25 - 26, 2026
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Performance Medicine & Sports Therapy
6101 Windhaven Parkway
Suite 145
Plano, TX 75093​
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OPEN COURSE
Register before April 7 to get $75 off. Use code DFW75.
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May 16 - 17, 2026
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1320 Dodge Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201​
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OPEN COURSE
Register before April 27 to get $75 off. Use code EVA75.
Illinois Physical Therapy Association CEUs: PENDING
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May 21 - 22, 2026
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Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
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PRIVATE COURSE - Invitation Only
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July 11 - 12, 2026
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880 Kinnear Road
Columbus, OH 43212
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OPEN COURSE
Register before June 22 to get $75 off. Use code OH75. ​
Ohio Physical Therapy Association CEUs: APPROVED (16)
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July 18 - 19, 2026
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717 W. Dunlap Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85021
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OPEN COURSE
Register before June 30 to get $75 off. Use code PHX75.
Arizona Physical Therapy Association CEUs: PENDING
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July 25 - 26, 2026
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16200 NW 59th Ave
Unit 107
Miami Lakes, FL 33014
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OPEN COURSE
Register before June 30 to get $75 off. Use code MIA75.
Florida Physical Therapy Association CEUs: APPROVED (16)
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August 22 - 23, 2026
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1515 Medical Parkway Building 3
Suite 100
Cedar Park, TX 78613
1515​
OPEN COURSE
Register before August 13 to get $75 off. Use code ATX75.
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September 12 - 13, 2026
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2110 Marlton Pike East
Unit 9
Cherry Hill, NJ, 08003
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OPEN COURSE
Register before August 20 to get $75 off. Use code NJ75.
New Jersey Physical Therapy Association CEUS: APPROVED (16)
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October 3 - 4, 2026
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Mercy Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine
2017 W. I-35 Frontage
Suite 220
Edmond, OK, 73013
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OPEN COURSE
Register before September 12, 2026 to get $75 off. Use code OK75.
Oklahoma Physical Therapy Association CEUs: PENDING
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October 24 - 25, 2026
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8562 Katy Frwy
Suite 130
Houston, TX 77024
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OPEN COURSE
Register before Oct 6 to get $75 off. Use code HTX75.
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New Courses Added Regularly. Please Check Back for Future Dates and Locations.​
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PROGRAM PRICE
​Group & Team Rates Are Available for Private Courses
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Cancellation & Refund Policy
Participant/group is eligible for a full refund minus 25% of administrative fees if participant/group cancels 30 days prior to the course date. Participant/group is not eligible for a refund if participant/group cancels less than 30 days prior to the course date. Participant/group is eligible to transfer all course fees to any future courses in a specific time frame. Participants/groups will receive a full transfer to another course or full refund if the course is canceled by the program. ​
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Sports Manual Therapy Certification (SMTC)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Hands-on instruction is a core component of the SMTC. The course includes immersive lab sessions where participants practice assessment and intervention techniques under faculty guidance. Labs are supported by case discussions and real-world clinical application.
This certification is designed for clinicians who regularly treat athletes or highly active individuals and want to improve their ability to evaluate movement, apply manual therapy with precision, and guide patients from rehabilitation to performance. It is particularly relevant for clinicians working in sports medicine, orthopedic, and performance-based environments.
While advanced manual therapy techniques are taught, the primary emphasis is on clinical reasoning. Participants learn how to select, modify, and progress interventions based on the athlete’s presentation rather than relying on a single technique or protocol.
The SMTC is typically offered in two- or three-day blocks, often on weekends. This format allows clinicians to participate without significant disruption to their regular clinical responsibilities.
Yes. The course is designed to help clinicians better understand the physical and psychological demands placed on athletes. Participants learn how to reduce injury risk, improve recovery, and support performance through more efficient assessment and treatment strategies.
Yes. Continuing education credits are available and vary by profession and location. Approved credit details are listed for each individual course offering. Participants are responsible for confirming CE requirements with their licensing board.
Courses are hosted at sports medicine and performance facilities across multiple regions. Locations and upcoming dates are listed on the main SMTC program page.
All registrations are completed through the main SMTC program page, where clinicians can view upcoming locations, course dates, and application details.
Yes. Many clinicians pursue the SMTC as part of a broader progression that may include additional certifications, advanced coursework, or residency and fellowship training in sports and orthopedic manual therapy.
How do I register for the Sports Manual Therapy Certification?
What topics are covered in the SMTC curriculum?
How does this certification fit into a busy clinical schedule?
Does this certification offer continuing education credits?
The SMTC is open to licensed and student clinicians working with professional or amateur athletic populations, including Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Chiropractors, Medical Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, Athletic Training Students, and Physical Therapy Students.
Who is eligible to take the Sports Manual Therapy Certification?
How is the SMTC different from general manual therapy courses?
Is this course more technique-based or reasoning-based?
Who is this certification designed for?
Is the course hands-on?
Will this course help me work more effectively with athletes?
Where are SMTC courses offered?
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The curriculum includes foundational concepts in manual therapy, clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis, pain science in athletes, spine and extremity intervention techniques, breathing and performance considerations, recovery strategies, and current return-to-play concepts. Content is designed to be immediately applicable to sports and orthopedic practice.
The SMTC focuses specifically on the demands of athletic populations. Rather than teaching isolated techniques, the course emphasizes clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, and the integration of manual therapy with movement, exercise prescription, and performance principles. This allows clinicians to manage higher-level cases with greater clarity and confidence.
Is the SMTC part of a larger professional development pathway?