World Physiotherapy has provided support and solidarity to Norwegian Physiotherapist Association (NFF), its member organisation in Norway, to reject a proposal from the government to create an authorisation scheme for ‘manual therapists’ in Norway.
In a joint letter with the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT), World Physiotherapy has written to Gerty Lund, NFF president, expressing concern the proposed scheme would create a pathway to a different profession through the physiotherapy profession.
Emma Stokes, World Physiotherapy president, said: “NFF is a founding member of World Physiotherapy and has proudly represented physiotherapists in Norway for more than 85 years.
“This proposal is an attack on the integrity and unity of the physiotherapy profession in Norway, and seeks to create a new profession, separate from physiotherapy. This runs counter to international policy and practice and should be rejected.
“The proposal would isolate Norwegian ‘manual therapists’ from the global physiotherapy community and create barriers to them moving into the physiotherapy workforce, and collaborating with physiotherapists on innovation and research.”
World Physiotherapy will continue to work with colleagues in NFF and IFOMPT to strengthen and support the physiotherapy profession in Norway.
