clinical education

Process-Based Specialist in MOvement & Pain (PSMP) Certification

Process-Based Specialist in Movement & Pain (PSMP)

The Process-Based Specialist in Movement and Pain (PSMP) is a certification program that was created to help clinicians develop competence, critical thinking, and comfort in the use of a biopsychosocial process-based framework called the Human Rehabilitation Framework (HRF).

The HRF stands as a notable advancement in the field of rehabilitation, embodying a scientifically sound, coherent, and individual-centered approach to clinical decision making and treatment. It prompts a transdisciplinary and transdiagnostic approach to tackling physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems in human functioning, marking a new era in rehabilitation.

This coursework is designed for: Physical Therapists, Athletic Trainers, Occupational Therapists, Chiropractors, Physical and Occupational Therapist Assistants, Massage Therapists, Psychologists/Social Workers, Nurses/Nurse Practitioners, Osteopaths, and Physicians.

He does a wonderful job of breaking down a complex topic into manageable parts using current evidence and clinical examples. The combination of lecture, lab, and a clearly passionate presenter helped the time to fly by over the course of two days. I look forward to future offerings by Leonard and [IOCH]!

Kathleen Walworth PT, DPT, GCS, CEEAA

I attended Leonard’s course “Pain Science, Movement, and Manual Therapy for Rehabilitation Professionals.” The course was excellent, and I walked away with ideas to incorporate a biopsychosocial approach to movement and manual therapy in my practice. My goal is to have ALL of my staff therapists attend a future courses offered by [IOCH].

Lindsay Vertalka PT, MSPT

I would highly recommend any course Leonard and [IOCH] has to offer. I took the Pain Science, Movement, and Manual Therapy course this past fall, and was introduced to a whole new way to approach my patient care and make me a better overall athletic trainer. Leonard’s passion and excitement helped with understanding the complex topics.

Craig Plonka AT, ATC

I took the Pain Science, Movement and Manual Therapy course this weekend presented by Leonard and [IOCH]. I would definitely recommend this course. He takes a very complex topic and breaks it down in a way that you can understand. This course has provided me with more options to use to treat my patients and with the ability to incorporate this information into treatments when I return to the clinic tomorrow. This course has really intrigued me and has me excited to delve more into this treatment approach. I look forward to attending more courses offered by Leonard and [IOCH].

Chris Willis PTA

Leonard does such an amazing job. He takes what can be a very complex topic and breaks it down providing current evidence-based literature and examples. He also uses several analogies and illustrations to help. If you have the opportunity to learn under Leonard, or attend a conference/class, I would highly recommend it. You won’t be disappointed.

Tyler Finch PT, DPT

Becoming PSMP Certified

The PSMP Certification is an online and live hybrid program which can be flexibly completed over the course of 1 to 5 years.

This course work is designed to help participants re-conceptualize movement, manual therapy, and pain science clinical understanding and interventions to current standards of science-based evidence, while simultaneously building up communication and behavior modification skills to help clinicians better work with clients and patients who struggle with movement and pain. In this process, clinicians are introduced to a biopsychosocial process-based framework called the Human Rehabilitation Framework (HRF) to help them take on uncertainty and complexity with increased comfort. This coursework is thoughtfully enhanced with personalized clinical mentorship, specifically designed to support and guide you in seamlessly integrating the HRF into your own practice. The program finishes with a capstone providing opportunities for both conceptual and experiential integration.

Choose your Own Path to PSMP Certification:

There are currently two options available to complete the PSMP Certification:

Option 1: Self-Paced

The PSMP Certification can be completed via a self-paced option where participants take each of the required courses at their own pace. This option is helpful for participants who want to gradually expose themselves to the content over a longer period of time. While 1-5 years is typically the recommended timeline, some individuals may take longer to complete.

Option 2: 12-Month Intensive 

The PSMP Certification can also be completed through a 12-Month Intensive Program. This competitive program is only offered once a year with applications open in May and the program running from September through August. This option is helpful for participants who are ready to advance their career and want to complete the coursework amongst a cohort of other determined clinicians.

Not sure if the PSMP Certification is right for you?

No worries! We have designed our coursework for participants to start implementing the principles of the HRF immediately after the introductory course. While we recognize many individuals will require the PSMP Certification to fully embrace and utilize the HRF, we do not want that to stop you from enjoying the benefits of this revolutionary approach. You can start your journey today by completing the Functional Understanding Course to gain insights on how you can make the shift towards a more process-based approach in rehabilitation.

Meet Your instructors

Process-Based Specialist in Movement & Pain Certification Program:

The PSMP Certification is awarded to participants who have successfully completed all the coursework associated with the Human Rehabilitation Framework. This can be accomplished via self-paced individual learning or through a 12-month intensive program amongst a cohort of other motivated participants.

PSMP Curriculum (150 Total Hours):

NOTE: The Curriculum is broken into four levels to provide a general guideline to follow, but it does not need to be completed in order. Please check out individual courses for the required prerequisite to ensure you are able to participate as most only require the introductory functional understanding course.

PSMP 12-Month Intensive Program

Join our highly competitive 12-Month Intensive Program, designed exclusively for passionate clinicians seeking to excel in the HRF. With limited availability and offered just once a year, this program is your opportunity to take your professional journey to new heights. Apply now and secure your spot in this transformative educational experience!

Why Choose Our 12-Month Intensive Program?

Benefit from a cutting-edge curriculum that encompasses the latest advancements in the HRF. You will learn from world-class faculty who are experts in the field, and benefit from their mentorship and insights. You will also join a group of professionals who share your interests and goals and form lasting connections that will enhance your career. Moreover, you will acquire practical skills through interactive exercises, case studies, and simulations, preparing you to address complex challenges. Finally, you will demonstrate your proficiency through a capstone project, where you will apply theory and research to make a valuable contribution.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in our esteemed 12-Month Intensive Program. Unfortunately, we will not be conducting a 2024 cohort. However, we are excited to announce that we will re-open this program for 2025! With limited spots available, we recommend preparing early to secure your place in this transformative program.

Mark your calendars and get ready to take a significant step in your professional journey. Applying for our 2025 cohort will provide you with an opportunity to excel in the HRF and unlock a future brimming with potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Human Rehabilitation Framework (HRF)?

The Human Rehabilitation Framework (HRF) introduces a new era of rehabilitation. Some of its key highlights are the following:

  • World’s first biopsychosocial process-based approach to rehabilitation that is accessible by all disciplines for delivering care in a transdisciplinary manner.
  • Addresses the most criticized shortcomings of the Biopsychosocial (BPS) Model.
  • Evolutionary step forward for Evidence Based Practice (EBP) that provides a new perspective that provides a broad synthesis of scientific evidence, clinical practice, and personalized care.
  • Embraces the scientific philosophy of Functional Contextualism, which is adhered to comprehensively throughout the HRF in order to ensure a coherent approach to clinical reasoning, decision-making, scientific research, intervention, and outcome measures.
  • Replaces differential diagnosis from a clinical standpoint in most circumstances but continues to work in parallel with ICD structure from a payer perspective and historical organizational demands.
  • Moves beyond general heuristics and algorithmic problem framing.
  • Replaces Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), Clinical Prediction Rules (CPRs), and Clinical Pathways.
  • Protocols following syndromes and diagnoses are replaced by a process-based approach for evaluation and intervention.
  • Reductionist clinical thinking is replaced by adaptive strategies for embracing complexity, while maximizing technologic advances (including psycho technologic advances) for improving efficiency with complexity.
  • Process-based interventions provide transdiagnostic effects by way of their multi-dimensional and multi-level interactions.
  • Supports advances in Personalized Precision Medicine and the Value Based Care Model.
  • Designed to be ready for the future of Biomedicine and Psychological research, transitioning from analyzing inter-individual variation to non-ergodic intra-individual variation and single-subject time series analysis.

 

Learn more by accessing the science behind the HRF!

Why Choose the PSMP?