Over 45 Years of PT Education
Over 45 years ago, in 1979 the Community Benefits Division of Kaiser Foundation Health (KFH) funded the post professional manual therapy program for one year. The program was successful and continued to be funded year after year and has grown into the well-respected Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (OMPT) Fellowship Program that it is today. Kaiser Permanente Northern California Rehabilitation Services Education currently offers post-graduate residency programs in neurological physical therapy and orthopedic physical therapy in addition to the Fellowship program in orthopedic manual therapy.
The journey began with a vision…
…and continues the pursuit of service to the profession, excellence in patient care and scholarly endeavors through Residencies and Fellowships.
The journey began because Peter Edgelow had a vision. That vision has grown to now include at least 244 Residencies and 44 Fellowships. Programs have expanded beyond orthopedics and manual therapy to include Neurology, Geriatrics, Sports, Women’s Health Acute Care, Pediatrics, among other subspecialty areas.
1970’s
The 1970’s: Creation of the Manual Therapy Program

1980’s
The 1980’s: Many approaches to Manual Therapy are taught including the Australian Approach based on Geoff Maitland’s principles. The first class graduates and the program continues to evolve.

1990’s
The 1990’s: The program transitions into a 3-month Mentorship and 9-month Fellowship. Advanced Skills weekend courses allowed PTs to participate in labs, earning CEUs.
RotaCare: An innovative community service program, run by faculty and Fellows-in-Training, brings physical therapy services to the under- and un-insured.

2000’s
The 2000’s: Technology transitions the program into a blended online format, with a 6 month Mentorship and 12 month Fellowship, with traveling Mentors.
