Ian Manning, MSPT

Ian Manning, is an MSPT and TPI Certified Instructor practicing in Boston, and Waltham, Massachusetts. I was fortunate enough to play a round of golf with Ian recently, and became intrigued with his knowledge of the kinetic chain, and also his application of this knowledge to his PT practice. The following interview took place later that day via e-mail.

MS: What is your physical therapy background? (why you got into it, education, job experiences, etc)

IM: I always knew I wanted to be in the medical world, but also knew that I didn’t have the attention span for medical school.  When I was a senior in H.S. I sprained my ankle a lot playing volleyball and spent time in a PT clinic. It fascinated me how they could ask some questions, then feel around, and know what was wrong and how to fix it. I went to Northeastern University for my M.S.P.T. and have been working [with the same orthopedic/outpatient company] since I graduated.

 MS: What is the TPI certification?

IM: The TPI certification is gained through Titleist and there are two different screens that I have been taught.  Both screens highlight restrictions and weaknesses in the body that can lead to pain and certain swing faults. The fitness screen helps to improve your body so you can strike the ball more consistently and hit the ball further. The medical screen will highlight where any pain is coming from and where you should focus your rehab.

MS: Why did you decided to get the TPI certification?

IM: I love what I do with PT and I love golf so I decided to combine the two to be able to treat golfers better.  Hopefully, some day I will be able to open a golf specific practice.

MS: How long did the process take? 

IM: The courses are 9hr/day weekend courses.  The info is intense but it is fun to learn.  After each course you have to take a certification exam.  To obtain your medical certifications you have to do case studies and submit them.  The courses are given throughout the year.  Usually you want to take some time after each course to practice what you have learned.  It has taken me two years to get to Level 2 and I will be taking the Level 3 course in sept of 2010

MS: Do you feel that it is important for physical therapists and health/fitness professionals to be certified in specific areas beyond general practice, or at least pursue continuing education (CEUs are currently not required in MA)?

IM: I think it is important to pursue continuing education because there is always something new coming up through research that is going to help you improve the treatment of your patients.  I don’t think you have to get specific certifications if you aren’t interested in the area.  I went for the golf certification because I love golf.  Someone who doesn’t like golf would have hated the courses I took.

MS: How has the TPI been useful in your evaluation and treatment techniques for the general population?

IM: It has shown me different ways to approach patients, and also helps point out what is truly tight and what is truly weak.  It has also taught me more about the kinetic chain and how a back problem could be coming your hips or trunk or shoulder rather than truly at the back.

MS: Has your own game improved?

IM: I kill the ball!  Just kidding.  It has made me a better ball striker and more consistent.  I also don’t slice the ball anymore. 

MS: Who would win the round: You playing lefty, or me on my best day?

IM: OOh tough one. If handicaps were in place you would probably win but it would be close.

Please contact me at mikescott.dpt@gmail.com if you would like to be in contact with Ian.