About
Erl Pettman
Biography
In 1980 Erl introduced the ‘Quadrant System’ of education within orthopaedic manual therapy. The system integrated pathologies between the spine and the periphery. This ideology was used as a basis for the first long term Orthopaedic Manual Therapy course, which included the use of clinically supervised practice, in turn helping fulfill Canada’s entry requirement into the IFOMPT. This integrated system of education is still being utilised in Canada and the US today.
Erl has been teaching at Andrews University since 1994, where he helped establish the clinical program for the Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy (DScPT). At that time, it was the only DSc program focusing on Orthopedic Manual Therapy.
The ongoing, close professional and academic relationship between Andrews University and ASPIRE has facilitated orthopedic manual therapists in achieving both their Fellowship and the DSc degree.
Erl founded ASPIRE in 2020. Together with dedicated, specialized, caring therapists and educators. The organization continues to grow with sites in several States across the US, with more in negotiation (see ‘Links’).
ASPIRE’s goal is to encourage and educate future manual therapists who desire to improve their clinical outcomes by integrating skilled, evidence-based practice with analytical thinking and a constant desire to innovate new therapeutic concepts.