Associations, groups and departments
The Icelandic Association of Physical Therapists is a diverse and powerful network of professionals who work together to advance the profession.
The association is divided into regional associations, three sub-associations and a number of professional groups that handle different areas of physiotherapy. This structure ensures that the voices of physiotherapists from all over the country are heard and that expertise in different areas is allowed to flourish. All with the aim of strengthening professional work and improving service to clients.
Regional associations
The Icelandic Association of Physiotherapists has two regional chapters, the Northern Chapter and the Eastern Chapter. The chapters have their own rules of procedure and operate according to the goals of the association. Their main role is to strengthen connections and cooperation among members in their region and to promote increased education by organizing courses, meetings and lectures. Membership in regional chapters is only open to those who are members of the Icelandic Association of Physiotherapists.
Eastern Division
Chairman
Jona Lind Sævarsdottir
Cashier
Hrefna Eythórsdottir
Secretary
Thora Elin Einarsdottir
Alternates are others who live in Norðfjörður
The Eastern Division of the Icelandic Physiotherapists Association has about 14 members. There are currently working physiotherapists in Höfn, Vopnafjörður, Egilsstaðir, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Eskifjörður and Neskaupstaður.
Goals of the Eastern Division (A - FS).
1. Promote closer ties between members in East Iceland and other members of FS.
2. To increase educational activities in the area through courses, lectures, etc.
3. The department's board is the advocate for physiotherapists in AFS in communications with the FS board and committees and in public forums.
4. Equalize the conditions of members in FS.
Rules of Procedure of the Eastern Division
1. An annual general meeting shall be held once a year, preferably in the autumn, and a general meeting of the association shall be held no later than one month after the annual general meeting of the FS.
2. The general meeting elects a 4-member board and an educational representative for a term of one year.
3. The department's board shall preferably meet every two months.
Northern Division
The North Iceland branches take turns sitting on the department's board between years.
In the 2025-2026 academic year, physiotherapists in Húsavík and Kópasker will serve as members of the board of the Northern Division of the Icelandic Association of Physiotherapists.
Northern Division goals
- To promote closer ties between members of the North and with members of the Federation of Icelandic Physical Education in other regions.
- To promote increased knowledge among members through intensive educational activities, such as seminars, lectures, etc.
- To represent physiotherapists in the North Division in relations with the Federation of Icelandic Physical Education Board, the Education Committee, at the general meeting and in public forums, for example in the form of resolutions or resolutions.
- To strengthen the class consciousness of members.
- To equalize the status of members of the Federation of Icelandic Physical Education as much as possible.
N-FS working rules
At the 2023 AGM, there was a discussion about changing the composition of the NFS board. It was decided that there would be no election for the board, but rather a list of those who would form the board for the coming years was prepared. The list will be reviewed at the AGM of the department.
- 2023-2024 Bjarg Rehabilitation
- 2024-2025 SAk and Kristnes
- 2025-2026 Húsavík and Kópasker
- 2026-2027 Efling
- 2027-2028 Sauðárkrókur, Hvammstangi and Blönduós
- 2028-2029 Rehabilitation Center Ak and Ólafsfjörður
- 2029-2030 Physical Therapy Akureyri, Dalvík and Siglufjörður
- 2030-2031 HA, HSN and Hlíð
The association is divided into regional associations, three sub-associations and a number of professional groups that cover different areas of physiotherapy. This structure ensures that the voices of physiotherapists from across the country are heard and that expertise in different areas is allowed to flourish.
All with the goal of strengthening professional work and improving service to clients.
Subsidiaries
Within the Icelandic Association of Physiotherapists, there are also three sub-associations that deal with the issues of specific groups within the profession and work towards the advancement of those professional areas.
The subsidiaries are part of the company's structure and operations and operate in accordance with its goals.
Membership in sub-associations is only open to those who are members of the professional division of the Icelandic Association of Physiotherapists.
Association of MT Physiotherapists (Manual Therapy) / Association of Specialists in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
The association brings together physical therapists who have specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal system.
The company's goal is to promote professional knowledge and development within musculoskeletal physiotherapy, promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among specialists, as well as ensure that professional quality and progress in the field are reflected in service to clients.
Chairman 1
Gudny Björg Björnsdottir
Phone: 520-0120
Email: gudny@sjukrathjalfun.is
Chairman 2
Halldor Viglundsson
Phone: 565-6970
Email: doriviglunds@gmail.com
Cashier
Gisli Sigurdsson
Phone: 445-4404 / 699-0224
Email: gisli@klinik.is
Other members of the Association of MT Physiotherapists:
August Jorgensson, Star, www.stja.is
Elias Jörundur Friðriksson, Vestmannaeyjar, tel. 862-1363
Elísabet Birgisdóttir, Atlas Rehabilitation, www.atlasendurhaefing.is
Elísabet S. Kristjánsdóttir, Physiotherapy
George's, pp.431-4422
Guðmundur Rafn Svansson, Ártúnshöfði Physiotherapy, tel. 567-8577
Gudmundur Thor Brynjolfsson, Physiotherapy Ártúnshöfði, tel. 567-8577
Guðný Lilja Oddsdóttir, Kópavogur Physical Therapy, www.sjk.is
Gunnar Svanbergsson, Reykjavik Physical Therapy, www.srg.is
Gunnhildur Ottósdóttir, MT physiotherapy clinic, www.mtstofan.is
Halldór Víglundsson, Gardabaer Physical Therapy, www.srg.is
Harpa Helgadóttir PhD in Life and Medical Sciences, www.bakleikfimi.is
Héðinn Svavarsson, Physiotherapy Mjódd, www.sjukrathjalfuninmjodd.is
Hólmfríður B. Þorsteinsdóttir, Physiotherapy at the Sporthús, tel. 564-4067
Karólína Ólafsdóttir, Physiotherapy at the Sporthús, tel. 564-4067
Oddný Sigsteinsdóttir, MT physiotherapy clinic, www.mtstofan.is
Unnur Hjaltadóttir, Reykjalund, tel. 585-2000
MT members' international website:
www.ifompt.com
Manual Therapy
Manual Therapy (MT) is a specialty of physiotherapy. Research and clinical experience have shown that Manual Therapy is a very effective treatment for symptoms of the musculoskeletal system. These include headaches, neck and back pain (cartilage dislocation, bursitis, stiff neck), shoulder impingement, nerve compression, tennis and golf elbow, tendonitis as well as various rheumatic symptoms.
The distinctive features of Manual Therapy are primarily that it emphasizes a precise diagnosis of the nature and location of the disorder. The detailed knowledge of the structure and function of the body and the observational skills of the MT physiotherapist work together to make a diagnosis, which leads to a concise treatment.
Analysis
In Manual Therapy, diagnosis is the main thing. The MT physiotherapist assesses whether there are movement disorders that may be causing symptoms. The condition of the joints, soft tissues and nervous tissue is assessed. Other examinations are taken into account, such as X-rays, MRIs and blood tests.
Treatment
The treatment focuses on reducing pain, easing stiff areas of the body, strengthening areas that are hypermobile, improving control and coordination of movements, and correcting body deformities.
The main forms of treatment are:
-specialized movement techniques for joint release or as pain treatment
-specific strength and stability training
-squeaks
-pulling methods
-massage and various muscle relaxation techniques
-muscle stretching-methods to reduce irritation and increase mobility of nerve tissue
-education
-preventive methods
Us
Manual Therapy studies must be attended at universities abroad that offer accredited programs according to the standards of the World Council of Physical Therapists, WCPT. The prerequisite for admission is that the physical therapist has worked for at least 2 years after completing a 4-year university degree in physical therapy. The program is divided into theoretical, practical and clinical parts. The focus of the program is on the diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal system. The program concludes with written and practical exams, along with a research project.
Association of MT Physiotherapists
MT physiotherapists founded an association on March 16, 1994 and it is a subsidiary association of the Icelandic Association of Physiotherapists (FS) since April 12, 1995. The aim of the MT Physiotherapists Association is to promote professional service to clients as well as to work for the interests of its members. The association is a member of the International Federation of Physiotherapists with a Specialization in Manual Therapy (IFOMPT).
Specialist License in Manual Therapy
According to a regulation of the Ministry of Welfare from 2002, MT physiotherapists can obtain specialist recognition, which is granted by the Director of Health. To obtain such recognition, the MT physiotherapist in question must have completed a clinical master's or doctoral degree and have worked for 2 years in their field of expertise.
MT Brochure 1
MT brochure 2
Association of Physical Therapists in Geriatric Care
The association unites physical therapists who work with older people in healthcare institutions, in home care, rehabilitation and geriatric services across the country.
The association's goal is to promote professional discussion and development in the field of geriatric physiotherapy, promote education and knowledge sharing, and work to improve the quality of life and mobility of older people through targeted and individualized treatment.
Chairman
Hildur Adalgjörg Ingadottir
Email: hilduralla@gmail.com
Secretary
Gudrun Gestsdottir
Email: gudrung@grund.is
Cashier
Svandís Björk Guðmundsdóttir
Email: svandis.bjork.gudmundsdottir@reykjavik.si
The company's professional goals are:
- To promote education and prevention activities for the elderly
- To promote advanced education and research in physiotherapy for the elderly
- To strengthen relations with similar organizations abroad
The company's social goals:
- To strengthen communication between physiotherapists in geriatric services across the country
The Society of Physiotherapists in Geriatric Care has been involved in the development of teaching materials and published educational brochures and posters on the value of exercise, fall prevention, and dementia.
The formal translation of the EMS - Elderly Mobility Scale, a skill assessment tool for frail elderly people and included in the measurement tool bank, has also recently been completed. The project supervisors were Jón Þór Brandsson and Jóhanna Marin Jónsdóttir.
It is worth mentioning that Ella Kolla Kristinsdóttir and Bergþóra Baldursdóttir have released an educational video on balance training and fall prevention, "Í Ívíðið" (which can be accessed at the company's office), which can be seen as a definite continuation of previous projects.
There is a need to formally translate more assessment tools that are useful in elderly care. Since FSÖ has a fund that survived the crisis, the company is ready to provide funding to those who come up with good ideas in this regard.
The association was one of the founding members of IPTOP (International Association of Physical Therapists Working with Older People), which was founded at the World Congress of Physical Therapists WCPT (World Confederation for Physical Therapy) in Barcelona in June 2003.
The IPTOP logo was designed by Þórunn B Björnsdóttir, a physiotherapist.
The Association of Physiotherapists in Geriatric Care is also in contact with similar associations in Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland. During the winter, a program of lectures and various types of education is organized for members. Trips are taken to get to know various activities in geriatric care across the country. This is an ideal platform to learn and get to know each other better.
Certified physiotherapists within FS can become members. Membership fees are set in groups and should not be a barrier for those interested, but they are advised to contact the board of the association.
Association of Physiotherapists for Psychosocial Health
The association brings together physiotherapists with an interest and knowledge of the mind-body connection. The association focuses on those aspects of physiotherapy that relate to the interaction of physical, psychological and social aspects of wholeness and rehabilitation.
The association's goal is to promote professional discussion, education and research in the field of psychophysical approaches to physical therapy, promote collaboration among professionals and increase understanding of a holistic approach to the care and treatment of clients.
Chairman
Sigrun Vala Bjornsdottir
Email: sigrunvala@heilsustofnun.is
Secretary
Arnbjörg Guðmundsdottir
Email: arnbjorg@reykjalundur.is
Cashier
Hafdis Olafsdottir
Email: hafdis@vortex.is
Co-director
Hulda B. Hakonardóttir
Website: hulda.bh@gmail.com
Co-director
Sigrun Gudjonsdottir
Alternate
Kristin Ros Oladottir
Email: kristin@sjukak.is
The Physiotherapists Association Act on Psychosocial Health
