Osteopathic Manipulation of the Foot & Ankle

Why Manual Foot Therapy?

The human foot is a complex, spring‑like structure designed to absorb shock, adapt to ground forces, and become rigid for propulsion. When joints lose motion due to adhesions, injury, or chronic loading, foot function deteriorates—and pain follows.

Research and clinical experience show that:

• Joint stiffness contributes directly to mechanical foot pain
• Restricted foot and ankle joints impair shock absorption and propulsion
• Loss of motion alters the windlass and arch‑spring mechanisms
• Restoring joint mobility improves function, balance, and comfort

Manual Foot Therapy addresses these problems at their source.

Foundations of the Hiss–Tikker Method

This workshop is rooted in osteopathic manual medicine and draws from over a century of clinical practice and research.

Historical influences include:

• Andrew Taylor Still, MD – founder of osteopathy

• John Hiss, DO, MD – refinement of functional foot manipulation

• Rue Tikker, DPM – integration into podiatric practice
• H. Dananberg-Sagittal plane facilitation
• T. Jedynak Talar mobilisation techniques
• Modern multi‑segment foot motion research

The method focuses on:

• Feeling for joint adhesions and motion restriction
• Mobilizing joints within physiological ranges
• Manipulating joints with precision when appropriate
• Respecting patient comfort, tissue quality, and contraindications

What You Will Learn – Lecture Component (3 Hours)

The lecture provides the clinical and scientific framework for Manual Foot Therapy.

Key Concepts Covered

• Biomechanics of the foot and ankle

• External vs internal forces acting on the foot

• Joint stiffness: passive vs dynamic
• The windlass and arch‑spring mechanisms
• Role of plantar intrinsic muscles
• Multi‑segment foot motion research (bone pin & surface marker studies)
• Effects of aging, diabetes, and injury on joint mobility
• Neuromodulation, proprioception, and balance
• Indications and contraindications for MFT
• Evidence supporting manual foot and ankle therapy

This lecture ensures you understand why the techniques work—not just how to perform them.

Hands‑On Workshop (12 Hours Over 2 Days)

This is a practical, technique‑driven workshop with extensive supervised practice.

Assessment Skills

You will learn how to:

• Take a focused foot and ankle history
• Identify unilateral vs systemic foot pain
• Assess joint quality, end‑feel, and motion restriction
• Perform standing and seated functional tests
• Evaluate ankle, midfoot, forefoot, and 1st MPJ mobility
• Recognize cuboid dysfunction and lateral column pain
• Identify fibular restrictions affecting ankle dorsiflexion

Manual Techniques Taught

Massage & Preparation Techniques

• Lymphatic drainage of the foot and ankle
• Forefoot, plantar fascia, and heel massage
• Metatarsal shear techniques
• Joint traction to prepare for mobilization and manipulation

Joint Mobilisations

• Ankle joint mobilisations

• Distal and proximal fibular mobilisation

• Talar glides (anterior/posterior)
• Midfoot and cuneiform mobilisations
• Cuboid mobilisation techniques
• 1st metatarsophalangeal joint mobilisation
• Muscle energy techniques for talo‑navicular motion

 Hiss–Tikker “Terrific 10” Manipulations

Participants are taught the full Hiss–Tikker sequence, including:

• Talus positioning
• Medial cuneiform and cuboid setting
• 1st ray and 1st MPJ manipulations
• Hallux traction and adduction techniques
• Advanced cuboid “whiplash” manipulation
• Proximal fibular head manipulation when ankle dorsiflexion remains restricted

Emphasis is placed on:

• Hand placement
• Proper transition from mobilisation to manipulation
• Patient positioning

Safety and confidence

Clinical Benefits of Manual Foot Therapy

MFT has been shown to:

• Reduce joint stiffness
• Improve shock absorption
• Restore metatarsal motion
• Enhance windlass and arch‑spring function
• Improve balance and proprioception
• Reduce plantar pressures
• Improve patient comfort and function
• Complement orthotic therapy

Workshop Details

Format:

• 3‑hour lecture (pre‑workshop)
• 12‑hour hands‑on workshop over 2 days

Fee:
$1050 CAD
✔ Lunch included both days

Who Should Attend:

• Podiatrists
• Chiropodists
• Foot and ankle clinicians seeking advanced manual skills

Why Attend This Workshop?

This is not a generic manipulation course.

It is a structured, clinically tested system that:

• Has stood the test of time
• Is supported by modern research
• Is immediately applicable in practice
• Enhances both conservative and orthotic care

With practice, these techniques become a natural part of your clinical workflow—performed chairside, efficiently, and confidently.

Register Now

If you are looking to:

• Improve patient outcomes
• Expand your manual skillset
• Better understand foot mechanics
• Differentiate your clinical practice

Manual Foot Therapy – The Rue Tikker Method is an essential addition to your professional education.