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Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (7 years of physiotherapy education)

Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (OMT) is a specialised area of physiotherapy focusing on the assessment and treatment of physical function. It includes detailed examination of the nervous system, muscles, and joints using physiotherapeutic methods, as well as prevention of dysfunctions affecting the whole body. Assessment typically includes evaluation of posture, movement control, coordination, mobility, muscle balance, results of provocation tests, and screening for possible neurological symptoms.You can book an appointment with an OMT physiotherapist either with or without a medical referral.

About me

I am a certified OMT Physiotherapist (3.5 years physiotherapy and 3.5 years OMT specialisation). Over the years, I have continuously expanded my expertise, particularly in the Kinetic Control concept, and I am also a licensed Movement Specialist (The Performance Matrix).
I assess and treat dysfunctions and pain conditions related to the neck, upper and lower back, pelvis, upper and lower limbs, as well as soft tissues and the nervous system. I also provide pre and post operative physiotherapy.
In addition, I treat temporomandibular disorders such as jaw joint, disc and muscle related issues, including bruxism.
My daily work includes detailed assessment of posture, movement control, and muscle balance using Kinetic Control and The Performance Matrix. Based on these findings, I design highly individualised exercise programs.
Alongside therapeutic exercise, I use manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue treatment, joint mobilisation, and joint manipulation. Joint manipulation always requires specialised training.
I support my clients’ own physical activity, always respecting their personal goals and preferences, and aim to create sustainable conditions for independent training even after the therapy period.

My clients mainly include occupational healthcare and private patients, but I also work with children, young people, and older adults. I have specialised testing methods for both desk workers and active individuals.
I am also a certified Lymphedema Therapist, which is particularly valuable in treating swelling, post operative conditions, pain, and restricted movement.
Additionally, I have completed further training in adult neurological physiotherapy based on the Bobath concept, and I actively work with patients with conditions such as MS and Parkinson’s disease.
Early in my career, I had the privilege of working for 10 years in rehabilitation with war veterans and disabled veterans, which I remain deeply grateful for.

My work is always guided by scientific evidence. I continuously follow both national and international research and developments in the field and participate in further education globally.
The best outcomes are achieved through trust, collaboration, and active interaction. Every session is a shared process of learning and improvement. I also work closely with colleagues and medical doctors.

Background in Movement and Sports

I have a background in competitive gymnastics. Over the years, I have coached women’s exercise groups for over 20 years, children’s exercise groups for ages 3 to 4 for 5 years, and baby swimming for 20 years.

Currently, I teach PhysioPilates.

I actively practice dance including Latin and ballroom and enjoy walking and spending time in nature. I have also competed in dog agility.

I have worked with athletes across a wide range of sports including dance, gymnastics, figure skating, ice hockey, wrestling, taekwondo, karate, golf, horse riding, javelin throw, Finnish baseball, football, running, skiing, badminton, tennis, squash, shooting, swimming, fitness, triathlon, sailing, surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.
I have long term experience working with competitive dancers and I am currently involved in coaching young javelin throwers.

Appointments in Helsinki and Hamina

Appointments available in Helsinki at Mehiläinen Forum and Terveystalo Ruoholahti.
In Hamina at Haminan Fysioterapia, booking by phone at +358 40 3100 540.

You can also contact me through this website.

Education

  • OMT Physiotherapist 2002 to 2005
  • Physiotherapist 1988 to 1991
  • Movement Specialist 2014
  • Lymphedema Therapist 2000
  • Bobath Training 1993 to 1994
  • Exercise Medicine 2000
  • PhysioPilates Instructor 2019
  • Spiral Stabilization Instructor 2019
  • Modern Nordic Walking Trainer 2019

Continuing Education

  • Oculomotor physiotherapy in 2025, Kari Niemi.
  • ISM for the Lower Extremity and Live Case Demonstrations in 2024, Diane Lee.
  • Visuo vestibular proprioceptive perspective in physiotherapy. Midline dysfunctions. 2023, Kari Niemi.
  • Spiral Stabilization training days in 2023, Finnish Spiral Stabilization Association.
  • Myofascial continuities in rehabilitation, part 1. 2021, Mika Pihlman.
  • Seminar Movement Solutions for Recurrent Hamstring Injury. 2019, Kinetic Control, Mark Comerford.
  • Managing Movement Elbow, Forearm, Wrist and Hand. 2019, Kinetic Control, Mark Comerford.
  • Spiral Stabilization 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D in 2019.
  • Training day for physiotherapists treating golfers in 2018.
  • TMD theme day for physiotherapists and dentists in 2017.
  • OMT vision seminar in 2017.
  • Fascia seminar in 2016.
  • Temporomandibular joint dysfunctions and physiotherapy in 2016.
  • The Performance Matrix course 17 to 19 October 2014, Sarah Mottram.
  • The Movement Solution course London 2011, 3 week training, Kinetic Control, Mark Comerford and Sarah Mottram.
  • Diagnosis, mobilisation and motor control retraining of the thoracic spine and ribs course in 2010, Kinetic Control, Mark Comerford.
  • Diagnosis gait assessment of uncontrolled movement and motor control retraining of the lower leg course in 2009, Kinetic Control, Mark Comerford.
  • Dynamic stability of the hip course in 2009, Kinetic Control, Grete Mellingen Homstol.
  • Diagnosis, classification and motor control retraining of the shoulder girdle course in 2008, Kinetic Control, Sarah Mottram.
  • Diagnosis, classification and motor control retraining of mechanical neck pain course in 2008, Kinetic Control, Sarah Mottram.
  • Explain Pain course in 2008, Hannu Luomajoki.
  • Clinical application of muscle energy technique to lumbar pelvis sacrum in 2007, Darren Higgins.
  • Diagnosis of mechanical back pain subgroup and stability retraining of the lumbar spine course in 2007, Kinetic Control, Mark Comerford.
  • Neurodynamics exercise and advice course in 2006, Michael Shacklock.
  • The 9th Nordic Congress on Orthopaedic Manual Therapy and Medicine in 2005.
  • Mulligan Concept in 2004, Virve Havulinna.
  • Neural mobilisation course in 2003, Michael Shacklock.
  • Manual lymphatic therapy supporting neural tissue mobilisation in 2002, Olli Aranko and Tom Väisänen.
  • Neural tissue mobilisation II in 2000, Tiina Lahtinen Suopanki.
  • Neural tissue mobilisation I in 1999, Tiina Lahtinen Suopanki.
  • Advanced course in manual examination and treatment of the spine C2 C3 in 1998, Tuija Mänttäri.
  • Basic course in manual examination and treatment of the spine C1 C2 in 1996, Päivi Rossi.
  • Bobath training for adult hemiplegia patients in 1993, 1994 and 2004, total 100 hours, Riitta Sairanen.
  • Rehabilitation from stroke and hip fractures in 1993, KOKS.
  • Joint mobilisation upper limb in 1993, Tiina Lahtinen Suopanki.
  • Joint mobilisation lower limb in 1992, Tiina Lahtinen Suopanki.

Thank you for your time! Looking forward to meeting you,

Sari Johansson