IFOMPT is an international group of manipulative physical therapists who have completed a rigorous post-graduate education program in neuro-musculoskeletal physical therapy. As a subgroup of the World Physical Therapy, it was formed in 1974 to "promote international clinical and academic advancement, and integration for manipulative physical therapists”. Membership in IFOMPT is on a national basis and requires that educational programs be based on IFOMPT standards. Japan became an official member of IFOMPT at an international conference held in the Netherlands in 2008.