International Association for Forced use Specialists

1. Close professional and interdisciplinary exchange
2. Free training courses and webinars
3. Ongoing information and offers for further training and advanced courses
4. Regular updates on the latest scientific findings in neurorehabilitation
5. Search for colleagues/therapists in Switzerland, Austria and Germany
6. Annual meeting/annual general meeting

Here you can find our courses and webinars

The concept helps occupational and physiotherapists to treat neurologically ill patients with motor disorders effectively and sustainably in order to achieve functional goals for everyday life, self-care and participation.

No, but booking is possible via the links provided. IFUSA provides information about the offers.

Forced Use Therapy is based on the premise that a significant neuroplastic change can be induced through targeted and intensive use of the affected body segments. This method combines evidence-based treatment principles with a deep understanding of normal movement sequences as well as biomechanical and kinematic principles. This enables our therapists to precisely analyze movement deviations and create tailor-made treatment plans. In this way, functional and measurable motor control is regained with the client.

Among the variety of therapeutic approaches, Forced Use Therapy according to Utley/Woll stands out due to its unique combination of proven principles and innovative applications. This method has evolved from established concepts such as the Bobath concept and Edward Taub’s Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT). Other important principles such as task- and context-specific training have been integrated over time.

The association was founded in 2012. It formed the association of international forced use specialists trained by Susan Woll and Jan Utley, all of them occupational and physical therapists. The original purpose at the time was to ensure the quality and informal dissemination of the concept. Over the years, the association has continued to open up to its current status and will continue to adapt to the current needs of its members in the future. Quality assurance and management will continue to have top priority.

IFUSA membership enables:

• Professional exchange and network with expertise
• Free participation in online courses at the Academy
• Exchange in working groups
• Annual association meetings with combined training programs
• Possibility of active participation

Quality and innovation in forced use therapy

Active member: 90 CHF/year
Passive member: 50 CHF/year

If you register by 30.06. the entire annual amount is due for the current year. For registrations after 30.06. half of the contribution for the current year is waived.

International Forced Use Specielist Association

This is the international association of forced use therapists who have been trained according to the concept of Utley and Woll.

Active membership of IFUSA can be applied for after the first course participation. Passive membership is also possible without any requirements. It is available to friends, sponsors and interested parties.