Mezieres Method Basic and Advanced Modules

The Mézières Method is a postural therapeutic approach founded in 1947 by the French physiotherapist Françoise Mézières. It is based on the observation that the human body is organized in interconnected muscle chains that physiologically tend to shorten. When a segment stiffens or retracts, the entire system is affected, generating compensations, asymmetries, pain, and functional limitations.

Unlike segmental approaches, Mézières proposes a systemic re-education that considers the body as a whole and identifies the underlying causes of dysfunctions. It is not just about treating the symptomatic area, but restoring the balance between muscle length, skeletal alignment, and respiratory quality.

The method is based on three main pillars:

1. Stretching of retracted and hypertonic muscle chains through active postures under respiratory, proprioceptive, and therapist control;
2. Correction of postural compensations that the body implements to “escape” tension or pain;
3. Body perception and awareness, essential to interrupt dysfunctional automatisms and promote lasting motor learning.

The Mézières Method stands out for its scientific, non-protocol approach, which requires careful observation, individualized clinical reasoning, and great skill in the biomechanical analysis of the patient.

It is particularly indicated in the treatment of chronic and recurrent musculoskeletal dysfunctions, where segmental intervention often proves ineffective.

As recounted by physiotherapist Mauro Lastrico, trained directly with Françoise Mézières in France:

“After graduating, I had a solid technical foundation to address patients' issues, but the results were limited to the immediate treatment of symptoms. A deep understanding of the causes was missing, and relapses were frequent.
After several refresher courses, my journey took me to Paris, where I studied directly with Françoise Mézières. Her Method, based on advanced musculoskeletal biomechanical analysis, transformed my clinical perspective, providing me with tools to understand and intervene on the root causes of dysfunctions.
Although it is a complex approach, requiring time and dedication to master, the therapeutic results and patient satisfaction have amply rewarded the efforts. The Mézières Method has proven to be a highly effective tool both for clinical reasoning and for developing targeted therapeutic strategies.”
Dr. Mauro Lastrico, physiotherapist

The AIFiMM training on the Mézières Method is designed to provide rehabilitation professionals with solid, analytical, and clinically applicable expertise, based on the scientific principles of the original method and adapted to contemporary therapeutic practice.

The training path is organized into progressive modules, maintaining a constant balance between theory and practice. The goal is to develop the therapist’s ability to observe, analyze, and intervene on the body systemically, moving beyond symptomatic and segmented approaches.

The basic course consists of:

• 112 hours of intensive in-person training spread over 14 days
• Guided practical exercises, with individual corrections and small group work
• Discussion and analysis of clinical cases
• Theoretical sessions on biomechanics, muscular chains, posture, breathing, and tone
• 100 ECM credits recognized by the Ministry of Health

Throughout the course, each participant is supported by expert instructors, with a system of personalized supervision and tutoring that ensures deep and lasting learning.

The teaching methodology focuses on the acquisition of clinical reasoning, observational precision, and manual skills necessary to treat patients according to the Mézières Method criteria.

AIFiMM is the only school in Italy directly authorized by the Ministry of Health for complete training in this method and recognized as ECM Provider No. 1701.

The AIFiMM instructors are not just trainers: they are professionals who have dedicated their entire careers to the study, practice, and teaching of the Mézières Method. They had the opportunity to train directly with Françoise Mézières and have since contributed to its evolution, rationalization, and scientific dissemination in Italy.

With solid clinical and teaching experience, the faculty transmits to participants not only the theoretical foundations of the method but also the ability to observe the body as an interconnected dynamic system, applying clinical reasoning in a rigorous and personalized way.

Laura Manni, Physiotherapist and AIFiMM Instructor
"When I learned I had been accepted by Françoise Mézières for one of her training courses, it was the realization of a dream.
I was working in a hospital but followed with growing curiosity that revolutionary therapeutic method coming from France. I attended courses, read everything possible, and finally reached Mézières. It was an enlightening encounter.
By using the method intensively, I realized the importance of proprioceptive body communication in practice. Touches, mental images, perceptions become essential tools.
Being involved by AIFiMM in the dissemination of such precious knowledge is now an exciting mission: to bring to life a powerful method, supported by orthodox and scientifically rationalized content."

Mauro Lastrico, Physiotherapist and AIFiMM Instructor
"After my time in Paris, I had in my hands a powerful therapeutic tool, but still lacking an explicit logical structure.
Mézières was a brilliant mind but not inclined to systematization. So, I involved a physicist and an engineer to analyze her assertions. To my surprise, every intuition found confirmation in the laws of physics and mathematics.
From there was born my work of rationalizing the method: I structured the content, developed a coherent teaching approach, and wrote a theoretical manual now provided in courses.
My contribution was to place the Mézières Method in its proper context: not magic or empiricism, but a founded and modern scientific methodology."

The Mézières Method is not just a set of exercises, but a way of observing and treating the body based on both an analytical and systemic logic that is scientifically founded. During the AIFiMM training course, the physiotherapist develops a new ability to read posture and function, learning to distinguish between compensation and cause, and between adaptation and dysfunction.

🔍 Skills Developed in the Course

• Comprehensive patient assessment
  An analytical and systemic approach, both in static and dynamic conditions, for a holistic understanding of the clinical state.
• In-depth biomechanical analysis
  Detailed study of the spine and mobile joints, with particular attention to dysfunctions, misalignments, and muscle chains.
• Differential diagnosis
  Ability to distinguish myofascial-origin pathologies from those arising from other structures, essential for targeted treatment.
• Personalized treatment strategies
  Use of active postures, guided breathing, and body awareness to address the root causes of dysfunction.
• Clinical reasoning
  Critical observation, coherent interpretation of signs, and planning of causal (not symptomatic) interventions.

We offer you three essential articles to deeply understand the Mézières approach, from clinical practice to theoretical foundations:

1. 🦵 Scoliosis and Treatment According to Mézières
   A clinical reflection on managing scoliosis, balancing muscular forces and three-dimensional logic.
   👉 Read the article

2. 🔬 Biomechanics and Complex Systems in Postural Reasoning
   How thinking of the body as an interconnected system improves therapeutic effectiveness.
   👉 Read the article

3. 🧠 Françoise Mézières’ Insights: A Synthesis of Her Writings
   A journey through the original thoughts of the method’s founder, still highly relevant.
   👉 Read the article

📖 👉 See all published articles

The Mézières Method can be effectively applied in various areas of rehabilitation:

Vertebral Dysfunctions

• Scoliosis, hyperlordosis, kyphosis
• Low back pain, sciatica, radiculopathies, disc compressions

Joint Pathologies

• Osteoarthritis, coxarthrosis
• Shoulder impingement, temporomandibular joint dysfunctions

Muscular and Postural Disorders

• Torticollis, myalgias, chronic stiffness
• Post-traumatic or stress-related muscle imbalances

Morphological Anomalies

• Bowlegged or knock-kneed knees, flat or high-arched feet

Hallux valgus, pelvic and lower limb misalignments

AIFiMM doesn’t just offer a course: it builds a comprehensive training path, supporting the physiotherapist with concrete tools, continuous assistance, and access to an active professional network.

📘 Complete Teaching Materials

During the course, each participant will receive a free complete kit of teaching materials, essential for studying and applying the Mézières Method:

• 📗 "Musculoskeletal Biomechanics and Mézières Method" – theoretical manual by Dr. Mauro Lastrico, the scientific and practical foundation of the course
• 📘 "Originalité de la Méthode Mézières" by Françoise Mézières – the original text by the author, translated into Italian
• 🎒 AIFiMM Kit: bag, notebook, and personalized pen for organizing materials and note-taking in class

👥 Tutoring During the Course

• Continuous supervision by instructors during practical exercises
• Individual correction of postures and clinical reasoning
• Peer support through work in small groups

🔄 Course Retake

• Students can retake the entire in-person course for free as many times as they wish.
• A valuable opportunity to consolidate key concepts, refine techniques, and update knowledge.

📞 Direct Communication with Instructors

• Participants have direct access to instructors via mobile phone and personal email.
• A privileged channel to clarify doubts, ask questions, and receive advice even after the course.

🧾 Registration in the Mézières Therapists Register

• At the end of the program, students can register in the official Mézières therapists register, hosted on the AIFiMM website.
• A tool for professional visibility and recognition.

🎥 Audio and Video Recordings

• Students are allowed to record theoretical and practical lessons.
• Recordings provide a useful resource to review content and track progress.

💬 Facebook Group for Discussion and Research

• Access to the "AIFiMM Forum", a private Facebook group dedicated to clinical discussion, study, and research.
• A space to share cases, materials, experiences, and insights among Mézières colleagues.

🤝 Professional Community

• Integration into a national network of physiotherapists trained according to shared standards
• Opportunities to participate in events, advanced updates, and research projects

📩 Organizational Support

• Secretarial assistance available throughout the entire process, from pre-registration to final certificate
• Timely help managing ECM credits and documentation

📜 Training Certificate Valid at European Level

At the end of the course, participants receive an official AIFiMM certificate, certifying the skills acquired in the practice of the Mézières Method. This certificate is:

• Recognized in European Union countries, enabling the use of the Mézières Method in clinical and rehabilitative settings.
• Positively evaluated in public competitions, providing a significant advantage for professionals in the job market.

🎓 Pathway to the Mézières Master

AIFiMM offers a range of complementary training courses that, together with the basic course, allow students to earn the AIFiMM Master in Neuro-Myovisceral-Occlusal-Fascial Posturology. This prestigious title certifies an advanced and integrated knowledge of the various disciplines involved in the evaluation and treatment of postural and musculoskeletal dysfunctions, preparing professionals to provide comprehensive and highly specialized care to their patients.

The complementary courses include:

• Mézières Method: Self-Postures: techniques for postural self-correction based on the Mézières Method.
• Visceral Manipulation: techniques to treat visceral dysfunctions and improve the functionality of the visceral system.
• Occlusion and Posture: in-depth study of the relationship between dental occlusion and body posture.

AIFiMM is National ECM Provider no. 1701 accredited by the Ministry of Health. The courses organized by the association meet the quality criteria required by the Continuing Medical Education (ECM) system, ensuring certified professional updating compliant with current regulations.

🧾 Credits awarded

• The Mézières course, basic and advanced modules, awards 100 ECM credits, valid for the mandatory professional development of healthcare professionals.
• Credits are assigned for the entire training path (112 hours over 14 days), including theoretical lessons, practical exercises, individual study, and clinical case discussions.
• At the end of the course, an official ECM certificate is issued, also useful for public competitions.

🧠 Scientific and professional recognition

The issuance of ECM credits attests to the high-quality standard of AIFiMM training, based on scientifically validated content, coherent teaching, and thorough assessment of learning.

The AIFiMM basic course on the Mézières Method is designed to offer intensive, scientifically grounded training oriented toward clinical practice.

📆 Duration and organization

• 112 total hours of training divided into 14 in-person days
• Classes take place in selected locations, in small groups to ensure a high level of interaction and supervision

💶 Costs

• The total cost of the basic course is 2,400 euros, with the option to pay in multiple installments without interest (in 2025 a promotional price of 2,000 euros was offered for courses starting by September 30, 2025)
• Specific non-cumulative discounts are available, applied based on criteria such as:
• Early registration (early booking)
• Group participation (e.g., colleagues from the same practice)
• Membership in affiliated organizations or selected university programs

📚 Teaching materials provided free on the first day

All students will receive the following materials free of charge:

• 📘 Book “Biomeccanica muscolo-scheletrica e Metodica Mézières”
  Reference text written by Dr. Mauro Lastrico, theoretical foundation for studying the method
• 📗 Book “Originalité de la Méthode Mézières” by Françoise Mézières,
  translated into Italian, to understand the original thought of the author
• 🎒 AIFiMM bag, personalized pen, and SPTI notebook,
  for taking notes and organizing materials during the training days

All materials are included in the fee and represent essential tools to consolidate learning and continue training even after the course.

Is the Mézières course not yet available in your area?

If you are a physiotherapist and know colleagues who might be interested, you can organize a local edition.

🎓 With at least 15 participants, your course participation will be free of charge.

👉 Write to us to receive all the information:
📧 info@aifimm.it

For professionals who cannot attend the in-person course, AIFiMM also offers a distance learning (FAD) option.

The FAD course allows you to learn the Mézières Method in a structured way, with high-quality educational content available online, at your own pace, and with support from the instructors.

Learn more:
🔗 Mézières Method FAD Course – AIFiMM

Who is the course for?
The course is reserved for physiotherapists and healthcare professionals in the rehabilitation field.

Is specific preparation required to participate?
No prior experience with the Mézières Method is required. The necessary information to approach biomechanical analysis based on vectors and clinical reasoning is included in the training program.

Where is the course held?
The active locations vary each year. Check the updated dates or contact us to request activation in a new city.

What if I cannot attend a lesson?
It is possible to make up missed days in another edition of the course, subject to availability. Additionally, you can retake the entire in-person course for free.

Does the course award ECM credits?
Yes, the basic Mézières course grants 100 ECM credits recognized by the Ministry of Health.

Is teaching material provided?
Yes, the materials are included in the registration fee and are given on the first day of the course.

How can I bring the course to my city?
If you know interested colleagues, you can propose the activation of a local venue. With at least 15 participants, your course attendance will be free. Write to us at info@aifimm.it.

Training with AIFiMM means much more than learning a technique: it means acquiring a method of observation, assessment, and treatment based on biomechanical, scientific, and clinically effective principles.
It is a journey that transforms the way you see the body and the role of the therapist, opening new perspectives in managing postural and musculoskeletal dysfunctions.

Choose to grow professionally.
Choose a recognized, comprehensive, and inspiring method.
Choose Mézières with AIFiMM.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Top quality in both content and teaching. To date, AIFiMM courses have been the most enriching in my educational and professional journey. Highly recommended."
— Marianeve Greco, physiotherapist