HODA-A is a cutting-edge framework that bridges the gap between manual therapy and scientific precision. Developed by Dr. Jo Abbott (Ph.D.), HODA-A offers a validated and structured approach to hands-on clinical assessment—one that turns your touch into a data-driven, repeatable tool.
For decades, hands-on therapy has been criticized for being unreliable. But what if the problem wasn’t the hands—but the way we studied them?
HODA-A redefines manual therapy as a science of measurement.
What is HODA-A?
Why Does HODA-A Matter?
For years, the physiotherapy world has debated the reliability of hands-on techniques. Research often concluded that manual therapy lacked precision, yet practitioners knew its value in real-world care. What if the research was flawed, not the method?
HODA-A is the world’s first framework that transforms your touch into a measurable, validated, and repeatable clinical tool.
It’s not just about “feeling better”—it’s about knowing better.
HODA-A: The New Standard in Hands-On Precision
For 80 years, manual therapy was called unreliable—not because it failed, but because it was never measured correctly. HODA-A changes everything.
HODA-A: The Missing Link in Modern MSK Care
A breakthrough, evidence-based approach empowering clinicians—from physios to surgeons—to turn hands-on care into data-driven diagnosis.
HODA-A Certification: Master the Science of Clinical Touch
Backed by PhD-led research, HODA-A turns your hands into gold-standard diagnostic tools—bridging the gap between average and exceptional.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
The science behind touch, palpation, and sensory acquisition—grounded in PhD-led research
How to analyze and interpret hands-on data to improve diagnostic accuracy
Why manual therapy has been misunderstood for 80 years—and how to correct the narrative
The key to bridging hands-on care with scientific validation for optimal patient outcomes
Practical techniques to enhance your hands-on assessment skills with data-backed precision
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
Physiotherapists | Osteopaths | Chiropractors | Podiatrists
Manual Therapists | Nurses | Doctors | Surgeons | Dentists
Anyone who uses their hands in clinical practice and wants to ensure their assessments and interventions are scientifically sound.
Join the next generation of clinicians redefining what it means to “know by feel”—with science to back it up.
What you'll discover
Train your hands to collect reliable clinical data
Interpret subtle cues through refined touch
Calibrate your sensory skills with the same rigour used in high-tech diagnostics
Build a personal signature of precision as a practitioner
What you'll gain
Greater clinical confidence: Know that your hands are giving you valid information
Sharper diagnostic skills: Detect subtle differences in tissue, force, and function
Enhanced treatment precision: Make more informed manual therapy decisions
Professional advantage: Stand out with a future-ready skillset and HODA-A certification
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is HODA-A?
HODA-A (Hands-On Data Acquisition & Analysis) is the first scientifically validated system that teaches how to make hands-on manual therapy reliable, accurate, and data-driven.
It is designed for physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, podiatrists, surgeons, nurses, and any hands-on clinicians who want to refine their assessment accuracy and patient outcomes.
2. How is this course different from other manual therapy training?
Most hands-on therapy courses focus on technique—but don’t address the scientific reliability and validity behind those techniques.
HODA-A is backed by PhD-led research and bridges science with hands-on practice, teaching you:
✔ How to make hands-on assessment as reliable as imaging
✔ How to acquire, interpret, and apply data from touch
✔ How to enhance your clinical decision-making using validated methods
This is not just a skills course—it’s a paradigm shift for the manual therapy profession.
3. Is HODA-A only for physiotherapists?
No! HODA-A is for any clinician who uses hands-on assessment in their practice, including:
🔹 Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors
🔹 Podiatrists, Surgeons, Dentists
🔹 Nurses, General Practitioners, Manual Therapists
If your hands are part of your diagnostic process, this course will enhance your accuracy, confidence, and patient results.
4. How long is the course, and is it online?
📅 Duration: Varies, from 6 hours to 32 hours (Self-paced + Live Q&A sessions)
💻 Format: Varies, from 100% Online to 30% Online and 70% Face-to-Face – Includes video lessons, case studies, and hands-on practice assignments
🎓 Certification: Upon completion, you’ll receive the HODA-A Certified Badges & Certifications
5. How can I use HODA-A in my clinical practice?
After completing the course, you will be able to:
✔ Use hands-on assessments with scientific confidence
✔ Enhance diagnostic precision for musculoskeletal and systemic conditions
✔ Combine HODA-A with other clinical data for better patient outcomes
✔ Position yourself as a leader in validated manual therapy
6. How do I sign up?
Enrolment is now open! Limited spots are available for the next cohort.
🚀 Click here to register and take your clinical practice to the next level!
