The Mettler Institute, LLC
Advancing Manual Therapy Through Clinical Innovation, Education & Research
The Mettler Institute is dedicated to advancing manual therapy through clinical innovation, professional education, and research. Founded on the work of Paul R. Mettler, PT, DPT, the Institute is home to Dermal-Fascial Restoration® (DFR®)—a precise and targeted approach to identifying and treating restrictions involving the dermal and fascial systems.
The technique
What is DFR®?
Dermal-Fascial Restoration® (DFR®) is a manual therapy approach developed by Paul Mettler to assess and treat changes in the mobility and mechanical behavior of the skin and underlying fascial tissues.
DFR uses systematic palpation and specific manual techniques as a precise and targeted way to identify and treat areas of dermal-fascial restriction and influence tissue mobility. The method has also been investigated using technologies such as high-frequency shear-wave elastography and thermography to better understand tissue characteristics and their response to manual treatment.
Learn moreUpcoming courses
Train with DFR®
Explore
Education and community
Education
Learn the method. Understand the system. The Mettler Institute provides hands-on DFR® continuing education, lectures, webinars, and professional learning opportunities for physical therapists and other manual-therapy professionals.
Clinical Videos
See DFR® in clinical practice. Explore demonstrations of DFR assessment and treatment, clinical applications, case examples, ultrasound imaging, and educational videos demonstrating the principles behind the method.
Student Experiences
Hear from clinicians who have trained in DFR®. Watch clinicians and students share their experiences learning DFR, incorporating the approach into practice, and participating in Mettler Institute courses and educational programs.
About
About the Mettler Institute
Who We Are
The Mettler Institute advances the study, teaching, and clinical application of manual therapy with a particular focus on the dermal and fascial systems.
The Institute builds upon more than four decades of clinical work by physical therapist Paul R. Mettler, PT, DPT, whose development of the Mettler Release Technique® ultimately evolved into Dermal-Fascial Restoration®.
Today, the Mettler Institute brings together clinicians, educators, students, and research collaborators to expand the understanding of the dermal-fascial system and translate that knowledge into clinical practice.
History
Our History
1981 — Beginning in physical therapy
Paul Mettler begins his physical therapy career with a focus on orthopedic and musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
1991 — Development of the technique
Mettler begins developing a systematic manual approach to identifying and treating connective-tissue restrictions.
1994 — Mettler Release Technique®
The approach is introduced as the Mettler Release Technique®, establishing the foundation for what would later become DFR.
2015 — Imaging and fascia research
Mettler presents work involving high-frequency shear-wave elastography and fascial tissue at the International Fascia Research Congress.
2018 — Dermal-Fascial Restoration®
The method evolves into Dermal-Fascial Restoration® (DFR®), reflecting an increased emphasis on the relationship between the dermal and fascial systems.
2022 — International recognition
Mettler's DFR work receives recognition at the International Consortium on Manual Therapies.
Today — The Mettler Institute
The Mettler Institute continues this work through professional education, clinical application, collaboration, and research aimed at advancing understanding of the dermal-fascial system.
Mission
Our Mission
To advance manual therapy through education, research, and clinical innovation while expanding our understanding of the dermal and fascial systems.
People
The people behind the Institute
Dr. Paul R. Mettler, PT, DPT
Paul Mettler is a physical therapist, educator, researcher, and developer of Dermal-Fascial Restoration®. His work in manual therapy spans more than four decades and has focused on understanding how restrictions within the dermal and fascial systems may influence movement, function, and clinical presentation.
Beginning with the development of the Mettler Release Technique® and its subsequent evolution into DFR®, Mettler has worked to combine clinical observation with objective investigation of tissue behavior. His work has included the use of high-frequency shear-wave elastography and presentations at international fascia and manual-therapy conferences.
Through the Mettler Institute, he continues to advance DFR through clinical practice, professional education, and research collaboration.
Dr. Anil P. Joseph, PT, DPT
Anil Joseph is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, clinician, and educator whose work with the Mettler Institute focuses on the clinical development, education, and continued investigation of Dermal-Fascial Restoration®.
His role includes teaching and developing professional DFR education, expanding clinical and academic collaborations, and helping translate emerging research on fascia, tissue mechanics, imaging, and manual therapy into practical clinical applications.
Joseph also works to develop partnerships between the Mettler Institute and clinicians, researchers, healthcare organizations, and educational institutions to support the continued growth and scientific investigation of DFR.
Courses
Upcoming courses
This course is for physical therapists, fascial stretch therapists, and other movement and manual therapy professionals interested in advancing their knowledge and hands-on skills in the assessment and treatment of the dermal and fascial systems.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who are the courses for?
Physical therapists, fascial stretch therapists, and other movement and manual therapy professionals interested in advancing their knowledge and hands-on skills in the assessment and treatment of the dermal and fascial systems.
What will I learn?
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Is prior experience required?
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Is continuing education credit available?
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How do I register?
Select the Register button next to the course you want. You will be taken to TixFox to complete your registration.
What should I bring or wear?
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What is the cancellation and refund policy?
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Who can I contact with other questions?
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Education
Learn the method. Understand the system.
The Mettler Institute provides hands-on DFR® continuing education, lectures, webinars, and professional learning opportunities for physical therapists and other manual-therapy professionals.
Section 1
Clinical Videos
Explore demonstrations of DFR® assessment and treatment, clinical applications, case examples, ultrasound imaging, and educational videos demonstrating the principles behind the method.
Section 2
Lectures
[Recorded lectures and presentations.]
Section 3
Webinars
[Live and on-demand webinars.]
Section 4
Podcasts
[Podcast episodes and links.]
Section 5
Student Experiences
Watch clinicians and students share their experiences learning DFR, incorporating the approach into practice, and participating in Mettler Institute courses and educational programs.
Section 6
Patient Experiences
[Patient stories and testimonials, shared with permission.]
Section 7
Class Photos & Videos
[Highlights from past courses.]
Directory
Find a clinician trained in DFR®
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Contact
Get in touch
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Email: [email address]
Location: [City, State]