Brian’s special interest has always been manual therapy since being introduced to the field by Stanley Paris in the early 1960s. He acknowledges as his mentor, Freddy Kaltenborn, but has also found invaluable the contributions of James Cyriax, Geoff Maitland, Robin McKenzie and Robert Elvey.
Brian was one of small group of physiotherapists who formed the NZ Manipulative Therapists Association in 1968. He and his colleague, Robin McKenzie, were the principle teachers on the newly formed Post graduate program for the Diploma of Manipulative Therapy. Brian joined the international lecturing circuit in 1972. Currently he has taught in 91 cities in the United States of America and 20 countries of the world.
In 1983 Brian relinquished his teaching role on the Diploma programme and began teaching his newly-founded techniques. One of his initial students, Barbara Hetherington, took over his Diploma programme teaching role. She later became one of his original teachers when the Mulligan Concept Teachers Association was formed in 1995.
Brian’s favorite quote has always been Louis Pasteur’s; “In the field of discovery chance only favours the prepared mind”
Numerous articles supporting Brian’s MWM techniques have been published in international peer reviewed journals. A regularly update reference section is available www.bmulligan.com
Brian has been the recipient of many awards:
To meet the huge demand from therapists wishing to learn his techniques and ensure high teaching standards, he set up an international organisation in 1995 to accredit teachers. Currently there are around 50 MULLIGAN™ teachers within the MCTA (MULLIGAN™ Concept Teachers Association) from 25 nations.
Since retiring from active practice he has continued to teach internationally at seminars in many countries, drawing large crowds of physiotherapists and medical practitioners.
Brian Mulligan has been married to his devoted wife, Dawn, for over 60 years. They have a son, two daughters, a grandson, five granddaughters and 4 great grandchildren. As a typical New Zealander, he loves the outdoors. He enjoys playing golf and his piano. He had a private pilot’s licence and enjoyed flying, but had to give it up due to his multifaceted professional life. He keeps excellent health and has unbridled energy, which is spent frequently on the golf course.
