Sports Physiotherapy A

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject extends the students' clinical reasoning skills and manual skills in examination and physiotherapy management of common conditions affecting the neuro-musculo-skeletal system in conjunction with the analysis of movement of sports injuries. Students will explore selected mechanisms of injury and disease affecting the neuro-musculo-skeletal system, the resulting pathokinematics, and the anatomical rationale for clinical tests used in differential diagnosis.

The objectives of this subject are to provide:

• A deeper understanding of the basic sciences and their integration with sports physiotherapy practice
• A sound theoretical knowledge and understanding of conditions affecting the meuro-musculo-skeletal system
• The anatomical rationale for the clinical tests used in differential diagnosis
• The ability to perform an appropriate subjective and physical examination, with development of suitable analytical skills to evaluate data obtained
• Proficiency in implementing and critically evaluating sports physiotherapy clinical management plans from the acute phase through to full rehabilitation of the athlete
• Advanced knowledge and expertise in the application of therapeutic skills in the prevention, management and rehabilitation of sports injuries
• An awareness of the paramount importance of patient safety at all times
• Knowledge of the role of other health care professionals involved in patient care

• BRUNKER P & KHAN K (2007): Clinical Sports Medicine, 3rd edn, Sydney: McGraw Hill, Sydney
• CLELAND J (2007): Orthopaedic Clinical Examination: An Evidence Based Approach for Physical Therapists, Saunders Elsevier, Philadelphia
• HIGGS J, JONES M, LOFTUS S & CHRISTENSEN N (eds) (2008): Clinical Reasoning In The Health Professions, 3rd edn, Elsevier Butterworth Heinemann, Amsterdam
• KOLT G & SNYDER-MACKLER L (2003): Physical Therapies in Sport and Exercise, Churchill Livingstone, London
• MAGEE DJ (2008): Orthopaedic Physical Assessment - Enhanced Edition, 5th end, Saunders Elsevier, St Louis

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, students will have developed the following generic skills:

• The ability to source, evaluate and synthesise the latest research and knowledge
• The capacity to lead small teams and work collaboratively
• An advanced appreciation of global issues in professional sports physiotherapy
• The ability to utilise new technologies and to present their work effectively.