Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy A

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Undergraduate Degree in Physiotherapy together with clinical experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy

This subject builds on the postgraduate students' existing clinical reasoning skills and manual skills in examination and physiotherapy management of common conditions affecting the neuro- musculoskeletal system. Students will explore selected mechanisms of injury and disease affecting the neuro-musculoskeletal system, the resulting pathokinematics, and the anatomical rationale for clinical tests used in differential diagnosis.

On completion of this subject, students will have had the opportunity to develop:

• Enhanced verbal and non-verbal communication skills
• Advanced theoretical knowledge and understanding of conditions affecting the neuro-musculo-skeletal system
• A deeper understanding of the basic sciences and their integration with musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice
• A systematic and integrated approach to assessment of musculoskeletal physiotherapy at an advanced level
• Advanced skills to perform an appropriate subjective and physical examination, with development of suitable analytical skills to evaluate data obtained
• Advanced knowledge of the anatomical rationale for the clinical tests used in differential diagnosis
• The ability to select optimal treatment options based on the best evidence and available resources
• Proficiency in implementing and critically evaluating musculoskeletal physiotherapy clinical management plans from the acute phase through to full rehabilitation of the patient
• Advanced knowledge and expertise in the application of therapeutic skills in the prevention, management and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions
• Practice that is based on risk management strategies acknowledging the importance of safety at all times
• An appreciation of the limitations of musculoskeletal physiotherapy
• Knowledge of the role of other health care professionals involved in patient care

• One written assignment - 2000 words (30%) at end of semester 1
• Student tutorial presentation 20 mins (40%) (35% + 5% from peer review) in the last weeks of semester 1
• Written examination of 2 hours (20%) at the end of semester 1
• Independent learning questions throughout semester (10%)
• Practical skills evaluation trhoughout semester 1 (pass/fail) [Hurdle requirement]

A list of recommended texts will be discussed at the commencement of the semester.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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

• Advanced skills to enable effective and appropriate communication
• The ability to source, evaluate and synthesize the latest research and evidence
• Proficiency in record keeping skills
• The capacity to lead small teams and work collaboratively
• The ability to utilize new technologies and to present their work effectively
• Effective management of competing demands on time
• Sensitivity and respect for the social and cultural diversity of individuals, organisations and the communities in which they work
• The ability to work independently as a practiitioner and also as a member of the health team