Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 1

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

180 hours

N/A Fixed Course

N/A Fixed Course

None.

N/A Fixed Course

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

The focus in musculoskeletal physiotherapy 1 is to assist students to achieve a dynamic combination of attributes, abilities and attitudes in the area of musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice. The subject aims to introduce students to specific areas of knowledge, skills and theories of musculoskeletal practice. It also aims to facilitate their ability to move from a specific and detailed knowledge of common musculoskeletal conditions. It will use methods of assessment, diagnosis and management to facilitate a deeper and more critical comprehension and analysis of this area of physiotherapy practice.This will be applied to individuals and populations and positioned in relation to other areas of physiotherapy practice. Musculoskeletal physiotherapy 1 builds on students’ foundational knowledge of physiotherapy theory and practice and prepares students to move to their clinical placements in the following Semester of the program.

Element 1: Physiotherapy Theory and Practice

• Integrate prior knowledge of physiotherapy, common musculoskeletal conditions and frameworks for clinical reasoning to the assessment and management of individuals with musculoskeletal conditions.

• Provide an evidence based rationale for underlying clinical reasoning processes when selecting suitable assessments, goals and approaches to musculoskeletal treatment.

• Propose, justify and demonstrate safe and effective physiotherapeutic interventions to address impairments and activity limitations in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions.

• Modify assessment and treatment activities to meet specific needs of individual patients, communities and patient populations.

Element 2: Evidence in Physiotherapy

• Interpret results of common musculoskeletal screening & diagnostic tests with respect to issues of diagnostic and prognostic accuracy.

• Summarise how research evidence contributes to efficacy in common musculoskeletal physiotherapy treatment techniques.

Element 3: Health in Context

• Clarify how physiotherapists enhance patients’ active participation in management of musculoskeletal conditions.

• Identify cultural and ethical factors that may impact on physiotherapy practice in the area of musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

• Critical perspectives in physiotherapy Portfolio: 1000 words due mid semester (15%)
• 2-hour written examination: at the end of semester (50%)
• OSCE : Practical skills examination: at end of semester (35%)
• Satisfactory completion of mastery of clinical competency.
• Attendance at practical classes is mandatory and attendance at 95% of classes is a hurdle requirement for passing this subject

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

By the completion of this subject, students will have had the opportunity to develop the following generic skills:

• An ability to apply theory to practice;

• Clinical reasoning and decision making as applied to practice;

• Application of new research information to the solution of unfamiliar problems.