Sports and Manual Therapy

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

180 hours

Students will need to allow time for self-directed learning (SDL)

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 aims to provide opportunities for students to engage with more advanced levels of musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice with a particular emphasis on manual therapy and sports physiotherapy. Advanced practice in this subject is inclusive of critical reasoning, differential assessment and intervention selection that are informed by contemporary evidence. Students will have the opportunity to advance and build on the following skills: differential assessment, critical evaluation and decision making; selection and execution of appropriate treatment techniques, evaluation of treatment effectiveness and treatment modification and progression as necessary. Students will also develop an enhanced understanding of the role of a physiotherapist in a multi-disciplinary clinical setting within a primary contact environment. Advanced practice will also incorporate the identification, appraisal, synthesis and application of research evidence underpinning specific areas of musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice.

The curriculum for the DPT program has been designed around 8 Learning Outcomes under 3 elements.

Element 1: Physiotherapy Theory and Practice

1. Integrate prior knowledge of musculoskeletal physiotherapy, common musculoskeletal conditions, exercise and the framework for clinical reasoning to the assessment and management of individuals with complex and specific musculoskeletal conditions.

2. Contrast theoretical and clinical approaches used in differential assessment and management of peripheral, vertebral, multi-pathology and multi-trauma cases

3. Know and understand the precautions and contra indications / complications of techniques commonly used in sports and manual therapy, such as joint mobilization and HVT techniques,

4. Execute risk assessment procedures and safely and effectively apply advanced musculoskeletal assessment and treatment techniques, including joint mobilising and high velocity thrust to address impairments and activity limitations in individuals with specified musculoskeletal conditions

Element 2: Research and Evidence

5. Integrate evidence from high-quality clinical studies from the core areas of physiotherapy practice in order to optimally manage patients with complex and multi-factorial musculoskeletal conditions

6. Debate the efficacy of vertebral musculoskeletal treatment techniques, as well as theories related to their mechanisms of effect

Element 3: Healthcare context

7. Analyse how legal and ethical issues impact on musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice, with specific attention to the use of HVTs and dry needling in the management of clinical presentations.

8. Identify how the rights of individuals who present with musculoskeletal conditions including vertebral conditions are incorporated in physiotherapy practice

• 2000 word Case study on exercise prescription, due Week 9 (20%);
• 2 hour Theory examination, taken in the exam week at the end of semester (40%);
• 30 minute Practical Examination, taken in the exam week (40%).

Hurdle Requirement: Mastery of selected techniques during semester.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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

• Managing uncertainty
• Integrating and interpreting clinical findings and applying rigorous reasoning to arrive at an appropriate plan of management
• Performing relevant physiotherapy procedures effectively and safely, with due regards for the patient's comfort