PS5108 - Advanced Musculoskeletal Practice

This subject will further develop the students' knowledge and skills in musculoskeletal assessment and management, with a focus on manual therapy. Through a mix of practical workshops, patient assessments and on-line learning modules the subject is intended to develop advanced assessment skills for musculoskeletal conditions including the clinical reasoning process that underpins manual therapy. The philosophy of various manual therapy approaches including Maitland, McKenzie, Kaltenborn, Cyriax, Mennell, Mulligan and Edwards will be explored. The evidence base, safety considerations and where appropriate the medico-legal implications of musculoskeletal practice will be emphasised. Students will learn to apply the concept of forensic physiotherapy to the assessment and management of complex musculoskeletal presentations. This subject will address contemporary issues within physiotherapy practice, including recent research findings regarding pain and inflammation.

Learning Outcomes

• access and appraise research and apply it in a clinical context;
• adapt anatomical, pathophysiological, radiological and biomechanical knowledge to select appropriate treatment and outcome measures for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions;
• justify, using advanced clinical reasoning skills, the assessment and treatment planning process for an individual with selected vertebral and peripheral musculoskeletal problems;
• explain, using evidence based practice, appropriate professional physiotherapy clinical solutions to complex musculoskeletal case studies.

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (%) - Individual
• Written > Case study analysis - (35%) - Individual
• Written > Concept map - (15%) - Individual
• Written > Critical appraisal/review - (35%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Practical assessment/practical skills demonstration - (15%) - Individual.

Special Assessment Requirements

Passing requirements: complete and submit all assessment items; pass each of the assessment items (50% pass mark required for each assessment item); demonstrate completion of the three lightbox online radiology quizzes; achieve a cumulative score of at least 50% inclusive of any penalties applied; attend scheduled face to face workshop.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.