REHA 3014 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 400999

Coordinator Daniel Thomson Opens in new window

Description This subject focuses on client assessment and treatment using manual physiotherapy techniques. An emphasis is placed on diagnostic reasoning and evaluation, understanding the implications of pathology in a physiotherapy context, prioritising problems and integrating manual therapy with other physiotherapy treatments. This requires strong communication skills, ethical and professional behaviour and an appreciation of interprofessional care.

School Health Sciences

Discipline Physiotherapy

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Pre-requisite(s) REHA 3004

Restrictions Students must be enrolled in 4662 Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Physiotherapy, 4667 Master of Physiotherapy, and 4668 Bachelor of Health Science (Honours)/Master of Physiotherapy programs. Students in programs 4662 Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Physiotherapy and 4668 Bachelor of Health Science (Honours)/Master of Physiotherapy are to complete prerequisite subject 400982 - Core Competencies in Physiotherapy Practice. Students in program 4667 Master of Physiotherapy are required to complete prerequisite subject 400987 Neurological Physiotherapy Practice. Students in this program are required to participate fully in practical classes. This involves disrobing to shorts and singlet or swim-suit equivalent in mixed gender classes. Students will practice hands-on physiotherapy examination and treatment techniques on both genders, and will personally experience these techniques which will be performed on them by other students and relevant academic staff.

Assumed Knowledge

Human anatomy, human physiology, and pathophysiology.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. Perform a safe and effective subjective and physical examination for a client with a musculoskeletal pathology, dysfunction or disorder.
  2. Develop a problem list and list of differential diagnoses for a client with a musculoskeletal pathology, dysfunction or disorder.
  3. Develop short and long-term goals for a client with a musculoskeletal pathology, dysfunction or disorder.
  4. Demonstrate and explain the clinical reasoning in the use of appropriate physical examination procedures and manual therapy techniques for the client with a musculoskeletal pathology, dysfunction or disorder.
  5. Monitor and evaluate the effects of manual therapy on a client with a disability, dysfunction or disorder.
  6. Apply professionalism, ethical behaviour and effective communication skills.
  7. Integrate manual therapy with exercise and other physiotherapy modalities in the management of a client with a musculoskeletal pathology, dysfunction or disorder.

Subject Content

1. The focus of this subject is on the physiotherapy assessment and treatment of clients with musculoskeletal disorders.
2. Diagnostic reasoning and manual therapy is a major focus, as is prioritising client problems, and integration of other modalities.
3. Students will learn how to assess and treat clients with spinal and peripheral joint dysfunction, bone and soft tissue injuries and neuromuscular disorders.
4. Manual techniques that will be taught will include passive physiological and accessory mobilisations, soft tissue palpation and testing, special diagnostic tests, neurological testing, muscle length and strength measures.

Prescribed Texts

  • Cleland, J., Koppenhaver, S., & Netter, F. H. (2016). Netter's orthopaedic clinical examination: An evidence-based approach (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders/Elsevier
  • Maitland, G. D., Hengeveld, E., Banks, K., & Finglish, K. (Eds.). (2014). Maitland's vertebral manipulation (8th ed.). Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.

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