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  3. Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (PHTY90090)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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July
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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. This subject includes 12 hours of clinical (generic) placement. 

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to: 

  • Critically reflect and modify practice in response to feedback from peers and lecturers / tutors.
  • Apply a biopsychosocial model to accurately assess, interpret and treat individuals' common musculoskeletal conditions
  • Employ safe and effective evidence-based physiotherapy interventions for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions
  • Design, implement and evaluate a repertoire of exercises and health and well-being promotion strategies that best meet the needs of individuals with a range of impairments, activity limitations and/or participation restrictions.
  • Identify the personal and environmental barriers and facilitators that influence capability, opportunity and motivation to participate.
  • Identify, critique and apply evidence-informed practice in the selection and modification of physiotherapy approaches for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions.
  • Explain the role of other professions, families, carers and communities in the care with individuals with a diverse range of health conditions.
  • Apply the skills to develop shared goal setting with individuals
  • Apply the skills to educate individuals and relevant others about the individual's condition and the options for physiotherapy approaches for promotion of health and well-being.
  • Effectively communicate and respectfully engage with individuals (including those with cognitive, behavioural and communication limitations) and relevant others to optimise outcomes.   
  • Respond to the social and cultural needs of the individual, their family/carers and the organisation in health decision making.
  • Explain the impact of available resources on the delivery of optimal physiotherapy treatment approaches.

Generic skills

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.

Last updated: 8 November 2024