PHYT8001 Musculoskeletal Practice 1

In this topic orthopaedics and musculoskeletal disorders across the life span will be covered from the perspective of underlying disease processes, presenting signs and symptoms, including radiological tests. This topic will introduce the student to assessment and treatment techniques used by physiotherapists in the management of orthopaedic and peripheral musculoskeletal disorders. The emphasis will be on observation, integration of anatomical and biomechanical knowledge and acquisition of skills of assessment and treatment. Clinical reasoning will be a linking theme throughout the sessions. The emphasis will be on skills of communication, safe and effective patient examination, diagnosis, management and outcome measurement. This topic will develop sound knowledge and skills assessment and treatment procedures that will be applied to patients with specific peripheral musculoskeletal conditions.

This topic aims to establish specific knowledge and skills related to physiotherapy for peripheral musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions. General principles of physiotherapy examination and treatment will be introduced, alongside methods of evaluating treatment outcomes.

1. Demonstrate a graduate entry knowledge of non-spinal musculoskeletal pathologies
2. Engage in a collaborative client centred model of practice
3. Plan and implement efficient, effective, collaborative evidence based physiotherapy assessments for clients presenting with non-spinal musculoskeletal conditions
4. Plan and implement safe and effective evidence based physiotherapy interventions in collaboration with the client
5. Recognise the need for, and implement, appropriate educational strategies to empower and collaboratively manage patients’ physical health
6. Recognise clinical situations that are outside their scope of competence and then seek appropriate inter-professional support in a timely manner
7. Review the continuation of physiotherapy using relevant outcome measures with the aim of facilitating the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life
8. Demonstrate effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
9. Record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
10. Access, gather, interpret and apply information to continuously improve practice and demonstrate the ability to reflect on own practice