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Unit of study_

PHTY2058: PT in Musculoskeletal Conditions A

This unit of study, along with its companion unit PHTY2059 builds on competencies around professional identity, technical skills, communication and patient centred care that were acquired and demonstrated in the foundation musculoskeletal units. Students will develop competencies in clinical reasoning, problem-solving and critical thinking supported by the use of case studies that focus on assessment and management of commonly occurring musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine and lower limbs in a primary care setting. Students will use a framework for management of musculoskeletal conditions that is consistent with widely endorsed clinical practice guidelines and uses a pragmatic evidence based approach to patient care. Focused learning modules in this unit include principles of epidemiology, diagnosis, reassurance and education as frontline interventions, and management of musculoskeletal injuries will be applied in the cases in this and the companion unit of study.

Code PHTY2058
Academic unit Movement Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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PHTY1024 and BIOS1168 and BIOS1169
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Demonstrate effective communication skills (verbal, non-verbal and written) to enhance information gathering, rapport and management of clients
  • LO2. Explain the pathophysiology of common musculoskeletal conditions of the lower limb and lumbar spine
  • LO3. Apply clinical reasoning skills to assess, interpret findings, identify impairments and plan management strategies related to non-specific low back pain and common musculoskeletal conditions of the lower limb with respect to pathology, stage of healing and goals of rehabilitation
  • LO4. Screen for patients with suspected serious pathology (e.g. cancer, infection, fracture) and outline an appropriate course of action for those who screen positive
  • LO5. Apply research skills to identify, access, evaluate and apply research findings to the management of non-specific low back pain and common musculoskeletal conditions of the lower limb
  • LO6. Apply biomechanics concepts to assess, analyse and manage impairments of the lower limb.
  • LO7. Explain the concept of diagnostic validity and relate diagnostic accuracy to common musculoskeletal physical examination findings
  • LO8. Conduct simple physiotherapy interventions effectively, efficiently, skilfully, accurately and sensitively
  • LO9. Identify and implement outcome measures to evaluate the treatment effect.