Outline

Overview

This unit of study, along with its companion unit PHTY2058 builds on competencies around professional identity, technical skills, communication, and patient centered 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 cervical spine and upper 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. In-depth learning modules in this unit include principles of risk stratification, guideline-based management planning, and epidemiology

Unit details and rules

Unit code	PHTY2059
Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	PHTY2058
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Allan Fu, allan.fu@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	David Anderson, david.anderson1@sydney.edu.au
	Allan Fu, allan.fu@sydney.edu.au
	Trudy Rebbeck, trudy.rebbeck@sydney.edu.au
	Justin Sullivan, justin.sullivan@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Toni Andary, toni.andary@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Rod Ingram, r.ingram@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final written exam Written exam	60%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Technical skills assessment Competency assessment	20%	STUVAC	8 minutes (+ 8 minutes preparation time)
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Technical skills assessment Competency assessment	20%	Week 07	8 minutes (+ 8 minutes preparation time)
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Technical skills assessment 20%: Practical examination demonstration of technical skills. You must complete this assessment task to pass the entire unit. Failure to complete this assessment item will result in you being awarded a Fail grade, regardless of your cumulative marks in the unit of study.
Technical skills assessment 20%: Practical examination demonstration of technical skills. You must complete this assessment task to pass the entire unit. Failure to complete this assessment item will result in you being awarded a Fail grade, regardless of your cumulative marks in the unit of study.
Final exam 60%: Take home exam (Type E) Extended respomse answers. You must complete this assessment task to pass the entire unit. Failure to complete this assessment item will result in you being awarded a Fail grade, regardless of your cumulative marks in the unit of study.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to MSB Introduction to neck pain	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Cervical spine assessment:History taking and regional examination	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Neck Pain: Triage, Classification, and Prognostic factors	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Physical Examination of the Cervical Spine: Screening for conditions affecting the cervical arteries, Neurological Examination and Brachial Plexus Provocation Test	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Diagnosis of serious pathologies; Cervical radiculopathy and myelopahty	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Cervical Spine Assessment and Treatment: Passive Accessory Intervertebral Movements (PAIVM’s)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Evidence-based management of neck pain; Assessment and treatment of impairments (manual therapy)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Cervical Spine Assessment and Treatment: Passive Physiological Intervertebral Movements (PPIVM’s)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Evidence-based physiotherapy for the management of neck pain: exercise and motor control for neck pain	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Cervical Spine Assessment: Motor Control of the Cervical Spine and Scapula	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Putting it all together	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Clinical case studies – Practice, peer assessment, and tutor feedback	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Introduction to physical examination of the shoulder complex	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Introduction to physical examination of the shoulder complex	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Shoulder pain: causes and triage, rotator cuff pathology and impingement, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), glenohumeral instability, Acromioclavicular joint, SLAP lesions and non-specific presentations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Physical examination and interventions of the shoulder complex (Focus: Rotator cuff pathologies and Impingement)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Upper limb impairments: therapeutic exercise – introduction; Exercise to address shoulder ROM and strength; Exercise for scapula dysfunction; Progression to more functional exercise	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Physical examination and interventions of the shoulder complex (Focus: Adhesive capsulitis and Glenohumeral instability)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Introduction to upper limb disorders: functional anatomy, epidemiology and common conditions – Part B, the elbow and distal arm Elbow pain: causes and triage, epicondylalgia and other pathologies	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Physical examination and interventions of the elbow	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Wrist pain: assessment and management of common wrist conditions Exercise prescription for the wrist and distal upper limb Upper limb conditions: complexities, controversies and future directions	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Physical examination and interventions of the wrist	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Putting it all together	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Clinical case studies - Practice, peer assessment and tutor feedback	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of tutorials for this unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Unit of Study Coordinator or Course Director. The Unit of Study Coordinator or Course Director may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate tutorial attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 80%. Students are advised to attend all lectures in this unit of study. Lecture recordings will be made available where possible to assist with revision and study but should not be considered a substitute for physically attending the lecture.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There are no required readings for this unit. There are essential tutorial preparation activities with structured learning activities each week.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

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

LO1. describe the risk factors, aetiology, pathological changes, signs and symptoms, and prognosis of uncomplicated musculoskeletal conditions affecting the cervical spine, shoulder, and elbow
LO2. describe abnormal kinematics and kinesiology of the neck, shoulder, and elbow
LO3. perform appropriate patient triage and screening for serious conditions related to the neck, shoulder, and elbow
LO4. demonstrate sound clinical reasoning, and perform competent assessment of a patient with uncomplicated upper limb and cervical spine conditions
LO5. evaluate the diagnostic validity of common clinical tests used during examination
LO6. select the most suitable therapeutic intervention
LO7. apply (under direction) treatment techniques suitable for the impairments identified
LO8. apply principles of exercise prescription, including knowledge of biomechanics, to clinical cases
LO9. demonstrate appropriate progression of intervention, with specific focus on exercise rehabilitation
LO10. locate and interpret evidence (for commonly used interventions) for uncomplicated upper limb cervical spine conditions.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment 2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines 4.5. recognise situations that are outside their scope of expertise or competence and take appropriate and timely action 5.1. engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice 7.1. organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment 1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making 2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines 3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others 4.1. assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice 4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge 4.5. recognise situations that are outside their scope of expertise or competence and take appropriate and timely action 5.2. engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment 4.1. assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice 4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment 1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making 1.3. review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life 1.4. advocate for clients and their rights to health care 2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines 2.2. make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours 2.3. recognise the need for, and implement, appropriate strategies to manage their physical and mental health and resilience 3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others 3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions 4.1. assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice 4.2. evaluate their learning needs, engage in relevant continuing professional development and recognise when to seek professional support, including peer review 4.5. recognise situations that are outside their scope of expertise or competence and take appropriate and timely action 5.1. engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice 5.2. engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice 6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others. 7.1. organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment 1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making 1.3. review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life 1.4. advocate for clients and their rights to health care 2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines 2.2. make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours 2.3. recognise the need for, and implement, appropriate strategies to manage their physical and mental health and resilience 3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others 3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions 4.1. assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice 4.2. evaluate their learning needs, engage in relevant continuing professional development and recognise when to seek professional support, including peer review 4.5. recognise situations that are outside their scope of expertise or competence and take appropriate and timely action 5.1. engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice 5.2. engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice 6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others. 7.1. organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment 1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making 1.3. review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life 3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others 3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment 1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making 1.3. review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life 3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others 3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making 4.1. assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice 4.2. evaluate their learning needs, engage in relevant continuing professional development and recognise when to seek professional support, including peer review 4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge 4.5. recognise situations that are outside their scope of expertise or competence and take appropriate and timely action 5.2. engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The duration of this unit is being expanded from 10 weeks to a period of 13 weeks. Within this timeframe, there will be two practical exams: one scheduled for week 7, and another to be held during week 14 (STUVAC). Additionally, the take-home exam has been revised and transformed into a written examination in week 15.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas

Canvas:

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit

Work, health and safety

Universial infection control precautions https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/healthcare-associated-infection/national-infection-control-guidelines

COVID specific precautions for face to face classes

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PHTY2059: PT in Musculoskeletal Conditions B

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect