Skip to main content
Unit of study_

PHTY4221: Advanced Professional Practice A

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit consists of two integrated modules which together develop advanced management of musculoskeletal disorders in various settings. Students will develop more advanced manual therapy, exercise prescription and clinical reasoning skills. They will explore complex clinical problems by applying evidence based practice to prevention and management of soft t issue injuries, in different settings including primary care, compulsory third party and the work environment. In the first module students will practice the application of advanced physiotherapy procedures, including manipulation, and mechanical diagnoses and treatment to selected regions and cases. In the second module, students will use case based learning and advanced clinical reasoning skills to explore complex musculoskeletal impairments and their management. Students will explore the evidence basis for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders using ergonomic, exercise, screening and wellness approaches. Students will also apply an understanding of the WHS regulatory framework and evidence based guidelines underpinning the management of work-related soft tissue injuries, focusing on the low back, neck and upper limb regions.

Unit details and rules

Unit code PHTY4221
Academic unit Movement Sciences
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
PHTY3081 and PHTY3086
Corequisites
? 
PHTY4223
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Debra Shirley, debra.shirley@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Debra Shirley, debra.shirley@sydney.edu.au
Andrew Webster, a.webster@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Jonathan Ko, jonathan.ko@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Live+ supervised) Type A final exam Written Exam
Written Exam: MCQ and Short answer
75% Formal exam period
Due date: 20 Jun 2022 at 10:00
2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Skills-based evaluation Practical examination
Practical skills assessment
25% Week 10 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Type A final exam = Type A final exam ?

Assessment summary

  • Practical examination (25%): Practical examination for the musculoskeletal component.
  • Written examination (75%): This written examination will have a musculoskeletal section (40%) and an occupational health section (35%).

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

All assessments must be attempted, not attempting the assessment is awarded an AF mark. For the Practical Exam and Final Written Exams, the exam must be attempted and finished within the allocated time. If you arrive late to your Practical Exam and your allocated time has passed, you will not be assessed and your exam will be marked an AF. If you do not finish your Practical Exam within your allocated time, no marks will be awarded for any content not attempted within the allocated time.

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.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 02 1. Review, overview and clinical framework of musculoskeletal assessment. 2. Manipulation- Indications, contra-indications and effects of manipulation. 3 and 4. Manipulation- Indications, contra-indications, and effects of manipulation and informed consent. With clinical reasoning. Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2
1.Triage and screening for manual therapy including manipulation. Review PPIVMS Lumbar spine 2.Lumbar spine manipulation Practical (2 hr) LO1
Week 03 5.Differentiation between lumbar spine, hip, thoracic spine complex case. 6.Differentiation between lumbar spine, hip, thoracic spine complex case. Lecture (2 hr) LO2
3.Thoracic spine PPIVM. 4.Introduction to thoracic spine manipulation Practical (2 hr) LO1
Week 04 7. Incorporating MDT into musculoskeletal practice 8. Incorporating MDT into musculoskeletal practice Lecture (2 hr) LO2
9. Differential diagnosis of headaches 10. Differential diagnosis of dizziness Lecture (2 hr) LO2
5 and 6. Incorporating MDT into musculoskeletal practice Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 05 11.Complex cervical spine case: differential diagnosis 12.Complex cervical spine case: differential diagnosis 13.Complex cervical spine case: differential diagnosis Lecture (3 hr) LO2
Week 06 14 and 15 .Ethical considerations for the practicing musculoskeletal physiotherapist Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
16. Prevention of work injury: Risk assessment and management Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
17.Prevention of work injury: Ergonomics in the workplace Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
18. Management of work injury and disease in NSW Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
7 and 8 Incorporation of cervical spine clinical skills into practice. Practical (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 07 19. Implications of ageing population for worker health and work ability Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6
20. Improving outcomes: integrated active management of workers with acute soft tissue injuries Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO6
21. Pain Management for Chronic Work-related injuries. Lecture (1 hr) LO5 LO6
22. Managing the person with a work related injury Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6
9. Sub-acute management of soft tissue injuries – low back case study Practical (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
10. Implementing and evaluating an exercise program for a worker with a sub-acute soft tissue injury Practical (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 23 and 24. What is recovery? Lecture (2 hr) LO2
11 and 12. Clinical skills practice: lumbar and thoracic manipulation practice, thoracic PPIVM practice, C Spine etc Practical (2 hr) LO1
Week 09 25 and 26. Bringing it all together: Review and Q & A Lecture (2 hr)  
13. Practical review: Q&A Practical (1 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance:

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of online or face to face tutorials for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Program Director or Head of Discipline.

Additional assessment items may be set where attendance is lower than 80%. Under exceptional circumstances,  swapping to alternate tutorials on one-off occasions is possible only by prior agreement with the unit of study coordinator. Class numbers may be limited by available tutorial capacity.

As some of the lectures in Advanced Physiotherapy Practice A are case based and interactive, you are expected to attend the live lectures and actively participate in lectures and tutorials.  Lecture recordings will be made available where possible to assist with revision and study, but should not be considered a substitute for  attending the live lecture.  In addition, you should  complete activities that are provided to increase or test your understanding of concepts. Lecture outlines and/or power point slides used in the lectures will be available on the Canvas site prior to the day of the lecture where possible.

 

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 is no specific text book required for the musculoskeletal component of this unit of study however students may find the following texts useful.

  • Maitland GD, Hengeveld E, Banks K, English K. Maitland’s Vertebral Manipulation. Seventh Edition. London: Elsevier 2005.
  • Monaghan M. Spinal Manipulation- A manual for physiotherapists. The Copy Press Ltd, Nelson, New Zealand. 2001.
  • Jull G, Sterling M, Falla D, Treleaven J, O’Leary S. Whiplash Headache and neck pain, research directions for physical therapists. © 2008 Elsevier.

Readings

This Unit of Study is evidence based. You will need to supplement the lectures and tutorials with further reading. You should also search for material in relevant journals (both electronic and print). A list of key readings for specific learning activities will be placed on the Canvas site (under preparation and/or consolidation) each week.

 

You should ensure that you have prepared for each lecture by reading the required readings and preparing any associated tasks.

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. Musculoskeletal Module: Demonstrate advanced knowledge of musculoskeletal physiotherapy by a. Safely and competently performing advanced manual therapy techniques including selected high velocity manipulation procedure b. Demonstrating a working knowledge of the risks and benefits of spinal manipulative therapy c. Evaluating clinical presentations to consider the potential for manual therapy, (particularly manipulation) to result in an adverse incident and make recommendations regarding how to avoid such incidents d. Applying manipulative procedures as a progression from manual therapies in a safe and effective manner with appropriate evaluation of outcomes
  • LO2. Musculoskeletal Module: Demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning for patients with complex musculoskeletal problems by being able to: a. Describe features of serious pathologies that mimic musculoskeletal conditions b. Differentiate the sources of symptoms for complex conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. c. Evaluate the information obtained from examination to develop advanced and evidence based intervention approaches. d. Critically appraise and synthesise research evidence for use in the context of a clinical scenario i.e. demonstrate application of evidence-based clinical practice. e. Integrate points a-d to develop and implement management strategies for patients with complex musculoskeletal conditions, demonstrating knowledge of an appropriate course of treatment (including duration of management, number of sessions, types of interventions). f. Evaluate alternate approaches to musculoskeletal management and discuss their evidence base
  • LO3. Occupational health module: Explain the causes, prevention and management of work-related injury and illness within the Australian context
  • LO4. Occupational health module: Apply key resources relevant to work injury prevention and management cases including industry standards, guidelines and codes of practice and guidelines
  • LO5. Occupational health module: Engage in scholarly inquiry about WHS risks relevant to physiotherapy intervention and reflect on how to optimize the implementation of change in the workplace
  • LO6. Occupational health module: Demonstrate your understanding of the risk management process, scientific literature and WHS regulatory framework to develop an evidenced-based program aimed at achieving: a) primary injury prevention e.g. through analysis of a worksite health promotion or wellness program; ergonomic change in the workplace, b) secondary prevention and early injury management e.g. through implementation of treatment of various musculoskeletal injuries or disease using an integrated active approach to work injury management

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         
LO6         

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
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
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
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
4.3. 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
5.1. engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice
8.A. knowledge of relevant anatomy, physiology, pathology, other biomedical sciences relevant to human health and function, and psychosocial and other determinants of health encompassing cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, neurological and other body systems within the context of physiotherapy and best available research evidence
8.B. knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice including evidence-based practice
8.C. knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice with clients across the lifespan, from birth to end of life care, who present with one or more problems such as pain and/or impairment or dysfunction contributing to impairment, activity limitations and participation restriction
8.E. competence to practise as a physiotherapist autonomously as well as a member of an interprofessional team in relevant clinical situations
LO2
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
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
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
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
3.3. deal effectively with actual and potential conflict in a proactive and constructive manner
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
5.1. 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.
6.2. seek opportunities to lead the education of others, including physiotherapy students, as appropriate, within the physiotherapy setting
7.1. organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
8.A. knowledge of relevant anatomy, physiology, pathology, other biomedical sciences relevant to human health and function, and psychosocial and other determinants of health encompassing cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, neurological and other body systems within the context of physiotherapy and best available research evidence
8.B. knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice including evidence-based practice
8.C. knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice with clients across the lifespan, from birth to end of life care, who present with one or more problems such as pain and/or impairment or dysfunction contributing to impairment, activity limitations and participation restriction
8.D. knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice across acute, rehabilitation and community practice in a range of environments and settings
8.E. competence to practise as a physiotherapist autonomously as well as a member of an interprofessional team in relevant clinical situations
8.F. knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice in health promotion and facilitation of client self-management strategies to enhance their health and well-being
LO3
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
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
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
4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
4.4. proactively apply principles of quality improvement and risk management to practice
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
6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
6.2. seek opportunities to lead the education of others, including physiotherapy students, as appropriate, within the physiotherapy setting
7.1. organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
LO4
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
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
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
4.2. evaluate their learning needs, engage in relevant continuing professional development and recognise when to seek professional support, including peer review
4.4. proactively apply principles of quality improvement and risk management to practice
5.1. engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice
6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
6.2. seek opportunities to lead the education of others, including physiotherapy students, as appropriate, within the physiotherapy setting
7.1. organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
LO5
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
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
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
3.3. deal effectively with actual and potential conflict in a proactive and constructive manner
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
4.4. proactively apply principles of quality improvement and risk management to practice
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
6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
6.2. seek opportunities to lead the education of others, including physiotherapy students, as appropriate, within the physiotherapy setting
7.1. organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
7.2. lead others effectively and efficiently within relevant professional, ethical and legal frameworks
LO6
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
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
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
3.3. deal effectively with actual and potential conflict in a proactive and constructive manner
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
4.4. proactively apply principles of quality improvement and risk management to practice
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
6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
6.2. seek opportunities to lead the education of others, including physiotherapy students, as appropriate, within the physiotherapy setting
7.1. organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
7.2. lead others effectively and efficiently within relevant professional, ethical and legal frameworks
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 A plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment
1.2 A 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 A review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life
2.1 A comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines
2.2 A make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours
3.1 A 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 A record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
4.1 A assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice
4.3 A efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
4.4 A proactively apply principles of quality improvement and risk management to practice
4.5 A recognise situations that are outside their scope of expertise or competence and take appropriate and timely action
5.1 A engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice
5.2 A engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice
6.1 A use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
7.1 A organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
8.A A knowledge of relevant anatomy, physiology, pathology, other biomedical sciences relevant to human health and function, and psychosocial and other determinants of health encompassing cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, neurological and other body systems within the context of physiotherapy and best available research evidence
8.B A knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice including evidence-based practice
8.C A knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice with clients across the lifespan, from birth to end of life care, who present with one or more problems such as pain and/or impairment or dysfunction contributing to impairment, activity limitations and participation restriction
8.D A knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice across acute, rehabilitation and community practice in a range of environments and settings
8.E A competence to practise as a physiotherapist autonomously as well as a member of an interprofessional team in relevant clinical situations
8.F A knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice in health promotion and facilitation of client self-management strategies to enhance their health and well-being

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

In response to student feedback in previous years we are scheduling the Practical Examination in Week 10 before students go on clinical placements.

Work, health and safety

Important Safety Information

The demonstration and practice of spinal manipulation forms part of Advanced Professional Practice A. Manipulation involves the application of a high velocity, low amplitude thrust to selected joints and tissues and is usually associated with an audible click. These techniques are thought to increase range of movement and decrease pain in patients with symptoms of spinal origin. Therefore, the ability to perform these manipulative techniques is highly desirable for physiotherapists treating patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Participation in these manipulation sessions will equip you with a range of advanced skills that will be useful in providing effective treatment for patients with lumbar and thoracic spine disorders.

Complications following manipulation are rare but potentially serious. Estimates of incidence from approximately 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 500,000 are cited and most complications involve manipulation of the cervical spine. In this unit of study, we will be  performing manipulation to the thoracic and lumbar spine only. If you have a medical condition that you think might pose a risk if you are manipulated, for example a history of neurological signs or symptoms, or significant back pain, you should discuss this with your tutor, and if necessary, seek appropriate medical advice.

You must complete the screening questionnaire (available online in Canvas) prior to consenting to be a subject for a manipulation technique. Please complete this prior to your first tutorial class.

NB: Some students may experience mild discomfort following repeated manipulation. If this does not resolve within 24-48 hours you should contact your tutor. If you have more serious symptoms, please contact the tutor immediately, or your family doctor.

Practice of manipulative techniques is essential. It is however strongly recommended that you only practice application of the high velocity manipulative thrust on fellow students under your tutor’s supervision. All other aspects of examinable techniques can be performed without tutor supervision.

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.