Outline

Overview

This unit focuses on the development of skills related to the 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 musculoskeletal conditions/injuries in different settings including primary care, compulsory third party and the work environment. Students will practice the application of advanced physiotherapy procedures to diagnose and treat selected regions and cases. 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.

Details

Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Unit code	PHTY4221
Unit name	Advanced Professional Practice A
Session, year ?	Semester 1, 2023
Attendance mode	Normal day
Location	Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Credit points	6

Enrolment rules

Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	PHTY3081 and PHTY3086
Corequisites ?	PHTY4223
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff and contact details

Coordinator	Justin Sullivan, justin.sullivan@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Debra Shirley , debra.shirley@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Andrew Webster, a.webster@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Jonathan Ko , jonathan.ko@sydney.edu.au
Administrative staff	SHS Education Support - shs.ltadmin@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Written Exam Written Exam: MCQ and Short answer	70%	Week 10 Due date: 05 May 2023 at 10:00	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Practical examination Practical skills assessment	30%	Week 10	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:

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.

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.

Special consideration

If you experience short-term circumstances beyond your control, such as illness, injury or misadventure or if you have essential commitments which impact your preparation or performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

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.

Weekly schedule

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

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance:

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of 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.

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

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
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 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
	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 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 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
	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 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 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
	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 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 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
	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 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 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 - 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 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		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
4.4		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
5.2		engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice
6.1		use education to empower 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
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

Closing the loop

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

Additional information

Student Administration Manual on the Faculty of Health

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.

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Current students

Overview

Details

Enrolment rules

Teaching staff and contact details

Assessment

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Special consideration

Academic integrity

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Closing the loop

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

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Media

Student links

About us

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Current students

PHTY4221: Advanced Professional Practice A

Overview

Details

Enrolment rules

Teaching staff and contact details

Assessment

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Special consideration

Academic integrity

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Closing the loop

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect