Outline

Overview

This unit introduces students to the sub-specialty stream of musculoskeletal physiotherapy. The unit is designed to develop and explore skills in observation, touch, and movement in a clinical environment. Students are taught and practice a number of introductory therapeutic techniques, including manual therapy, soft tissue massage and the use of electrophysical agents such as TENS. The principles of therapeutic exercise for mobility, strength and balance are explored and practiced. The unit also explores the physiology, psychology, measurement and management of musculoskeletal pain. Students are introduced to case based clinical reasoning that includes planning a musculoskeletal physical examination and selecting appropriate treatment interventions with appropriate dosage. This unit lays the foundation for Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy II, III and IV.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	PHTY5136
Academic unit	Movement Sciences
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	PHTY5137
Assumed knowledge ?	Bachelor's Degree Level study in Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Neuroscience, Psychology, and Exercise Physiology is essential. Knowledge of Motor Performance and Learning and Biomechanics is desirable but not essential
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	David Anderson, david.anderson1@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Debra Shirley, debra.shirley@sydney.edu.au
	Elizabeth Dylke, elizabeth.dylke@sydney.edu.au
	Milena Simic, milena.simic@sydney.edu.au
	David Anderson, david.anderson1@sydney.edu.au
	Fereshteh Pourkazemi, fereshteh.pourkazemi@sydney.edu.au
	Andrew Leaver, andrew.leaver@sydney.edu.au
	Tania Gardner, tania.gardner@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Nathalia Cordeiro da Costa, nathalia.costa@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Anita Amorim, anita.amorim@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final Written Exam Multiple choice and short written responses	60%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	End of Semester Practical Exam Role play demonstration of a treatment intervention.	20%	Formal exam period	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Week 7 Practical Exam Role play demonstration of selected assessment skills.	20%	Week 07	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Week 7 Practical Exam: Role play demonstration of selected assessment skills. This may include –
- observation of a functional task
- palpation of selected anatomical structures
- Active movements of a peripheral joint
- Passive physiological movements of a peripheral joint
- Passive accessory movement of the shoulder or ankle
End of Semester Practical exam: Role play demonstration of one of the following treatment interventions –
- Manual Therapy – Massage or Joint mobilisation technique of the Shoulder or Ankle
- Exercise prescription of a patient with either an upper or lower musculoskeletal impairment.
- Therapeutic modality – TENs
Written examination: Multiple choice and short written responses

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	Work Health and Safety; Models of Healthcare	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to WHS; Anatomy/palpation of the upper limb	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Introduction to the physical examination; Observation of Posture and Balance	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Anatomy/palpation of the lower limb; Observation of Posture and Balance	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Observation of functional tasks - reaching and manipulation, sit to stand, and walking	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Functional tasks - reaching and manipulation, sit to stand, and walking	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Examination of the MS system - look, feel, move, function	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Upper Limb: 1. Active and passive movement; 2. Regional assessment	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Tissue injury and healing process	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Lower Limb: 1. Active and passive movement; 2. Regional Assessment	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Introduction to Pain	Lecture (2 hr)
	Physical Examination of a patient with mild impairments of the ankle; Putting it all together/Exam practice	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Practical Examination Q and A	Online class (1 hr)
Week 08	Introduction to chronic pain	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Introduction to Pain management strategies	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Introduction to pain management interventions	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Application of Electro-modalities (TENs)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Introduction to Manual therapy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Manual Therapy interventions (Joint mobilisation and Massage)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Exercise prescription and planning in a healthy population	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Exercise prescription and planning in a healthy population	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Therapeutic exercise prescription for musculoskeletal conditions	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Therapeutic exercise prescription for musculoskeletal conditions	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Review of semester - putting it all together; Exam review	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Exercise prescription for musculoskeletal conditions (Cont.); Exam review	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Supervised exam practice	Practical (2 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Practical Examination Q and A	Online class (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lectures: All lectures will be delivered face-to-face.

Note: Students are expected to participate in the activities, provide answers to questions or participate in discussions. Face-to-face lectures will aim to be recorded and posted online afterwards, but students are expected to attend in-person. Also, lecture recordings are not always successfully recorded, so students should not rely on this.

Tutorials: 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.

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

Prescribed:

There is no prescribed text. Readings are from readily available online resources or items available from the library.

Recommended:

Brukner and Khan’s Clinical Sports Medicine, 5e, Volume 1; Injuries
Brukner and Khan’s Clinical Sports Medicine, 5e, Volume 2; The Medicine of Exercise.
Carr J H, Shepherd R B. Stroke Rehabilitation: guidelines for exercise and training to optimize motor skill. 2003
Prentice W E, Quillen W S, Underwood F. Therapeutic Modalities in Rehabilitation. 4th ed, 2011
Shultz S, Houglan P, Perrin, D. Examination of Musculoskeletal Injuries, 2015

You will be required to read 1 or 2 chapters from each of the above textbooks during this semester. You have free access to all the above resources either through access physiotherapy or the FMH library. Refer to Canvas for links.

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. comply with the standards of practice and professional behaviour of an AHPRA registered physiotherapy student
LO2. describe physiotherapy with respect to its purpose, role, and contribution to health care using the International Classification of Functioning framework
LO3. identify elements of surface anatomy by accurately and differentiating superficial structures.
LO4. plan and perform a selected range of assessment skills on an individual with a musculoskeletal condition
LO5. explain the pathology and clinical presentation of common soft tissue injuries presenting to physiotherapists
LO6. explain types of pain and their management
LO7. plan and treat using a selected range of therapeutic skills, including the use of electro-therapeutic techniques (e.g TENs) and manual therapy (e.g. soft tissue massage and joint mobilisation) for a person with a musculoskeletal condition
LO8. prescribe (teach) exercises using the principles of exercise prescription

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 - 2. Professional and ethical practitioner 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 6. Educator 6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others. 7. Manager/leader 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 - 2. Professional and ethical practitioner 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. Communicator 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 6. Educator 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. Manager/leader 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. Physiotherapy practitioner 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment 2. Professional and ethical practitioner 2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines 3. Communicator 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. Reflective practitioner and self-directed learner 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 8. Foundational abilities 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
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1. Physiotherapy practitioner 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. Professional and ethical practitioner 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. Communicator 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. Reflective practitioner and self-directed learner 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 8. Foundational abilities 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
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1. Physiotherapy practitioner 1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment 8. Foundational abilities 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
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1. Physiotherapy practitioner 2. Professional and ethical practitioner 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. Communicator 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 8. Foundational abilities 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
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1. Physiotherapy practitioner 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. Professional and ethical practitioner 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. Communicator 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. Reflective practitioner and self-directed learner 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 8. Foundational abilities 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
	Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - 1. Physiotherapy practitioner 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. Professional and ethical practitioner 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. Communicator 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. Reflective practitioner and self-directed learner 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 6. Educator 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 8. Foundational abilities 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

Responding to student feedback

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

Lectures and the written exam were moved from online (2022) to face-to-face (2023).

Additional information

Canvas:

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PHTY5136: Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy IA

Semester 1, 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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect