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Unit of study_

PHTY5206: Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy IV

Semester 1b, 2020 [Normal day] - Cumberland, Sydney

This unit will integrate knowledge from earlier units of study and develop the skills required for the management of musculoskeletal conditions with a more complex presentation. Students learn to distinguish patients with non-specific pain from those suspected of having underlying disease/pathology. The unit covers the differential diagnosis, clinical course and prognostic factors of common musculoskeletal conditions. Students will develop the ability to select and implement interventions based on clinical reasoning, principles of evidence-based practice and safety. Emphasis will be placed on differential diagnosis, musculoskeletal surgical procedures and post-surgical protocols, and the biomechanics of joint load reduction.

Unit details and rules

Unit code PHTY5206
Academic unit
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
PHTY5203 and PHTY5204
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Claire Hiller, claire.hiller@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam Online Exam
MCQ and Short answer
70% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Skills-based evaluation Viva examination
Clinical case-based
30% Formal exam period 18 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Assessment summary

Final skills based examination: Students will be individually tested on case based clinical skills.
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

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

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

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

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

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

Academic integrity

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

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

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

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

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 09 1. Initial management decisions, does this patient belong in my clinic?; 2. How often should I see this patient? Incorporating natural history into prognosis; 3. Thoracic spine: triage and assessment; 4. Thoracic spine: management Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
1. Assessment/intervention: Differential diagnosis and treatment of a patient with lumbopelvic pain and thoracic spine pain Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 10 1. Assessment: Diagnostic imaging for bone and joint pathologies; 2. Assessment: Diagnostic imaging for bone and joint pathologies; 3. Assessment/intervention: peripheral neuropathies; 4. Assessment/intervention: peripheral neuropathy or radiculopathy? - Differential diagnosis Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
1. Assessment/intervention: differential diagnosis and treatment of wrist pain; 2. Assessment/intervention: radiculopathy and neuropathy Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 11 Post-operative rehabilitation - joint replacement, surgical procedures of the spine, soft tissue surgery and fractures Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6
1. Assessment/intervention: post-operative rehabilitation for joint replacements and spine surgery, and for soft tissue surgery with emphasis on rehabilitation progression Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 12 1. Clinical biomechanics of exercise prescription: trunk and extremities; 2. Clinical biomechanics of joint load reduction: alignment and bracing, and walking aids an neuromuscular training Lecture (4 hr) LO3 LO4
Assessment/intervention: exercise prescription, and joint load reduction during gait Tutorial (4 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 1. Clinical biomechanics of load reduction: foot function and clinical assessment, foot orthoses and other strategies; 2. Intervention: stretching for prevention and rehabilitation of injuries; 3. Case Study: clinical reasoning and treatment Lecture (4 hr) LO3 LO4
1. Intervention: addressing soft tissue restrictions; 2. Assessment/intervention: lower extremity case study with emphasis on imaging and special tests Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 14 (STUVAC) 1. Pharmacology in musculoskeletal conditions; 2. Pharmacology for pain control; 3. Evidence-based practice: response to treatment, subgroups, effect size, statistical power, clinical prediction rules; 4. Psychometric properties of rating scales/questionnaires as outcome measures Lecture (4 hr) LO3 LO6
1. Assessment/intervention: upper extremity case study with emphasis on imaging and special tests; 2. Preparation for practical exam using case studies Tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of tutorials for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Dean, Head of School, or Professor most concerned. The Dean, Head of  School, or Professor most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate tutorial attendance.

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

  • Brukner P and Khan K (2012): Clinical Sports Medicine (4th Ed). Sydney: McGraw-Hill

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

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

  • LO1. describe the aetiology, pathological changes, signs and symptoms, assessment and prognosis of musculoskeletal conditions with more complex presentations
  • LO2. identify clinical signs suggestive of serious or sinister pathology, and implications for physiotherapy professional scope of practice within the healthcare team
  • LO3. apply latest evidence-based-practice into the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions throughout the body
  • LO4. understand and apply the clinical biomechanical principles of tissue load reduction and exercise prescription
  • LO5. identify and incorporate eHealth solutions into clinical practice
  • LO6. incorporate knowledge of diagnostic imaging and pharmacology into the physiotherapy management plan of musculoskeletal conditions.

Graduate qualities

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

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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
2.3. recognise the need for, and implement, appropriate strategies to manage their physical and mental health and resilience
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
4.3. 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 provide knowledge to themselves and others.
7.1. organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
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.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
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
2.3. recognise the need for, and implement, appropriate strategies to manage their physical and mental health and resilience
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
4.3. 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.
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
LO3
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
2.3. recognise the need for, and implement, appropriate strategies to manage their physical and mental health and resilience
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
4.3. 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 provide knowledge to themselves and others.
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.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
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
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
4.5. recognise situations that are outside their scope of expertise or competence and take appropriate and timely action
5.2. engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice
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
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
2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
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
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.
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.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
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
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
3.2. 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
4.5. recognise situations that are outside their scope of expertise or competence and take appropriate and timely action
5.1. engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice
5.2. engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice
6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
7.1. organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
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 -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 T P A plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment
1.2 T P 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 T P A review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life
2.1 T P A comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines
2.2 T P A make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours
3.1 T P 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 T P A record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
4.1 T P assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice
4.2 T P evaluate their learning needs, engage in relevant continuing professional development and recognise when to seek professional support, including peer review
4.3 T P A efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
4.4 T P A proactively apply principles of quality improvement and risk management to practice
4.5 T P A recognise situations that are outside their scope of expertise or competence and take appropriate and timely action
5.1 T P engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice
5.2 T P A engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice
6.1 T P A use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
8.A T P 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 T P A knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice including evidence-based practice
8.C T P 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.E T P A competence to practise as a physiotherapist autonomously as well as a member of an interprofessional team in relevant clinical situations
8.F T P 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.

Individual student feedback emailed following the practical exam

More information related to this unit will be provided in class.

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