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PHTY71-402: Physiotherapy: Musculoskeletal 1


In this subject students will integrate and extend their knowledge of clinically related musculoskeletal anatomy and tissue response to disease and trauma. The physiotherapist’s role in enhancing normal tissue healing and repair will be introduced. The impact of different conditions (rheumatological, degenerative, acute and repetitive trauma) upon the upper and lower limb and vertebral column will be explored.  Students will develop their ability to assess clients encountered in the inpatient orthopaedic and outpatient settings. Using sound clinical reasoning and evidence based approaches students will construct, evaluate and modify treatment to meet short- and long-term client goals.

Subject details

FacultyFaculty of Health Sciences & Medicine
Semesters offered
  • May 2020 [Non-Standard Offering]
  • January 2021 [Non-Standard Offering]
Study areas
  • Health Sciences
Subject fees
  • Commencing in 2020: $11,720
  • Commencing in 2021: $12,320

Learning outcomes

1. Explain the pathogenesis and common signs and symptoms of upper and lower limb conditions across the life span (using knowledge of anatomy, physiology and the mechanisms of healing and repair in different musculoskeletal
tissues including muscle, tendon, ligament, bone and nerve), with consideration to the impact that psychosocial factors have on a patient's presentation.
2. Critically discuss the evidence regarding tissue healing in patient/clients with musculoskeletal conditions.
3. Explain the scope of practice of physiotherapy and interaction with members of the healthcare team in the management of persons with vertebral, upper and lower limb musculoskeletal conditions in the inpatient, outpatient and community clinical settings.
4. Conduct a simulated patient / client interview, including informed consent, analyse findings and propose a provisional diagnosis for musculoskeletal conditions of the vertebral column, and peripheral systems.
5. Plan and perform an appropriate physical examination safely, based on the provisional diagnosis for patients / clients with vertebral, upper and lower limb musculoskeletal conditions (including fractures in the immobilisation or post immobilisation phase, spinal surgery, rheumatological, degenerative, overuse or traumatic conditions and pre and post joint replacement).
6. Interpret and prioritise assessment results to confirm the primary provisional diagnosis and design an appropriate treatment intervention using evidence based rationale to meet short- and long-term client goals.
7. Perform, analyse and modify treatment interventions safely, efficiently and effectively with informed consent. These interventions will include manual therapy, exercise therapy, electrophysical modalities, prescription of mobility and assistive devices, health maintenance and promotion, and behavioural interventions to maximise treatment compliance.
8. Select appropriate outcome measures to evaluate treatment intervention effectiveness and where necessary modify the intervention using clinical reasoning and knowledge of the evidence for practice.
9. Accurately document physiotherapy assessment, treatment, patient goals, handover notes and discharge plans in the legal format required by relevant institutions (hospital inpatient and out patient, community and private practice settings).
10. Effectively communicate in a culturally appropriate manner with peers, educators and simulated clients.
11. Describe the mechanisms of action for pharmacological agents commonly used to treat musculoskeletal conditions and to manage pain for inpatient orthopaedic patient/clients.
12. Describe and contrast the indications and interpretation of current medical imaging techniques for different musculoskeletal pathologies.
13. Discuss and compare current musculoskeletal orthopaedic surgical procedures for the vertebral column, upper and lower limbs.
14. Demonstrate effective collaborative leadership and teaching skills with a commitment to learning and evidence based practice in the context of a hea

Enrolment requirements

Requisites: ?


Restrictions: ?
  • Study Abroad Students


Anti-requisites: ?

Subject outlines

Subject dates

Non-Standard Offering
Enrolment opens15/03/2020
Semester start25/05/2020
Subject start08/06/2020
Cancellation 1?19/07/2020
Cancellation 2?01/08/2020
Last enrolment17/07/2020
Withdraw – Financial?29/08/2020
Withdraw – Academic?22/10/2020
Teaching census?28/08/2020