Outline

Overview

This unit will integrate knowledge from earlier units of study and develop the skills required for primary care 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 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 imaging studies, pharmacology, the assessment and treatment of patients recovering from orthopaedic surgery, as well as the biomechanical principles of exercise prescription and interventions that reduce joint load.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	PHTY2059
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Justin Sullivan, justin.sullivan@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam	Written Online examination MCQ and short answer	60%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Final Viva examination (Online) Clinical skills examination	20%	Formal exam period	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Mid semester Viva examination (Online) Clinical skills examination	20%	Week 07	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Midsemester practical examination: Students will be individually tested performing part of a physical examination.
Final practical examination: Students will be individually tested performing physiotherapy interventions.

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 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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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	1. Initial management decisions; 2. Incorporating natural history into prognosis	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Assessment/intervention: differential diagnosis and treatment of a patient with lumbopelvic pain	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	1. Thoracic spine: triage and assessment; 2. Thoracic spine: management	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Assessment/intervention: differential diagnosis and treatment of thoracic spine pain	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Assessment: diagnostic imaging for bone and joint pathologies; 2. Assessment: diagnostic imaging for musculotendinous pathologies	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Assessment/intervention: differential diagnosis and treatment of wrist pain	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	1. Assessment/intervention: peripheral neuropathies; 2. Assessment/intervention: peripheral neuropathy or radiculopathy? Differential diagnosis	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Assessment/intervention: radiculopathy and neuropathy	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	1. Post-operative rehabilitation - joint replacement; 2. Post-operative rehabilitation - surgical procedures of the spine	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Assessment/intervention: post-operative rehabilitation for joint replacements and spine surgery	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	1. Post-operative rehabilitation - soft tissue surgery; 2. Post-operative rehabilitation - fractures	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Assessment/intervention: post-operative rehabilitation for soft tissue surgery with emphasis on rehabilitation progression	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	1. Clinical biomechanics of exercise prescription: trunk; 2. Clinical biomechanics of exercise prescription: extremities	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Assessment/intervention: exercise prescription	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	1. Clinical biomechanics of joint load reduction: alignment and bracing; 2. Clinical biomechanics of load reduction: walking aids and neuromuscular training	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Assessment/intervention: joint load reduction during gait	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	1. Clinical biomechanics of load reduction: foot function and clinical assessment; 2. Clinical biomechanics of load reduction: foot orthoses and other strategies	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Assessment/intervention: lower extremity case study with emphasis on imaging and special tests	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	1. Intervention: stretching for prevention and rehabilitation of injuries; 2. Case study: clinical reasoning and treatment	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Intervention: addressing soft tissue restrictions	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	1. Pharmacology in musculoskeletal conditions; 2. Pharmacology for pain control	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Assessment/intervention: upper extremity case study with emphasis on imaging and special tests	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	1. Evidence-based practice: response to treatment, subgroups, effect size, statistical power, clinical prediction rules; 2. Psychometric properties of rating scales/questionnaires as outcome measures	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Preparation for practical exam using case studies	Tutorial (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 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. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90%. All students are required to complete the online excel assignment.
Required materials: When you are practicing examination and treatment techniques it may be necessary to expose the relevant parts of the body. You must therefore be prepared to undress to your underwear and/or bring brief shorts or other suitable clothing (e.g. swimwear/crop top) to your classes. Privacy screens are available and must be arranged prior to commencement of class.

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, or are available on Canvas.

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. 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
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 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
	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 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
	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 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
	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 4.3. 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
	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 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
	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 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		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
4.1		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
4.4		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.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
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

Responding to student feedback

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

Students were generally positive in their feedback regarding the content and the teaching. We are continuing to have a strong focus on cases and reasoning, particularly through the tutorials. We have added weekly quizzes this semester to assist with consolidating the presented material.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas.

Student Administration Manual on the Faculty of Health Sciences

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit.

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

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

PHTY3081: PT in Musculoskeletal Conditions C

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Cumberland, 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

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect