Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
Overview
This unit provides students with the knowledge, practical clinical skills and contemporary evidence to effectively assess, treat and manage individuals from diverse backgrounds who have orthopaedic and musculoskeletal presentations. This unit develops clinical reasoning that underlies the differential diagnosis of common musculoskeletal conditions based on the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model utilising validated outcome measures focusing on peripheral joints. Students will link their assessment to evidence-based intervention strategies that includes a focus on exercise.
Requisites
Rules
Pre-requisite
Admission into MA-PHYS - Master of Physiotherapy
OR
MA-PHYS1 - Master of Physiotherapy
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Critically evaluate and synthesise current research evidence underpinning the differential diagnosis, assessment and intervention of musculoskeletal conditions and post-surgical orthopaedic presentations
- Select, safely perform and justify appropriate and safe physiotherapy assessments for people with musculoskeletal and post-surgical orthopaedic presentations
- Apply effective clinical reasoning to analyse and explain the findings of assessments and produce prioritised problem lists and person-centred goals relevant to people with musculoskeletal and post-surgical orthopaedic presentations
- Safely perform, evaluate and justify evidence-informed and person-centred physiotherapy interventions, for musculoskeletal and post-surgical orthopaedic presentations within interdisciplinary contexts
- Interpret and effectively communicate clinical information to clients, caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members from diverse backgrounds to enhance understanding, inclusivity, and engagement in the therapeutic process
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Activity Type | Activity | Total Hours | Number of Weeks | Hours Per Week | Venue Type and Activity Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live Online | Lecture | 24 | 12 weeks | 2 | |
| On-campus | Lab | 36 | 12 weeks | 3 | |
| Specified Activities | Various | 30 | 12 weeks | 2.5 | Readings, Problem-based learning, Discussion board, Quiz |
| Unspecified Activities | Independent Learning | 60 | 12 weeks | 5 | Independent study, Assignment preparation, Examination preparation |
| Total Hours: | 150 | Total Hours (per week): | 12.5 | ||
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Individual | 30% | 1,2,3,5 |
| Practical Examination | Individual | 30% | 2,3,4,5 |
| Practical and Oral Examination | Individual | 40% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Content
Type, mode and progression of exercise prescription
Introduction to common musculoskeletal and post operative orthopaedic presentations
Radiological features of common musculoskeletal and post operative orthopaedic presentations Verbal and written communication skills and goal-oriented framework of subjective examination
Evaluation of contemporary research evidence to inform the management of musculoskeletal and post operative orthopaedic presentations
Introduction to technology that supports clinical assessment and management of musculoskeletal and post operative orthopaedic presentations
Physiotherapy interventions, including exercise prescription, manual therapy, and advanced technologies
Inter-disciplinary short- and long-term goal setting
Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Verbal communication
Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Communicating using different media
Graduate Attribute – Teamwork Skills: Collaboration and negotiation
Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Information literacy
Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Technical literacy
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.