Faculty of Health

Module Learning Outcomes:

The students should be able to:

• Discuss the related theoretical underpinning of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pathology, symptomatology and mechanisms of pain for the case history chosen
• Demonstrate appropriate interpretation of assessment findings, clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis and decision-making
• Demonstrate on a model, safe and appropriate handling skills in the application and appropriate adaption of a broad range of examination and assessment skills
• Argue the justification of specific manual therapy examination skills and reflect on decisions made
• Discuss the general philosophies and controversies behind manual therapy
• Provide evidence of a broad range of critical reading

Module Dates

27-31 January 2014 & 24 - 28 February 2014

Exam within 7/8/9 April 2014

This module runs once every two years.

The module 'The Essentials of Manual Therapy for Spinal Dysfunction' also runs every second year alternating with this Peripheral Joint Dysfunction module.

Module Aims:

• To broaden the students undergraduate knowledge in the areas of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pathology, symptomatology and mechanisms of pain in specific areas
• To facilitate the student’s ability to demonstrate appropriate interpretation of assessment findings, clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis and decision making in the field of peripheral joint dysfunction
• To promote the student’s reflective approach to examination and assessment of peripheral joint dysfunction
• To enable the student to perform a high level of skill in manual therapy examination and assessment procedures and adapt these appropriately to specific cases of peripheral joint dysfunction
• To promote critical appraisal of theories and current research in the field of manual therapy and peripheral joint dysfunction

Entry Requirements

The course is normally aimed at newly qualified Physiotherapists who have clinical experience treating patients with peripheral joint dysfunction at undergraduate level. Some candidates who do not have adequate undergraduate experience may be asked to take part in a prior interactive practical assessment.

Candidates should normally have a first or second-class honours degree in a relevant subject and/or professional qualifications.

Candidates will need background knowledge in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pathology and pain.

Module Content:

The content below will be in relation to manual therapy assessment of peripheral joint dysfunction:- 

• Revision of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychosocial issues and concepts of pain.   symptomatology and identification of clinical syndromes in specific areas
• Interpretation of assessment findings, clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis and decision-making.
• Demonstration of safe and appropriate handling skills in the application and adaption of a broad range of examination and assessment skills, reflection on practice and recording of data.
• Justification of manual therapy examination skills for peripheral joint dysfunction and reflection of decision made.
• Promotion of student self critical study of the general philosophies, controversies and evidence behind manual therapy.

Teaching Format

Block sessions: Lead lectures, workshops, practical sessions and tutorials. Reflective case studies incorporating interpretation of assessment findings, clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis and decision making. Resources are available for self-directed psychomotor practice within the School. The student will be expected to do some self study work to present within the sessions.

Assessment Type:                                                                                    

Summative assessment 100% Portfolio incorporating 3 case studies directing an Interactive Practical Assessment (IPA)