Faculty of Health

Module Learning Outcomes:

The students should be able to:

• Discuss the pathology and symptomatology of spinal musculoskeletal dysfunction.
• Identify clinical presentations, analyse complex pathological presentations and their symptomatology in relation to establishing a clinical diagnosis.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge base of anatomy, physiology, tissue biomechanics, and concepts of pain in relation to spinal dysfunction (private study).
• Demonstrate a Masters level skill in analytical examination, differential testing and assessment of spinal dysfunction and recording patient data.
• Justify the holistic management of a patient with spinal dysfunction, incorporating management modification, dictated by the interpretation of assessment findings and guided by analytical evaluation and reflection.
• Demonstrate an appropriate skill in the implementation of manual therapy assessment, including an evaluative approach to indications, contraindications and precautions.
• Demonstrate problem-solving skills and justify clinical decision-making.
• Critically appraise current literature in the field of assessment of spinal dysfunction, and discuss the issues involved in researching manual therapy concepts.

Module session dates

This module runs every second year so will next run in 2014/15

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

Module aims

• To broaden and build upon the student’s understanding of, and skill in, the examination of Spinal musculoskeletal dysfunction.
• To enable the student to make appropriate choices for the holistic management of spinal musculoskeletal dysfunction.
• To promote the student’s reflective approach to analysis and clinical decision making.
• To promote critical appraisal of current research in the field of spinal musculoskeletal dysfunction.

Entry requirements
The course is aimed at Physiotherapists who have clinical experience treating patients with spinal musculoskeletal dysfunction at undergraduate level.

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

Candidates will also need background knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and pain

Candidates must be eligible for membership of the Health Professions Council.

Module content

In relation to spinal dysfunction the content will consist of:

• Revision of anatomy, physiology, tissue biomechanics, psychosocial issues and concepts of pain.  Pathology, symptomatology and identification of clinical syndromes (private study).
• Updating and improving existing skills in analytical patient examination and assessment.
• Developing the students manual therapy skill utilising a variety of techniques used in the assessment of patients with spinal dysfunction.
• Clinical reasoning and decision-making
• Critical evaluation of research into manual therapy concepts and associated issues of researching this area.

Teaching Format

Block sessions:  Lead lectures, practical sessions, and tutorials. Presentation and discussion of review papers. Reflective case studies, clinical decision making. Learning Contracts.  The student is advised to gain some relevant clinical experiences during this module.  Resources are available for self-directed psychomotor practice within the School.

Assessment

Summative assessment 100% Interactive Practical Assessment (IPA) incorporating 3 case histories presented within a portfolio.