513-201 Physiotherapy Principles & Practice 2

Credit Points

Coordinator

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject is taught in conjunction with Theory of Physiotherapy Practice and applies the principles taught in that subject to the assessment, differential diagnosis and management of soft tissue injuries.

This includes the application of motor skill learning in the retraining of movement, assessment procedures and problem solving processes as applied to clinical decision making, exercise prescription, mobilising techniques, introduction to hydrotherapy, basic facilitation techniques and effective communication and interpersonal skills.

The students will be encourage to develop the ability to obtain and interpret appropriate assessment details specifically related to soft tissue injuries of peripheral and vertebral joints and to record these findings. They will practice problem solving in assessment and treatment selection. Analysis of posture and movement; skills in patient handling, positioning, transfers and in safe lifting will be explored. As well students will be expected to develop skills in the selection and performance of appropriate techniques to mobilise joints and soft tissue structures, the selection, performance and prescription of exercises and the application of bio-mechanical principles and motor skill learning to exercise; the ability to apply bandages, tape, plasters and a variety of orthotics. Students will be introduced to the skills needed for some cardiothoracic assessment techniques and skills in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation.

Assessment

This will include class assessment (20%), (skills testing, video performance) and practical exams (80%). Attendance at clinical sessions is a requirement.

Prescribed Texts

• Maitland G D, Vertebral Manipulation. 5th ed. 1986 Butterworth Heinemann.
• Maitland G D, Peripheral Manipulation. 3rd ed. 1991 Butterworth Heinemann.
• Corrigan B and Maitland G D, Practical Orthopaedic Medicine. Butterworth & Co Ltd 1983 Sydney Toronto Wellington.