PTY1501 Foundations of physiotherapy

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

1. 1

   Reflect on the formation of early professional identity through metacognitive reasoning within the context of Australian physiotherapy scopes, specialisations, rural practice, and AHPRA ethical and registration requirements.

2. 2

   Apply knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and physics concepts to explain relevant physiotherapy clinical phenomena, as they relate to musculoskeletal assessment and care in allied health practice.

3. 3

   Apply the International classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF) framework and the biopsychosocial model to basic physiotherapy cases.

4. 4

   Apply an evidence-based practice framework to a physiotherapy clinical scenario.

5. 5

   Evaluate appropriate use of digital health technologies, including those enabled with artificial intelligence, in healthcare.

6. 6

   Articulate, examine, and demonstrate the application of work health and safety considerations for settings where allied health professionals practise (e.g. infection control, hand hygiene, risk management).

7. 7

   Demonstrate practice skills relating to manual handling, equipment use, and mobility techniques, that are safe and appropriate for musculoskeletal presentations.

8. 8

   Apply clinical reasoning to support safe and appropriate use of external cooling and superficial heating, and electrophysical agents, for musculoskeletal presentations.

9. 9

   Conduct and interpret physiotherapy safety screening procedures relevant to major body systems, including in the context of musculoskeletal presentations.

10. 10

    Demonstrate accurate assessment and interpretation of clinical measures across resting and post-exertional contexts, applying normal and abnormal reference ranges to support clinical decision-making.

11. 11

    Design, conduct and document a structured physiotherapy assessment consistent with professional and medicolegal standards.

12. 12

    Apply person-centred communication to physiotherapy clinical scenarios, identifying key principles of culturally safe and trauma-informed care.