PTY1502 Physiotherapy 1

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

1. 1

   Apply knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology relating to the spine, lower limb and upper limb to the clinical assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions across the lifespan.

2. 2

   Identify clinical characteristics indicative of dominant pain mechanisms for a given musculoskeletal presentation.

3. 3

   Integrate knowledge of dominant pain mechanisms with biopsychosocial factors to support evidence-based assessment and clinical management.

4. 4

   Demonstrate appropriate documentation and defensible clinical decision making in response to systematic screening for musculoskeletal red flags, including features of serious spinal pathology, cauda equina syndrome, and cervical vascular involvement.

5. 5

   Identify and document psychosocial factors using validated screening instruments in prognosis formulation, risk stratification, and management planning, including the management of patients with compensable and healthcare frameworks.

6. 6

   Appraise sources of evidence relating to musculoskeletal clinical presentations, including its suitability to inform clinical decision making.

7. 7

   Critique digital health technologies, including those enabled with artificial intelligence, in the context of musculoskeletal presentations.

8. 8

   Perform systematic musculoskeletal physical examination, including safe positioning, clear verbal instruction, and appropriate and effective technique.

9. 9

   Apply clinical reasoning to implement safe and effective therapist-applied physiotherapy management.

10. 10

    Prescribe exercise for musculoskeletal presentations, integrating knowledge of acute-exercise variables and progression frameworks to target specific, age-appropriate adaptation across the lifespan.

11. 11

    Apply clinical reasoning to provide functional aids and physical adjuncts, including the safe prescription and fitting of gait aids, and basic taping techniques.

12. 12

    Demonstrate person-centred, culturally safe and trauma-informed musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice in simulated environments.