module specification

This module provides a foundation in the concepts and practices of musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy through the development of core assessment, movement analysis, and intervention skills. It focuses on structured subjective and objective assessment techniques, biomechanical principles, exercise prescription, manual therapy foundations, and patient education approaches.

The module introduces students to systematic safe and effective methods of gathering clinical information and performing physical assessments, progressing from general frameworks to regional joint assessment in the MSK physiotherapy discipline. Teaching emphasises accurate measurement, safe handling, and consistent application of standardised procedures. Biomechanical concepts are explored to support understanding of movement, posture, and load management.

Students are also introduced to fundamental principles of therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and electrophysical modalities, alongside basic self-management and health education strategies. These skills are contextualised within professional, ethical, and inclusive practice frameworks aligned with the Education for Social Justice Framework.

Learning is delivered through blended methods, including lectures, practical workshops, guided and self-directed practice, and reflective activities. Students are supported to develop professional behaviours, reflective practice, and awareness of scope of practice in preparation for clinical placements. This module provides essential preparation for applied and condition-focused learning at Levels 5 and 6.

Co-requisites: NA 

Available for Study Abroad? NO

Knowledge:
The module introduces core musculoskeletal concepts, including biomechanical and anatomical principles underpinning posture, gait, and joint function are explored, alongside basic tissue healing and adaptation concepts (LO1). The module includes learning on telehealth, community physiotherapy and mobility aids, promoting inclusive and sustainable practice (LO1, LO4). Students learn to apply general assessment frameworks before progressing to regional assessment of major joints of the upper and lower limb (LO2).

Teaching addresses fundamental principles of therapeutic exercise, including strength, flexibility, endurance, and motor control, with emphasis on safe dosage and progression (LO3). Introductory manual therapy and electrophysical modality techniques are presented within evidence-informed and safety-focused frameworks (LO3).

Skills:
The module introduces structured approaches to musculoskeletal subjective and objective assessment, including history taking, observation, range of motion measurement, strength testing, movement analysis, and functional assessment (LO2).
Practical sessions focus on introductory manual therapy, neurodynamic techniques, electrophysical agents and adjuncts, and exercise prescription for acute and long-term conditions (LO3).

Case studies and practice sessions enable students to apply learning in simulated scenarios (LO2–LO4).

Attitudes:
The teaching emphasises on principles such as empathy, cultural competence, patient centres care, and problem-solving skills for clinical reasoning and patient interactions (LO4)· Patient education and self-management concepts are embedded throughout practical sessions, supporting the development of clear communication and health literacy (LO4, LO5).Reflective activities, peer learning, and guided practice sessions support professional identity development and engagement with inclusive practice principles (LO5).

The teaching in this module comprises scheduled teaching, guided independent study, and reflective activities adopting blended and inclusive learning approaches.

1. Scheduled sessions include lectures, tutorials, practical workshops, simulation-based learning, and supervised skills practice. These activities promote collaborative learning, and peer feedback, within supportive learning environments.
2. Digital resources, recorded lectures, interactive case studies, and online discussion boards are used to enhance accessibility and flexibility. Universal Design for Learning principles ensure materials are presented in multiple formats, including visual, auditory, and written resources to cater for the needs of students.
3. Guided independent study encourages students to engage with academic literature, clinical guidelines, and digital learning materials. Practice time enables students to consolidate psychomotor skills in safe, inclusive environments.
4. Assessment preparation is integrated throughout the module through formative feedback, peer review, and scaffolded learning tasks. Students are supported to develop time-management, academic writing, and professional communication skills.

By the end of this module, the students should be able to:

1. Describe fundamental biomechanical, anatomical, and tissue-related concepts relevant to human movement and musculoskeletal function.
2. Describe and demonstrate structured and systematic subjective and objective assessment techniques in general and regional musculoskeletal contexts.
3. Apply fundamental principles of treatment modalities, and basic self-management strategies, within established safety and ethical guidelines, and demonstrate understanding of their applicability. 
4. Communicate professionally and empathetically with service users, peers and the multidisciplinary team, reflecting inclusive and reflective practice principles.
5. Reflect on personal learning, professional development, and the social responsibilities of physiotherapy practice.
    

Introduction to Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice | London Metropolitan University

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