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Title / Neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) Physiotherapy
Code / PT 214
Level / FHEQ level 5 (intermediate)
Credit rating / 20 points
Pre-requisites / Progression to year 2 BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
Type of module / extensive
Aims /
  1. To enable the student to safely, effectively and efficiently examine, assess, treat and manage patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction of the upper and lower quadrants.

Learning outcomes/objectives / On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
  • carry out an efficient and effective subjective and physical examination of the upper and lower quadrants
  • summarise the assessment of the subjective and physical examination findings to formulate the following hypotheses: the source of the patient's symptom(s), function, contributing factors, precautions and contraindications, treatment and management plan, prognosis
  • demonstrate effective skill in communicating information, advice and instructions to peers, educators and model patients
  • carry out an efficient and effective treatment and management strategy
  • explain and evaluate the research evidence and theoretical concepts which underpin NMS examination, assessment, treatment and management strategies

Content / Subjective and physical examination and assessment,
Treatment planning and techniques. Physiotherapy management strategies Ergonomics.
Teaching and learning strategies / Tutorials will use case scenarios to develop the students clinical reasoning skills in examination, assessment, treatment and management. Practical classes will be used to develop the students communication and handling skills in examination and treatment procedures. Students will act as models for each other. Students will be expected to carry out self-directed study and practice of skills to enhance their learning.
Formative feedback will not only be given throughout the module in practical classes but through a peer assessed practical session half way through.
Learning support / A module handbook will underpin the teaching. Videos of patient examination and treatment will be available in the library and on student central. Anatomical models are available for classroom teaching and for student self directed study.
Butler, D. 2000. The sensitive nervous system. Adelaide: Noigroup.
Maitland, G. D., E. Hengeveld, K. Banks and K. English. 2001. Maitland's vertebral manipulation. 6th ed. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.
Petty, N.J. 2006. Neuromusculoskeletal examination and assessment, a handbook for therapists, 3rd ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Petty, N.J. 2004 Principles of neuromusculoskeletal treatment and management: a guide for therapists Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone
Refshauge, K. and E. Gass. 1995. Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.
Journal articles will be recommended by the module team as appropriate.
Assessment tasks / The summative assessment will consist of a 25 minute practical examination assessed by staff.The students will be asked to make a self assessment linked to this so that they reflect on their experience. The examination will be case based.
The student must achieve a pass mark of 40% in the practical examination to successfully complete the module.
Brief description of module content and/or aims (maximum 80 words) / This subject is a core skill of any physiotherapist working in a hospital, private practice or community setting. This module sets out to prepare the student for the examination, assessment, treatment and management of patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. Safe, efficient and effective management of patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction necessitates the need for effective communication and handling skills, and an understanding of sound clinical reasoning.
Area examination board to which module relates / BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
Module team/authors/ coordinator / Clair Hebron, Colette Ridehalgh , Nikki Petty, Guy Canby – module leader.
Semester offered, where appropriate / Year 2 Semesters 1 and 2
Site where delivered / Eastbourne
Date of first approval
Date of last revision
Date of approval of this version / November 2009
Version number / 1
Replacement for previous module / PT 202 and PT 316
Field for which module is acceptable and status in that field / BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, compulsory
Course(s) for which module is acceptable and status in course / BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, compulsory
School home / School of Health Professions
External examiner / Helena Johnson October 2009-2013
Marilyn Andrews October 2007 - 2011