Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- interview the client and detect, palpate and measure the functionality of the muscles and joints
- explain and identify the effects of manual therapy and thermal treatments as well as indications and contraindications
- utilize the basic techniques of manual therapy
- appropriately and ergonomically use manual therapy and thermal treatments as part of physiotherapy

Implementation and methods of teaching

Practice classes and online lectures and tasks to be completed independently.

Timing and attendance

September-December 2022.
58 h of contact teaching and 77 h of independent work
The course requires participation in the teaching hours.

Learning material and recommended literature

1. Clarkson, H.M. Musculoskeletal assessment: joint range of motion and manual muscle strength. 2nd ed. Philadelphia. 2013. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
2. Kauranen, K. Physiotherapist's handbook. 4th edition 2021. SanomaPro.
3. Luomajoki, H. Disorders of movement and movement control. 2018. VK-kustannus Oy.
4. Magee, J. Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 7th edition 2021. Elsevier. Canada.
5. Sandström, M., Ahonen, J. Moving human - brain, exercise physiology and applied biomechanics. 2011. VK-Kustannut Oy.
6. Other material mentioned by the teacher

Alternative completion methods

No other performance options. Possibility of partial credit with a massage therapist's professional qualification or other manual therapy skills, where applicable. The AHOT process is handled personally with the teacher in charge.

Working life cooperation

Customer meetings possible; more detailed instructions on the Moodle platform.

Exam retakes

Theory and practical exams, assignments and customer report.
Screens at week 49.
If necessary, the re-examination will be arranged with the teacher of the course.

Learning environment

Lahti and Lappeenranta campus, online environment, possible customer meetings

Student time use and work load

Student workload 135 h.

Contents

Content themes:

- Measurement quality requirements
- Interview as a research method
- Examining posture and posture
- Functional tests and inspection in store
- Measurement of joint range of motion, assessment of muscle tension, manual muscle testing (body, trunk, lower limb, upper limb), measurement of the length difference of the lower limbs

- The process and event of soft tissue treatment
- Extracts, contraindications and indications for soft tissue treatment
- Soft tissue treatments: back, neck-shoulder area, upper limb, lower limb
- Surface heat and cold treatments

- Customer meetings and their reporting
- Independent theory online study
- Independent practice with a partner at school or at home

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

Musculoskeletal anatomy studies must be ongoing at the same time.

Assessment criteria

The development of competence is monitored throughout the course through participation activities. In addition, competence is assessed with various learning tasks. Theory and practical exam at the end of the course.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student's skills do not meet the level 1 assessment criteria. The student does not participate in classroom teaching or is repeatedly absent from classroom teaching.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student
- know the diversity of physiotherapeutic research methods (interview, observation, palpation, measurement)
- examines the client's position and movements, applying some examination methods
- often needs the support of the teacher and other students when using the measuring instruments needed to assess the function of the joints and the research methods used to assess muscle strength and muscle tension
- manages the measurement reliably, but there are flaws in the conclusions drawn from the results
- understands the importance of documenting research results, but recording requires support
- explains the effects of massage and physical treatments, as well as their most important indications and contraindications
- is able to plan a therapy for the client, but taking the client into account when planning the therapy is insufficient
- apply the basic techniques of classical massage
- progress is not yet logical and smooth
- needs a reminder to implement good work ergonomics and hygiene
- knows how to act in a customer situation, but his attention is mainly focused on his own activities

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student
- understand the diversity of physiotherapeutic research methods (interview, observation, palpation, measurement)
- examines the client's posture and movements, applying the methods of examination
- usually works in accordance with the practices presented in the Study Course
- knows how to use the measuring tools needed to assess the function of the joints and the research methods used to assess muscle strength and muscle tension, but needs guidance in the reliability of the measurement and the conclusions drawn from the results of the measurements
- understands the importance of documenting his research results and knows how to record the information in question reliably
- understands and can explain the physiological and psychological effects of both massage and physical treatments, as well as indications and contraindications in a way that is possible at his stage of study
- is able to independently plan a safe therapy for the client based on his knowledge and he also takes the client's wishes into account
- knows how to palpate the condition of the soft tissues and apply the basic techniques of classical massage, while being able to evaluate the effect of the treatments on the soft tissues
- generally implements the principles of good work ergonomics and hygiene while working
- can act naturally in a customer situation

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student
- understand the diversity of physiotherapeutic research methods (interview, observation, palpation, measurement)
- examines the client's posture and movements, applying all of the aforementioned examination methods in accordance with the practices presented in the course
- appropriately and reliably use the measuring instruments needed to assess the function of the joints as well as the research methods used to assess muscle strength and muscle tension, and draw correct conclusions from the results of the measurements
- understands the importance of documenting his research results and knows how to record the information in question reliably
- understand and can justify the physiological and psychological effects of both massage and thermal treatments, as well as the indications and contraindications at the level allowed by their stage of study
- able to independently plan a safe and effective therapy for the client based on his/her knowledge, taking into account the client's goal
- knows how to palpate the condition of the soft tissues and apply the basic techniques of classic massage in a versatile and fluent manner in practice, while also being able to evaluate the effect of the treatments on the soft tissues
- smoothly implements the principles of good work ergonomics and hygiene while working
- knows how to act expertly in a customer situation