Summary

This module is designed for physiotherapists who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of paediatric musculoskeletal physiotherapy within the context of the multi-disciplinary team and the current evidence base. The module typically includes; neuro-musculoskeletal growth and development, congenital and traumatic orthopaedics, inflammatory and non-inflammatory rheumatology and common musculoskeletal conditions seen in outpatient departments. Within the module there is a review of tissue healing and pain mechanisms and how these influence physiotherapy assessment and treatment.

Learning outcomes

Students successfully completing the module should be able to:

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of musculoskeletal growth and development, gait and physical activity requirements in the growing child.

2. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the epidemiology, aetiology, pathophysiology of selected congenital, acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

3. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and a critical understanding of tissue healing and the physiotherapy management of selected congenital, acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions within a multidisciplinary, evidence based and clinical reasoning framework.

4. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and critical understanding of evaluating treatment efficacy and selected outcome measures used in paediatric musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

5. Critically reflect on their scope of practice and their role within the multi-disciplinary team in the triage and management pathways of children and adolescents with selected congenital, acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Who is this module for?

This module is suitable for qualified physiotherapists with a degree in physiotherapy at least equivalent to a lower second class Bachelor’s degree in the UK.

The module can be chosen as a core component of the Postgraduate Paediatric Physiotherapy pathways at UCL. You may also undertake the course as a discrete unit for CPD or, if assessed, may use the 15 credits towards completion of the MSc or Diploma at UCL.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The module will be delivered via a combination of face-to-face lectures, online e-learning activities, practical sessions and seminars. Teaching will be facilitated by relevant experts in their field.

Moodle, the UCL virtual learning platform will be used to facilitate communication both between tutors and students, and between the students themselves, and also to provide learning resources and feedback.

Mode of teaching

6 days of face to face teaching including, lectures, workshops and online learning activities

 

Selected Reading List

Crossley KM, Callaghan MJ, Linschoten RV. (2016) Patellofemoral pain. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 50:247-250.

Kaplan S, Coulter C, Sargent B. (2018) Physical Therapy Management of Congenital Muscular Torticollis: A 2018 Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline From the APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy. Pediatric Physical Therapy. 30, 4: 240-290

Kotwicki T, Chowanska J et al (2013) Optimal management of idiopathic scoliosis in adolescence. Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics.4: 59–73.

Russek L, Stott P, Simmonds JV. (2019). Recognizing and effectively managing hypermobility related conditions. Physical Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzz078