Study Guide

Objective

Part A: Physiotherapy of the musculoskeletal system, 5 ECTS

- You will be able to carry out a holistic evidence-based physiotherapy examination of the spine and pelvic region.
- You will be able to make holistic clinical judgements about the client's situation based on your findings.
- Be able to plan, implement and evaluate evidence-based physiotherapeutic treatment of the spine and pelvic region.

Part B: Pain Physiotherapy, 2 ECTS

- You will deepen your knowledge of how to approach pain holistically, using a biopsychosocial approach.
- You will be able to use pain and functional capacity measures as part of a holistic assessment of the client's situation.
- You will be able to take into account the specificities of pain client encounters and related interaction and communication in client work.
- You will be able to use a variety of non-pharmacological pain management methods.

Content

Part A: Physiotherapy of the musculoskeletal system, 5 ECTS

- Physiotherapy process for clients/patients with low back, hip, thoracic, and neck pain.
- Examination and assessment of the functional capacity of the lower back and pelvis, thoracic spine, neck and head (according to the ICF framework).
- Clinical reasoning, drawing conclusions about the client/patient's functional capacity, making a physiotherapeutic diagnosis.
- Planning and implementation of physiotherapy:
* Application of pain management.
* Application of therapeutic exercise.
* Application of manual therapy methods.
- Monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of physiotherapy.

Part B: Pain physiotherapy, 2 ECTS

- Holistic, biopsychosocial approach to physiotherapy of the pain client/patient.
- Use of pain and functional capacity indicators in physiotherapy
- Practical training in pain-related interaction and communication.
- Non-medication methods of pain management.

Location and time

The course will take place in weeks 2-21 in spring 2024.
Delivery method: blended learning (independent learning, learning tasks, face-to-face/remote contact teaching).

Materials

- Tarnanen, S. & Holopainen, R. 2022. Harjoittelu ja TULE-terveys. Lahti: VK-Kustannus
- Luomajoki, H., Koho, P., Ojala, T., Röning, T., Takatalo, J., Tarnanen, S., Holopainen, R., Mikkonen, J., Ekström, K. & Kouri, JP. 2020. Ammattilaisen Kipukirja. Lahti: VK-Kustannus Oy.
- Luomajoki, H. 2022. Liikkeen ja liikekontrollin häiriöt. Lahti: VK-Kustannus Oy.
- Kauranen, K. 2021. Fysioterapeutin käsikirja. Helsinki: SanomaPro.
- Kaltenborn & Evenjeth. 2012. Manual mobilization of the joints. Joint Examination and Basic Treatment. Volume II. The Spine. 6th Edition.

Teaching methods

In this course:

You will deepen your skills in holistic client encounter according to the biopsychosocial framework.

You will deepen your competence in musculoskeletal physiotherapy skills for musculoskeletal problems of the lower back and pelvis, thoracic spine, neck and head according to the ICF framework.

You will deepen your skills in physiotherapeutic assessment and examination, clinical reasoning and evidence-based application of physiotherapy treatment methods, in particular pain control, therapeutic exercise and manual therapy methods.

You will deepen your knowledge of clinical reasoning in pain, pain assessment, pain regulation, and pain client encounter and interaction.

International connections

This course is not available for exchange students.

Completion alternatives

No optional methods of execution.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Further information

Prior studies successfully completed are a prerequisite for participation in the course.

The following previous studies must be completed before the start of the course:
- Physiotherapy as a rehabilitation profession (6 ECTS)
- The evolving and functioning human being (11 ECTS)
- Developing and developing a healthy lifestyle (5 ECTS)
- Client-centred counselling and guidance (6 ECTS)
- Functional assessment and support (11 ECTS )
- Pain management in physiotherapy (4 ECTS)

Students must have an approved assessment of the above courses in the course register before starting the course.