1. Demonstrate the ability to apply underlying anatomical concepts and principles of the upper musculoskeletal system to evaluate and interpret their functional and clinical relevance.¿

Application &¿Problem-Solving¿

2. Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying anatomical concepts and principles of the¿upper¿extremity, and the ability to evaluate and interpret their functional relevance.¿

Knowledge &¿Understanding¿¿

Communication¿

¿

Practical:¿In this simulation, you will demonstrate detailed anatomical knowledge of one peripheral joint of the upper extremity. Each student will be randomly allocated a joint. Within your assigned joint, you will be expected to demonstrate a clear understanding and application of the relevant osteology, myology, and arthrology, including the structural features of the bones, muscular attachments and actions, and joint architecture and mechanics underpinning movement and function.

Within this module, students will complete formative assessment tasks designed to support the development of professional knowledge and skills. These tasks will be structured to enable students to demonstrate their developing ability to meet the competencies required by the relevant Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB), while receiving feedback that supports progression towards the summative assessments and professional standards expected within the discipline.

This module introduces you to the principles and practice of assessing¿upper¿extremity neuromusculoskeletal function. You will learn how to take a structured, evidence-informed approach to patient assessment, integrating detailed anatomical knowledge, biomechanics, and clinical reasoning to¿identify¿and interpret signs and symptoms of dysfunction.¿

Through a combination of classroom learning, practical workshops, and simulation-based scenarios, you will apply¿theory to practice. You will begin by developing your understanding of surface and functional anatomy, learning to¿identify¿key bony landmarks, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the¿upper¿limb. Building on this, you will develop competence in conducting structured subjective consultations, gathering relevant patient histories, and recognising red and yellow flags.¿

You will then learn to perform systematic objective examinations of the¿upper¿extremity, including observation, active and passive joint range of motion testing, and palpation for tissue quality and tenderness.¿Before¿gaining¿an appreciation of fundamental soft tissue therapeutic skills, understanding how to evaluate and apply hands-on techniques, such as massage,¿safely and effectively.¿¿

Throughout the module, you will¿acquire¿professional competencies in clinical reasoning, communication, and reflective practice. Ethical and safety considerations, such as consent, record keeping, hygiene and professional boundaries, are embedded throughout to promote¿high standards¿of¿clinical conduct.¿

By the end of the module, you will be able to conduct a comprehensive, evidence-informed assessment of the¿upper¿extremity, drawing on a detailed understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and soft tissue function. You will be able to synthesise findings from the patient history, observation, and physical examination,¿including joint¿and soft tissue assessments,¿to inform safe,¿accurate, and professional clinical decision-making, and to apply fundamental soft tissue therapeutic principles where¿appropriate to¿support assessment and early intervention.¿

How do you assess and treat¿upper¿limb¿injuries¿safely and professionally?¿
This module introduces you to the principles of¿upper¿extremity assessment, combining anatomy, biomechanics, and clinical reasoning.¿You’ll¿learn to conduct patient consultations, assess joint and soft tissue function, and apply therapeutic techniques such as massage. These skills will support your development as a safe, reflective, and effective¿Sports Therapist and Rehabilitator.¿¿

We are committed to providing an engaging, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that develops students’ knowledge, clinical reasoning, and practical skills.¿¿

A central feature of¿our¿approach¿is¿simulation-based learning, which allows students to engage with realistic clinical scenarios in a safe and structured setting. Learning is carefully scaffolded: students begin with peer-to-peer role-play, exploring fundamental concepts, communication, and interpersonal skills; progress to case study simulations, applying evidence-based knowledge to increasingly complex injury scenarios; and ultimately integrate these skills into real-world practice within the University’s commercial clinics at Level 5 and 6. This structured progression ensures a seamless transition from theory to professional application while preparing students for graduate employability.¿

The module is delivered¿predominantly face-to-face, combining theoretical understanding with hands-on practical experience to support deeper¿learning and to¿develop practical¿competence. Students refine their manual and technical skills through guided practice, live demonstrations, and independent tasks,¿consolidating¿knowledge while building confidence in¿healthcare¿and¿sport¿settings.¿

To further support self-directed and reflective learning, students have access to¿our¿telehealth and greenscreen facilities, enabling the creation of digital learning resources for revision, skill development, and reflective practice. These activities encourage active engagement, critical thinking, and the integration of evidence-based knowledge into practical decision-making.¿

Biel, A., & Dorn, R. (1997). Trail guide to the body: How to¿locate¿muscles, bones and more. Andrew Biel.¿

Moore, K. L., Agur, A. M., Dalley, A. F., & Moore, K. L. (2015). Essential clinical anatomy.¿

Petty, N. J., & Ryder, D. (Eds.). (2017). Musculoskeletal Examination and Assessment E-Book: Musculoskeletal Examination and Assessment E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.¿

Ward, K. (Ed.). (2024). Routledge Handbook of Sports and Exercise Therapy. Taylor & Francis.¿

Brukner, P. (2012). Brukner & Khan's clinical sports medicine. North Ryde: McGraw-Hill.¿

Magee, D. J. (2013). Orthopedic Physical Assessment-E-Book: Orthopedic Physical Assessment-E-Book. Elsevier health sciences.¿

Reiman, M. P. (2016). Orthopedic clinical examination. Human Kinetics.¿

Industry standard¿teaching¿clinic and¿rehabilitation¿zone¿

State-of-the-Art¿Telehealth Hub