1. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles underpinning clinical assessment and early-stage musculoskeletal treatment.¿

Knowledge and¿Understanding¿

2¿. Apply core concepts of musculoskeletal pathology, clinical¿reasoning¿and assessment to scenarios beyond the classroom, including the interpretation of real-world injury presentations and the application of assessment and treatment principles¿¿

Application &¿Problem-Solving¿¿

3. Effectively communicate clinical findings, treatment rationales, and evidence-informed decisions in a range of¿appropriate formats¿to both specialist (e.g., clinicians, therapists) and non-specialist (e.g., athletes, coaches) audiences¿

Communication¿

Presentation: In this assessment, you will develop and develop a resource based on a vertebral musculoskeletal pathology selected from a pre-approved list. You are expected to identify accurate and relevant information on the epidemiology, mechanism of injury, clinical presentation, and early management strategies and communicate this appropriately to a health care professional. The presentation may take the form of a recorded PowerPoint, poster with narration, or equivalent digital format and must be submitted electronically.

Practical: In this simulation, you will¿demonstrate¿safe and effective clinical assessment of neuromusculoskeletal injuries, with each student randomly¿allocated¿to one of the vertebral regions (cervical, thoracic, lumbar). Based on the case study¿allocated, students are expected to perform a safe and effective clinical assessment that includes observation, active and passive range of motion, resisted range of motion, accessory movements, and relevant special tests. Students are expected to provide sound theoretical underpinning and clinical reasoning for each¿component¿of the assessment.¿

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 core principles underpinning the pathology, assessment, and management of common musculoskeletal conditions affecting the vertebral column. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology, aetiology, and pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to spinal pain, injury, and dysfunction across the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions, and learn how these processes influence clinical presentation, prognosis, and treatment decision-making.¿

You will begin by exploring the epidemiology of spinal disorders, examining prevalence patterns, intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors, mechanisms of injury, and tissue healing processes relevant to vertebral and associated soft tissue structures. Building on this foundation, you will study the pathophysiology and clinical features of common spinal conditions, including¿facet¿joint dysfunction, disc-related pathology, radiculopathy, muscular and ligamentous injury, and postural or movement-related syndromes. You will develop an appreciation of how tissue type, loading demands, neural involvement, and patient history inform differential diagnosis.¿

You will then develop competence in performing structured clinical assessments of the spine. This includes learning and applying a systematic approach to subjective examination, recognising red and yellow flags, and gathering clinically relevant patient information. You will progress to objective assessment skills, including observation of posture and spinal alignment, active and passive movement testing, resisted muscle testing, palpation of spinal and paraspinal structures, and the application and interpretation of vertebral accessory motion testing (e.g., PAIVMs, PPIVMs). You will also learn to select and use¿appropriate special¿tests to assess¿neural tension, segmental dysfunction, and functional impairment, understanding their diagnostic value, limitations, and relevance within a broader clinical reasoning framework.¿

Throughout the module, you will also be introduced to a range of acute and therapeutic treatment modalities used in the management of spinal conditions. You will explore the principles, indications, and contraindications of interventions such as manual therapy techniques, cryotherapy and thermotherapy, taping strategies, and early-stage rehabilitation.¿

By the end of the module, you will be able to understand the underlying pathology of common spinal conditions, conduct a comprehensive vertebral assessment using a structured and evidence-informed approach, and apply¿appropriate acute¿and therapeutic interventions to support early-stage management and rehabilitation.¿

What causes back pain, and how do you assess and manage it?¿
In this module,¿you’ll¿explore the causes, assessment, and early management of common spinal conditions affecting the neck, upper, and lower back.¿You’ll¿learn how to carry out structured clinical assessments, interpret symptoms, and apply early-stage treatments like manual therapy, taping, and electrotherapy. By the end,¿you’ll¿be equipped with the knowledge and skills to¿assess back pain,¿facilitate¿recovery¿and¿apply evidence informed treatment. Key for your development as a sports therapy¿and rehabilitation¿professional.¿

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.¿

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.¿

Falla, D., Lewis, J., McCarthy, C., Cook, C. E., & Sterling, M. (Eds.). (2024). Grieve's Modern Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy E-Book: Grieve's Modern Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.¿¿

Hattam, P., &¿Smeatham, A. (2020). Handbook of special tests in musculoskeletal examination: an evidence-based guide for clinicians. Elsevier.¿¿

Cleland, J., Koppenhaver, S., & Su, J. (2015). Netter's¿orthopaedic¿clinical examination: an evidence-based approach. Elsevier Health Sciences.¿

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