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 patient resource based on a peripheral 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 lay audience. 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 peripheral joints¿(shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle).¿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 injuries of the peripheral joints. You will develop a¿comprehensive¿understanding of the epidemiology, aetiology, and pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to injury and dysfunction in the upper and lower limbs, and learn how these processes influence clinical presentation, prognosis, and treatment decision-making.¿

You will begin by exploring the epidemiology of musculoskeletal injury, examining prevalence patterns, intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors, mechanisms of injury, and tissue healing processes. Building on this, you will study the pathophysiology and clinical features of common conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand, hip, knee, ankle, and foot, developing an appreciation of how tissue type, loading demands, and patient history inform differential diagnosis.¿

You will then develop competence in performing structured clinical assessments of the peripheral joints. 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 movement, active and passive range of motion testing, resisted muscle testing, palpation of relevant anatomical structures, and the application and interpretation of accessory motion¿testing. You will also learn to select and use¿appropriate special¿tests, understanding their diagnostic value, limitations, and relevance.¿

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

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

What causes common¿upper and lower limb¿injuries,¿and how can you assess and treat them effectively?¿

In this module,¿you’ll¿learn how to recognise clinical features, carry out structured assessments, and apply¿appropriate treatment¿techniques such as manual therapy, taping, and early rehabilitation. By the end,¿you’ll¿be confident in using evidence-informed approaches to¿assess upper and lower limb injuries,¿support¿recovery¿and guide treatment decisions. Essential skills for a career in sports therapy and rehabilitation.

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.¿

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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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