Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Manual Therapy for the Lower Extremities
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Introduction
This subject includes practical and theoretical content related to the development and application of manual therapy techniques for the lower extremity. The student will learn and improve abilities and skills to evaluate and treat joint, neural and muscular dysfunctions located in the lower extremity. The course includes both manual and instrumental assessment and treatment methodologies.
Pre-course requirements
No prerequisites are specified.
Objectives
- To know the pathology and pathogenesis of the mechanical dysfunction of the osteo-arthro-neuro-myofascial system.
- To establish the objectives of treatment in OMPT and the different strategies and treatment modalities generally used in OMPT.
- To demonstrate palpatory skills in the identification of the different structures of the lower extremity.
- To carry out an inspection of the lower extremity under load, both statically and dynamically, and interpret the findings.
- To perform and interpret the clinical tests necessary to assess the specific function of the physiological and anatomical joints of the lower extremity {active and passive rotatory movements, translational movements of joint play, resisted movements, passive soft tissue movements [physiological and accessory movement, muscle and compartmental play)].
- To execute treatment techniques according to the therapeutic objective of pain modulation or function improvement.
- To know the clinical presentation of the most typical syndromes and clinical categories of the lower extremity.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CP01 - To effectively manage professional and clinical situations that require the integration of knowledge from biomedical, clinical, and behavioral sciences within the specialty area of Orthopedic Manual Therapy.
- CP03 - To effectively communicate their conclusions regarding clinical knowledge and reasoning to both specialized and non-specialized audiences in a clear and unambiguous manner.
- CP05 - Apply the most appropriate treatment, taking into account the indications, contraindications, precautions, and effects of Orthopedic Manual Therapy within the framework of managing and/or addressing pain mechanisms and dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system.
- CP07 - To provide specialized manual orthopedic physiotherapy treatment to any patient with neuromuscular-skeletal dysfunction, while respecting the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, promoting human rights, and upholding the values of a culture of peace and democratic principles, including the use of inclusive, non-discriminatory, and non-stereotypical language.
- HB02 - Apply specific assessment and treatment procedures for musculoskeletal and neuromuscular dysfunctions, establishing a diagnosis of Orthopedic Manual Therapy based on the findings.
- HB04 - To solve problems in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study.
- HB05 - To interpret information from the clinical field, identifying the ethical aspects and social responsibilities related to clinical practice, while adhering to standards of equality and sustainability.
- HB06 - Demonstrate the ability to engage in independent, in-depth learning, enabling them to continuously improve their clinical practice throughout their careers.
- HB08 - Specifically apply the principles of mobilization, manipulation, motor learning, exercise physiology, ergonomic strategies, and other therapeutic modalities for the treatment of pain and dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system, as multimodal components of the therapeutic approach in Manual Orthopedic Physiotherapy.
Learning outcomes of the subject
- MAR01 - 11. Differentiate between the types of pain and the neurophysiological mechanisms involved in nociception, as well as peripheral and central sensitization processes, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of these concepts.
- MAT01 - 02. Demonstrate advanced and specialized knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of the musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular, and lymphatic systems of the lower and upper extremities, spine, and temporomandibular joint.
- MAT01 - 03. Describe the pathology and pathogenesis of mechanical dysfunction of the osteo-articular-neuro-myofascial system.
- MAT01 - 04. Define the treatment objectives in OMPT and the different treatment strategies and modalities generally used in OMPT.
- MAT01 - 06. Interpret the findings obtained during a weight-bearing examination of the lower and upper extremities, spine, and temporomandibular joint, both in static and dynamic positions.
- MAT01 - 07. Perform necessary clinical tests to assess the specific function of the physiological and anatomical joints of the lower and upper extremities, spine, and temporomandibular joint (active and passive rotational movements, translational joint movements, resisted movements, passive soft tissue movements [physiological and accessory movements (muscle and fascial play)]), demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills in their execution and interpretation.
- MAT01 - 08. Apply treatment techniques according to the therapeutic objective of pain modulation or functional improvement, demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills in their execution.
- MAT01 - 09. Work on the assessment and treatment of osteo-articular-neuro-myofascial dysfunctions of the lower and upper extremities, spine, and temporomandibular joint, demonstrating a critical awareness of the need for and importance of specificity in their execution.
- MAT01 - 10. Work on the assessment and treatment of the most common syndromes and clinical conditions affecting the lower and upper extremities, spine, and temporomandibular joint, demonstrating specific skills and expertise in the process and possessing advanced knowledge of their clinical presentation.
- MAT01 - 01. Differentiate the origins, principles, and foundations of the various manual therapy methodologies, demonstrating advanced knowledge.
- MAT01 - 12. Apply treatment techniques according to the therapeutic objective of pain modulation or functional improvement, demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills in their execution.
Syllabus
- History and development of Orthopedic Manual Therapy
- OMPT Principles
- Anatomical joint and physiological joint
- Joint positions
- Physiological and pathological osteokinematics and arthrokinematics
- Translational movements of joint play (traction, compression and glidings)
- Concave-convex rule
- Physiological and pathological grades of movement
- Scheme of evaluation and treatment in OMPT
- Functional anatomy and biomechanics of the ankle, knee and hip regions
- Structural and functional palpation of the ankle, knee and hip regions
- Static and dynamic inspection of the lower extremity
- Functional evaluation of the lower extremity
- Treatment techniques for the lower extremity according to therapeutic objective:
- Symptom relief: pain modulation techniques, clinical neurodynamics, functional taping.
- To increase joint mobility: slow joint mobilization of traction and sliding and joint manipulation.
- To increase muscle mobility: dry needling, diacutaneous fibrolysis, functional massage and muscle stretching.
- To decrease mobility: passive stabilization and mobilization of adjacent regions.
- Evaluation and treatment of the most frequent clinical presentations (clinical subgroups) of the lower extremity:
- Ankle region:
- Acute and chronic ankle instability
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Achilles tendinopathy and flexor hallucis longus tendinopathy
- Dysfunctions associated with poor load management: plantar fasciopathy, hallux valgus, Morton's neuroma, tibial periostitis.
- Soleus and gastrocnemius muscle tears
- Knee region
- Acute knee instability
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Meniscal injuries
- Rectus femoris and hamstring muscle tears
- Hip region:
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Trochanteric bursitis
- Hip instability (femoro-acetabular syndrome)
Teaching and learning activities
In person
- TC (Theoretical classes): The teacher is the one who exposes in a systematic and orderly manner the information corresponding to the different subjects and the student has a role mainly as a receiver. The scenario in which the teacher transmits knowledge is the classroom and he does it to the entire group of students. The theoretical class format allows the introduction of group activities in the classroom and the development of strategies that encourage the active participation of students.
- PC (Practical classes): It includes any type of classroom and/or laboratory practice (practices among students, case studies, problems, activities in the computer room, search for information,...)
- SLA (Self-learning activities: These activities are designed so that the student solves problems on their own with the help of the material provided and the information from the face-to-face activities and/or available in the virtual environment in which the online subjects are developed.
- SIS (Student independent study): It is a process aimed at the formation of an autonomous student capable of learning to learn; It consists of developing study skills, establishing educational goals and objectives based on the recognition of the weaknesses and strengths of the individual, which will respond to the needs and expectations of each one. It implies the possibility that each student makes their own decisions in relation to the organization of their time and their learning pace, which is why it requires a high degree of responsibility to make the most of resources.Includes study of contents related to "theoretical classes" and "practices" (studying exams, carrying out individual and group theoretical work, library work, complementary reading, etc.).
- MC (Master Class): Transmission of knowledge and activation of cognitive processes in the student.
- CL (Cooperative learning): Development of active and significant learning cooperatively.
- FL (Flipped learning): Systems based on new technologies as basic knowledge tools outside the classroom, so that when students arrive to class they put their ideas and impressions together, giving teachers the opportunity to personalize their instruction according to the needs of each one.
- PBL (Problem based learning): Development of active learning through problem solving.
- RP (Role playing): Transfer to the classroom of situations typical of reality that will serve the student to apply them in their future life.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
- Theoretical evaluation: 10%
- Practical evaluation: 25%
- Oral evaluation: 5%
- Narrative report: 20%
- Self-assessment: 20%
- Co-assessment: 20%
The grading system will be used in accordance with current legislation.
Actually, according to RD 1.125/2003 del 5 de septiembre.
- 0-4,9 Fail.
- 5,0-6,9 Pass.
- 7,0-8,9 Notable.
- 9,0-10 Outstanding.
The Honor Roll mention may be awarded to students who have obtained a grade equal to or greater than 9.0. Their number may not exceed 5% of the students enrolled in a subject in the corresponding academic year, unless the number of students enrolled is less than 20, in which case a single Honors may be awarded.
Bibliography and resources
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