23029 - ADVANCED SKELETON MUSCLE PHYSIOTHERAPY

Subject type: Mandatory

Coordinator: Marc Terradellas Fernández

Trimester: Third term

Credits: 4

Academic year: 2025

Teaching course: 3

• Catalan

Spinal pain is one of the main causes of absenteeism and disability in our society. For this reason, specific training aimed at acquiring skills that allow for the correct evaluation and application of therapeutic procedures aimed at the prevention and treatment of spinal pathologies and dysfunctions is necessary.
This subject presents three different blocks that provide an analytical and global focus on the therapeutic approach of physiotherapy in spinal pathologies and injuries. The general objective of the subject is for students to develop the procedural skills necessary to be able to correctly apply analytical mobilization techniques in the different segments of the spine. Likewise, they will also integrate active and proprioceptive work, basic for vertebral segmental stabilization and the treatment of spinal pain. In a complementary and integrated way, the evaluation and treatment through mobilization of the neuromeningeal system will also be considered in relation to those clinical entities in which symptoms occur due to involvement of the nervous system.

As a requirement to be able to take this subject, it will be necessary to have passed the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy I and II subjects, as well as the Musculoskeletal Pathology subject.

The distribution of the theoretical and/or practical content of the subject can be consulted in the schedule and sections of the corresponding virtual classroom before it starts.   

This subject aims to introduce the gender perspective in its content and development. In addition, the objectives are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations. 

The classroom (physical or virtual) is a safe space, free of sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic and discriminatory attitudes, either towards students or towards teachers. We trust that together we can create a safe space where we can make mistakes and learn without having to suffer prejudice from others.  

Manual therapy of the spine:
1. Pelvic girdle:
1.1. Biomechanics of sacroiliac joints
1.2. Sacroiliac pathomechanics
1.3. Functional assessment of sacroiliac mobility
1.4. Manual passive sacroiliac mobilization techniques
1.5. Additional orthopedic clinical tests
2. Lumbar spine:
2.1. Lumbar spine biomechanics
2.2. Lumbar pathomechanics
2.3. Functional assessment of lumbar mobility
2.4. Manual soft tissue treatment techniques
2.5. Manual techniques of passive lumbar mobilization
2.6. Additional orthopedic clinical tests
3. Thoracic spine:
3.1. Spine biomechanics
3.2. Dorsal pathomechanics
3.3. Functional assessment of thoracic mobility
3.4. Manual treatment techniques in soft tissues
3.5. Manual techniques of passive thoracic mobilization
4. Cervical spine
4.1. Cervical spine biomechanics
4.2. Cervical pathomechanics
4.3. Functional assessment of cervical mobility
4.4. Manual soft tissue treatment techniques
4.5. Manual techniques of passive cervical mobilization
4.6. Additional orthopedic clinical tests

Active spinal therapy:
1. Therapeutic exercise of the lumbar spine
2. Therapeutic exercise of the cervical spine
3. Therapeutic exercise of the thoracic spine

Neurodynamics:
1. Introduction to the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, mechanics and pathomechanics of nervous tissue.
2. Concept of neural mechanosensitivity and more prevalent clinical pictures related to the peripheral nervous system.
3. Assessment, treatment and self-treatment techniques.

This subject may consider the following indicators detailed in the table in the evaluation proposal:

Assessment systems

A system of quantitative (from 0 to 10) and qualitative (suspended, approved, notable, excellent, honorary registration) is used according to RD 1125/2003.  

The subjects will have evaluation and recovery activities in accordance with the teaching guide and the subject's learning plan, published in their virtual classroom and which will establish the necessary requirements to be able to participate.  

In accordance with current UPF regulations, all students who, having participated in the learning and assessment activities during the term, have obtained a failing grade for the corresponding subject in the quarterly assessment may participate in the recovery process . Those who have not participated in the learning and assessment activities or who have waived the assessment will not be able to participate. If the grade is "not submitted", you will not be able to opt for recovery and therefore the subject will have to be taken again in its entirety in the following academic year. 

In the event of copying, plagiarism or illegitimate use of generative artificial intelligence in any assessment activity, you must consult the TecnoCampus University Center's Undergraduate and Master's Course Assessment Regulations.  

Any form of academic fraud will be sanctioned in accordance with the center's assessment regulations. If signs of fraud are detected, including the improper use of generative artificial intelligence tools, the subject's teaching staff may call the student for an individual interview with the aim of verifying their authorship.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in this subject is regulated in the Learning Plan. It should be consulted to find out the specific conditions of use. 

Assistance and Rules of Conduct

Attending class without respecting the basic rules of hygiene and uniform dress may be sanctioned. During the practices in class and especially during the assessment tests, students may not wear objects that could interfere with the execution of the techniques, such as rings, watches, bracelets, long earrings, etc. Likewise, hand hygiene will be essential, with short, clean, unpainted nails. Given the practical nature of the classes and in order to facilitate and correctly perform the manual palpation procedures and the execution of the evaluation tests, it will be necessary to wear appropriate clothing such as shorts and a top, considering that in many situations the anatomical region evaluated must be stripped of clothing to be able to observe and palpate the anatomical reliefs.

It is an essential requirement to attend 80% of each of the practical blocks. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the subject being suspended and having to be taken again next year.

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Maitland GD, Hengeveld E, Banks K, Englisg K. Maitland´s vertebral manipulation. 7th .: Ed Elsevier; 2005.

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Bienfait, M. Postural Reeducation through manual therapies. 3rd edition. Barcelona: Paidotribo; 2005.

Denys-Struyf, G. The Handbook of the Mezierist. 3rd edition. Barcelona: Paidotribo; 2004.

Genot, Neiger, Pierron, Péninou. Kinesioterapia.Tomos I, II, III, IV. Madrid: Ed. Panamericana; 1988.

Busquet, L. The muscular chains. Volume I. 6ª edition. Barcelona: Paidotribo; 2002.

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Cook, C. Hegedus, E. Orthopedic physical examination tests: an evidence-based approach. England: Ed. Pearson; 2014

David S. Butler. Mobilization of the nervous system. 2nd edition. Madrid: Paidotribo; 2009

M. Shacklock. Clinical neurodynamics: a new system in musculoskeletal treatment. 1st edition. Madrid: LTC; 2007

Myers, TW. Anatomical pathways. 2nd edition. Barcelona: Elsevier Masson; 2010.

R. Torres Cueco. The cervical spine: clinical syndromes and their manipulative treatment. 1st edition. Madrid: Médica Panamericana; 2008

Souchard P. Global Postural Reeducation. The RPG method. Barcelona: Elsevier-Masson; 2012.

Tixa, S. Atlas of palpatory anatomy of neck, trunk and upper extremity. Manual surface research. Barcelona: Ed. Masson; 2000.