23230 - Skeletal Muscle Physiotherapy I

Subject type: Mandatory

Coordinator: Marc Terradellas Fernández

Trimester: Third term

Credits: 6

Academic year: 2025

Teaching course: 2

• Catalan

Other languages ​​used in the resources such as Spanish and English are made available to students.

The Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy subject is a compulsory course in the Physiotherapy Degree. Its objective is to provide students with the theoretical and procedural knowledge necessary to understand the pathophysiology and therapeutic approach from the Physiotherapy of the main
clinical entities, related to traumatology and rheumatology, of the locomotor system.
This subject consists of a theoretical block in which physiotherapy interventions in musculoskeletal pathologies are reviewed, incorporating clinical reasoning and current scientific evidence. In parallel, two practical seminars are held where students finish integrating theoretical knowledge and develop the necessary procedural skills, related to the programming and application of specific joint mobilization techniques in the treatment of pain and joint mobility in the peripheral musculoskeletal system and electrotherapy.

Therefore, the subject consists of three interrelated blocks, which are indicated below:
Theoretical block
Practical block:
               Seminar on therapeutic physical agents (electrotherapy)
               Manual therapy seminar

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. 

The contents of the three blocks that make up the subject are detailed below:

Theoretical Block:

Topic 1. Introduction to trauma physiotherapy
-Generalities
-Physiotherapy diagnosis (Impairments, Disabilities)
-Types of injuries: bony, capsulo-ligamentous, muscular, tendinous
- Suitable stimulus for the different tissues: bio-physiological bases of tissue repair
-Treatment objectives and physiotherapy techniques for each tissue

Topic 2. Physiotherapy treatment in traumatic shoulder pathology
-General approach and considerations in physiotherapy treatment of the most frequently affected bone and soft tissue injuries: From fractures of the proximal extremity of the humerus to tendon injuries and subacromial conflict.

Topic 3. Physiotherapy treatment in the traumatic pathology of the elbow
-Physiotherapy approach to the most frequently affected bone and soft tissue injuries: From fractures of the radial head and the diaphysis of the ulna and radius to lateral epicondylopathies.

Unit 4. Physiotherapy treatment in the traumatic pathology of the hand
-Physiotherapy approach and treatment of the most frequently affected bone and soft tissue injuries: From fractures of the distal extremity of the radius and ulna to flexor tendon injuries.

Topic 5. Physiotherapy treatment in the traumatic pathology of the spine
-Physiotherapy approach and treatment for the most frequently affected bone and soft tissue injuries: From spinal fractures to whiplash injury.

Topic 6. Physiotherapy treatment in traumatic pathology of the pelvis and hip
-Physiotherapy approach and treatment for the most frequently affected bone and soft tissue injuries: From femur fractures (diaphyseal and upper 1/3 upper extremity) to painful sprains of the greater trochanter.

Unit 7. Physiotherapy treatment for traumatic knee pathology
-Physiotherapy approach and treatment for the most common bone and soft tissue injuries: From tibial plateau fractures to anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Unit 8. Physiotherapy treatment in traumatic foot pathology
-Physiotherapy approach and treatment for the most common bone and soft tissue injuries: from malleolar fractures to external lateral ligament sprains.

Item 9. General considerations in the approach of physiotherapy in rheumatic pathologies
-General considerations in the approach to physiotherapy of the hip and knee degenerative EEII: Hip and knee prosthesis.
-General principles and considerations of a physiotherapeutic approach in inflammatory arthropathies, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and soft tissue rheumatism.

Practical Block:

Electrotherapy Seminar:

Topic 1- General concepts on the use of therapeutic physical agents (Electrothermotherapy): Parameters, Classification of currents, etc.

Topic 2- Low Frequency Currents (monophasic and biphasic currents); galvanic direct current, faradic and neofaradic currents, exponential currents, symmetrical and asymmetrical biphasic currents, high voltage currents, Trabert ultraexciting currents, Bernard didynamic currents; TENS currents. Practical applications through clinical cases

Topic 3- Medium Frequency Currents: Interferential Currents; Russian or Kotz stimulation currents. Practical applications through clinical cases

Topic 4- Muscle strengthening through the application of electrical currents (Neuromuscular Electrostimulation - NMES). Practical applications through clinical cases

Topic 5- High Frequency Currents (Ultrasound-US). Practical applications through clinical cases

Topic 6- Application of combined therapy: US + Low and Medium Frequency Currents. Practical applications through clinical cases

Topic 7- Introduction to Radio Frequency: Practical demonstrations of the Ttransference Eelectric Capassive and Rexisting (Tecartherapy)

Manual Therapy Seminar:
In this theoretical-practical block the following contents will be approached in an integrated way.

1. Review of basic descriptive anatomy of the extremities: articular surfaces and capsular and ligamentous passive stabilization elements.
2. Joint arthrokinematics: explanation of the concepts of rolling and sliding in the joints of the extremities.
3. Description and application of traction joint mobilizations on the upper and lower limbs.
4. Description and application of specific passive mobilizations in joint slippage.

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

A quantitative (from 0 to 10) and qualitative grading system (failed, passed, notable, excellent, honor roll) 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 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 presented", 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 or plagiarism in any assessment activity, please consult the TecnoCampus University Centre's Assessment Regulations for Undergraduate and Master's Degree Courses. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in this subject is regulated in the Learning Plan. Please consult it 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.

Magee, David J., et al. Pathology and intervention in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Elsevier Health Sciences, 2015.

Brotzman, S. Brent; Manske, Robert C. Clinical orthopedic rehabilitation: an evidence-based approach. Elsevier Health Sciences, 2011.

Chaitow, L., Echanove, MJM, & Sanchez, MP (2001). Manual therapy: assessment and diagnosis. McGraw-Hill.

Surgical Medical Encyclopedia: Kinesitherapy. Physical medicine (4 Volumes). Paris: Elsevier; 1999.

Jull G. Moore A. Falla D. Lewis j. McCarthy C. Sterling M. Grieve´s Modern Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2015.

Martin, JMR (2004). Electrotherapy in physiotherapy. Ed. Pan American Medicine.

Plaja, J. Analgesia by physical means. Ed McGraw-Hill. Interamericana, 1st edition, October 2002.

RVden Adel & RHJLuykx. Low and medium frequency electrotherapy. Publications of Enraf-Nonius, 1st edition 1991

Robinson A; Clinical Electrophysiology and Electrophysiological Testing. Ed. Lippincott, 3rd Edition, November 2000.

Rodriguez Martín, J M. Electrotherapy in Physiotherapy. Ed. Pan American Medicine. May 2000.

Xhardez, Y .: Vademecum of Kinesiotherapy. Ed. The Athenaeum. Barcelona. 2001.

https://www.electroterapia.com/

https://www.electrotherapy.org/