Additional Courses for Physio Students? (University of Sydney - Master of Physiotherapy)

[cdub02]

I'm currently in my first year at the University of Sydney - Master of Physiotherapy.

What we learn in the program is great, but I don't feel confident that the program is providing me with enough practical techniques nor cover enough material. I may be jumping the gun because I've only finished my first semester on the lower limb. However, throughout the next couple of semesters the lower limb will not be revisited in lectures due to the many other regions the program needs to cover. I understand that I will learn a lot more in my clinical placements, but I want to get ahead of the game and do as much as I can.

Currently I'm spending my time doing a lot of self-directed learning (ie. podcasts, attending apa events, online education) on top of everything in school just because I feel that my program is very general (I'm not sure if all physio programs are like that due to the mass amount of things we need to cover)

I was wondering if there were any courses opened to students. Most I've seen are open to registered physiotherapists, but nothing for students if they wanted to learn more. I'm especially interested in manual therapy courses.

If anyone know of any tips from past experiences please let me know!

Thanks

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[Fyzzio]

Hi,
could you please just briefly confirm what exactly you are doing: As it does not sound like you are enrolled in a MSc specialising in a particular field within Physio ... are you undertaking a 2 year MSc in Physio on top of another BSc (and in this case - which one?).

And as a general answer: you are correct - the degree programme only covers all techniques very briefly. It is the purpose of clinical placements to learn performing these assessment/ treatment tools - not to already know them and to be perfect at their application. I hope your expectations about the Physio degree are not shattered now, but it will take years of practise to become excellent at what you have learned at university. And you will have to undertake additional postgraduate courses to specialise in certain areas, such as MT. If you have got spare time - focus on digesting all you have learned so far. There's more to come.
Regards,
Fyzzio

[cdub02]

I actually got a Bachelors in Kinesiology in Canada and now I'm studying at the University of Sydney - Graduate Entry Masters program for physiotherapy (2 years). It isn't a specialized program but would be interested in the near future for that.

I was just a little worried because there is no way everything can be covered in the lectures/tutorials. Just got me thinking if I chose the right school, or if all graduate master entry programs are as general as it seems.

[Fyzzio]

You need to learn the basics of the job first. Ortho/ MSK is only part of the whole picture - there is also Cardio/ Resp Medical and Surgical, Neuro, Paeds, Gynae, Mental Health, Rehab etc..
Specialisation is a post graduate thing. You can do a MSc in Manual Therapy or whatever later.
But most people start by doing some actual work. Firstly - you-re going to be a poor practitioner if your whole experience is only gained in clinical placements (which are rather 'artificial after all). And secondly, I don't know what your financial situation is like but all this studying needs to somehow be financed.

[Unite Health Management]

Hi there,

We are running the Muscle Energy Technique (MET-Rx) course in Melbourne on the 15-16 November and in Perth on the 22-23 November. We do offer students a 10% discount off all our courses with promo code STUDENT.

Please find the course information below;

Muscle energy techniques (MET) are a combination of mobilisation and contract-relax techniques combined and applied to treating musculoskeletal dysfunction.
Used in manual and physical therapy, METs treat somatic dysfunction, especially decreased range of motion, muscular hypertonicity and pain. METs are a direct and active technique as they engage a restrictive barrier and require the patient’s participation for maximal effect.
METs can significantly decrease disability and improve functionality in patients with disorders such as whiplash, neck pain, thoracic spine and rib pain, along with low back and pelvic pain.
This course introduces the muscle energy system in evaluation and treatment of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and sacrum. Learn the history and framework of MET, palpation skills, anatomy, surface anatomy review, biomechanics of the lumbar, pelvis and sacral areas, and treatment of these areas using muscle energy and soft tissue techniques.
By the end of this course will be able to confidently assess pelvic, sacral, and lumbar dysfunctions. The course emphasises a hands-on clinical approach as well as self mobilisation and home exercise programs.

If this is of interest to you please follow the below link or feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Clinical Application of Muscle Energy Techniques to Lumbar Pelvis & Sacrum -

Hope this helps.
Good luck with your study.