Physiotherapy Assessment Course

Lesson 1 • Evidence-Based Assessment Principles

Connects assessment decisions to current research evidence. Students evaluate diagnostic accuracy metrics to select appropriate tools.

Lesson 2 • Communication and Patient-Centred Care

Covers therapeutic communication skills essential for accurate history-taking. Students adapt communication style to diverse patient populations.

Lesson 3 • Role and Scope of Assessment

Defines physiotherapy assessment within the clinical care continuum. Grounds students in professional accountability and the purpose of structured evaluation.

Lesson 1 • Medical History and Red Flag Screening

Trains students to identify serious pathology requiring urgent referral. Red flag recognition is integrated into every subjective assessment.

Lesson 2 • Functional and Occupational History

Captures the impact of the condition on daily activities and work. Students link functional limitations to measurable assessment goals.

Lesson 3 • Structure of the Subjective Assessment

Outlines the standard components of a physiotherapy subjective examination. Students organise patient-reported data into a coherent clinical narrative.

Lesson 4 • Outcome Measures and Questionnaires

Introduces validated self-report tools used to quantify patient status. Students select region-specific and condition-specific questionnaires appropriately.

Lesson 1 • Static Postural Assessment

Covers anterior, posterior, and lateral postural analysis in standing and sitting. Students identify common postural deviations and their clinical relevance.

Lesson 2 • Dynamic Postural and Gait Analysis

Extends observation to movement patterns during walking and functional tasks. Students correlate dynamic deviations with musculoskeletal impairments.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Clinical Observation

Establishes a structured approach to visual inspection in physiotherapy. Students develop consistent observation habits before hands-on assessment begins.

Lesson 1 • Goniometry Techniques

Teaches correct goniometer placement and reading for major joints. Students practise standardised protocols to minimise inter-rater variability.

Lesson 2 • Inclinometry and Digital Tools

Introduces inclinometers and smartphone-based goniometry as alternatives. Students compare accuracy and clinical applicability of digital measurement tools.

Lesson 3 • Flexibility and Muscle Length Testing

Assesses soft tissue extensibility using standardised muscle length tests. Students differentiate joint restriction from muscular tightness.

Lesson 4 • Interpreting and Documenting ROM Data

Guides students in comparing findings to normative values and prior measurements. Students produce clear ROM documentation that supports clinical decision-making.

Lesson 1 • Sensory and Proprioceptive Testing

Assesses light touch, vibration, proprioception, and balance as neural integrity indicators. Students select appropriate sensory tests based on clinical presentation.

Lesson 2 • Neurological Screening Assessment

Covers dermatome, myotome, and reflex testing to identify neural compromise. Students differentiate upper and lower motor neuron signs.

Lesson 3 • Manual Muscle Testing Principles

Establishes grading systems and standardised positioning for muscle strength testing. Students apply consistent technique to produce reliable MMT results.

Lesson 4 • Dynamometry and Objective Strength Measurement

Introduces handheld and isokinetic dynamometry for quantitative strength assessment. Students interpret force values relative to normative and bilateral data.

Lesson 1 • Hip, Knee, and Lower Extremity Tests

Covers special tests for hip labrum, ligament integrity, meniscus, and patellofemoral conditions. Students differentiate intra-articular from extra-articular pathology.

Lesson 2 • Interpreting Special Test Results

Applies likelihood ratios and cluster analysis to special test interpretation. Students avoid over-reliance on single tests and integrate findings systematically.

Lesson 3 • Shoulder and Upper Extremity Tests

Applies special tests for rotator cuff, labrum, AC joint, and elbow pathologies. Students interpret positive findings within the full clinical context.

Lesson 4 • Spinal Region Special Tests

Covers evidence-based special tests for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine conditions. Students apply cluster testing to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Lesson 1 • Principles of Functional Assessment

Defines functional assessment and its relationship to impairment and disability models. Students select tests that reflect patient-specific activity demands.

Lesson 2 • Functional Movement and Capacity Tests

Applies standardised movement tests to quantify physical capacity and asymmetry. Students use results to set rehabilitation benchmarks.

Lesson 3 • Sport and Return-to-Activity Testing

Introduces performance tests used to guide return-to-sport and work decisions. Students apply criteria-based frameworks rather than time-based protocols.

Lesson 4 • Balance and Postural Control Testing

Covers static and dynamic balance tests with established reliability and validity. Students identify fall risk and postural control deficits across populations.

Lesson 1 • Synthesising Assessment Findings

Integrates subjective, objective, and functional data into a unified clinical picture. Students apply pattern recognition to confirm or revise working hypotheses.

Lesson 2 • Prognosis and Goal Setting

Guides students in estimating recovery trajectories and setting SMART rehabilitation goals. Students align prognosis with patient expectations and evidence.

Lesson 3 • Physiotherapy Diagnosis Formulation

Teaches construction of a physiotherapy diagnosis distinct from medical diagnosis. Students articulate movement-based diagnoses with supporting evidence.

Lesson 4 • Reassessment and Outcome Monitoring

Establishes reassessment as an ongoing clinical process tied to treatment response. Students use outcome data to modify diagnosis and treatment plans.