Medical Imaging for Physiotherapists Course

Lesson 1 • Roles and Scope in Physiotherapy

Defines the physiotherapist's role in requesting, interpreting, and acting on imaging findings. Clarifies professional boundaries and referral pathways.

Lesson 2 • Basic Physics of Imaging

Covers the physical principles underlying each modality. Connects physics concepts to image quality and diagnostic accuracy.

Lesson 3 • Overview of Imaging Modalities

Introduces X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, CT, and nuclear imaging. Establishes the clinical context for each modality within physiotherapy practice.

Lesson 1 • Justification and Referral Criteria

Teaches evidence-based criteria for justifying imaging requests. Reduces unnecessary radiation exposure through appropriate clinical reasoning.

Lesson 2 • Principles of Radiation Protection

Introduces ALARA and the three pillars of radiation protection. Grounds safety practices in evidence-based dose-reduction strategies.

Lesson 3 • Informed Consent and Communication

Covers consent processes for imaging procedures and risk communication. Ensures patients receive accurate, understandable information before imaging.

Lesson 1 • Spinal Radiography

Covers cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine X-ray interpretation. Connects radiographic findings to common physiotherapy presentations.

Lesson 2 • Correlating X-Ray Findings to Symptoms

Bridges radiographic findings with patient-reported symptoms and physical examination. Reinforces that imaging findings must be interpreted in clinical context.

Lesson 3 • Extremity and Joint Radiography

Teaches interpretation of upper and lower limb radiographs. Links joint space, alignment, and bone density findings to clinical management.

Lesson 1 • Normal Tissue Sonographic Appearance

Describes echogenicity and texture of tendons, muscles, nerves, and cartilage. Establishes the baseline for recognizing pathological changes.

Lesson 2 • Ultrasound Physics and Equipment

Explains transducer types, frequency selection, and image formation. Provides the technical foundation for producing diagnostic-quality images.

Lesson 3 • Scanning Technique and Ergonomics

Covers probe handling, patient positioning, and scanning protocols. Reduces operator error and musculoskeletal strain during prolonged scanning.

Lesson 1 • Spinal MRI Interpretation

Covers disc pathology, nerve root compression, and spinal cord changes on MRI. Directly supports physiotherapy management of spinal conditions.

Lesson 2 • Soft Tissue and Joint MRI

Teaches identification of ligament, tendon, and cartilage pathology on MRI. Connects MRI grading to rehabilitation planning and return-to-sport decisions.

Lesson 3 • MRI Sequences and Signal Interpretation

Explains T1, T2, STIR, and proton density sequences and their tissue contrasts. Enables selection of the correct sequence for specific clinical questions.

Lesson 1 • CT for Spinal and Joint Pathology

Applies CT interpretation to spinal stenosis, facet joint disease, and joint arthroplasty. Connects CT findings to physiotherapy rehabilitation goals.

Lesson 2 • Skeletal Trauma on CT

Covers fracture detection, classification, and surgical planning implications on CT. Supports physiotherapy management of post-traumatic and post-surgical patients.

Lesson 3 • Integrating CT into Clinical Reasoning

Teaches how CT findings modify physiotherapy assessment and treatment planning. Reinforces imaging as one component of holistic clinical reasoning.

Lesson 1 • Modality Selection Decision-Making

Teaches evidence-based frameworks for choosing the most appropriate imaging modality. Reduces unnecessary imaging and improves diagnostic efficiency.

Lesson 2 • Bone Pathology and Stress Injuries

Identifies stress fractures, osteoporotic fractures, and bone tumors on imaging. Ensures physiotherapists recognize findings requiring urgent referral.

Lesson 3 • Tendon and Muscle Pathology

Compares imaging appearances of tendinopathy, tears, and muscle injuries across modalities. Guides imaging selection for tendon and muscle conditions.

Lesson 1 • Quality Assurance and Reflective Practice

Introduces audit processes and reflective frameworks for imaging interpretation accuracy. Supports continuous professional development in imaging competency.

Lesson 2 • Case-Based Imaging Analysis

Uses real-world clinical cases to integrate imaging interpretation with physiotherapy assessment. Develops clinical reasoning through structured case analysis.

Lesson 3 • Imaging in Rehabilitation Planning

Connects imaging findings directly to exercise prescription and load management. Ensures rehabilitation programs are informed by structural tissue status.