Orthopedic Physical Therapy for Musculoskelatal Disorders

Catalog description

This interprofessional course will expose students to orthopedic physical and sports therapy and exercise therapy as a first-line alternative or adjunct therapy to chemical and/or surgical interventions. Students will learn to apply anatomical knowledge in differential diagnostic screening and therapeutic decision-making for musculoskeletal disorders. Students will learn how a treatment approach addresses signs and symptoms rather than being prescribed by a particular pathology. Methods of self-care and preventative behaviors for patients with musculoskeletal concerns will be taught. Students will spend two elective afternoons with an exercise physiologist/physiotherapist, 2 with a physical therapist, and 2 shadowing a sports medicine specialist at SLU.