Rehabilitation and Manual Therapies

Program Overview

Staffordshire University's FdSc Rehabilitation and Manual Therapies program provides students with the knowledge and skills to assess, manage, and treat musculoskeletal problems. Through a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions, students develop a comprehensive understanding of anatomy, clinical assessment, exercise prescription, and research methods. Graduates are well-prepared for careers as sports massage therapists, injury clinic assistants, strength and conditioning coaches, and more, with opportunities for further advancement with additional qualifications.

Program Outline

The program utilizes a diverse range of learning styles and approaches: small-group seminars, laboratory workshops, case studies, research data, self-discovery activities, and individual projects.

Outline:

Year 1

• Upper limb anatomy: Understanding bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints in the upper extremities.
• Lower limb anatomy: Understanding bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints in the lower extremities.
• Clinical Assessment and Manual Interventions: Acquiring pre-treatment client screening skills and utilizing massage techniques.
• Reviewing Scientific Literature: Mastering skills to locate, understand, and interpret research in injury rehabilitation and manual therapies.
• Conducting Research: Designing, conducting, and reporting on a research project focused on injury rehabilitation and manual therapies.

Year 2

• Conducting Rigorous Research: Expanding on research methods, focusing on randomized controlled trials and mitigating bias.
• Fundamentals of Exercise Physiology: Building the knowledge of various body system functions and responses to exercise.
• Systematic Reviewing Scientific Literature: Refining skills on searching, screening, extracting data, and appraising studies in injury rehabilitation and manual therapies.
• Peripheral Clinical Assessment: Utilizing anatomical and pathological knowledge for comprehensive assessments of peripheral joints in athletes.
• Vertebral Clinical Assessment: Utilizing anatomical and pathological knowledge for comprehensive assessments of the vertebral column in athletes.
• Choosing one of the following modules:
• Coaching Diverse Groups:
Enhancing coaching skills for working with people from a wide range of backgrounds and needs.
• Sports Nutrition: Understanding the roles of macronutrients, micronutrients, and fluids in athletic performance.
• Professional Placement: Gaining valuable work experience in different placements, potentially including the SUST Clinic at the university.

Assessment:

The program uses a diverse range of assessment methods across different modules, catering to students' individual learning styles and experiences.

• Practical assessments (57% in year 1, 62% in year 2): Demonstrate skills and knowledge in practical settings.
• Coursework (33% in year 1, 38% in year 2): Assignments, written reports, and projects.
• Written exams (10% in year 1): Assess theoretical understanding and knowledge recall.

Teaching:

• Blend of lectures, seminars, workshops, individual learning activities, and technology integration to cater to different learning styles.
• Emphasis on applying theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios through case studies, research analysis, and practical sessions.
• Dedicated teaching staff from various backgrounds, including external partners and Visiting Fellows.
• Learning resources designed for inclusivity and diverse experiences, reflecting a range of background perspectives.
• Access to specialist subject rooms, including physiotherapy clinics, telehealth facilities, laboratories, and various sports and exercise facilities.

Careers:

Graduates may pursue a wide range of careers, including:

• Sports Massage Therapist: Working with individuals and athletes of various backgrounds.
• Injury Clinic Assistant: Working alongside physiotherapists, osteopaths, and other professionals.
• Strength and Conditioning Coach: Helping athletes improve their physical performance through targeted training programs.
• Sports and Exercise Scientist: Applying scientific principles to athletic training and rehabilitation.
• Sports Therapist (BSc): Working in professional sports or private practice settings.
• Physical Therapist: Providing rehabilitative therapies to patients.
• Occupational Therapist: Assisting patients with daily living skills restoration and functional improvement.
• Strength and Conditioning Coach (MSc): Specializing in advanced training programs in sports and fitness settings.

Other:

• The program offers "telehealth facilities" for digital content creation and student learning activities.
• Students can gain experience through their internal sports therapy clinic outside the scheduled timetable.
• Access to a variety of resources, such as the Body Composition Lab, Exercise Physiology Labs, and the Strength and Conditioning lab, for practical development.
This program's comprehensive curriculum, diverse learning methodologies, and emphasis on practical experience equip graduates with a versatile skillset to pursue successful careers in the sports and rehabilitation field.

Tuition fees for FdSc-Full-time Study option UK / Channel Islands International Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study