Physical therapy also called physiotherapy, is a licensed healthcare profession focused on restoring or enhancing body movement and function when impaired by injury, disease, aging or disability. It uses therapeutic exercise, hands on manual techniques (like massage or joint mobilization), and modalities such as heat, cold, ultrasound or strength, balance, and quality of life, and enable safer, more independent daily activities. Physical therapists empower patients through tailored education, assistive-device training, and home based programs to prevent future problems and support long-term wellness.

 

FOUNDATION OF ORTHOPAEDIC PHYSIOTHERAPY

Role of a Physiotherapist

Pain physiology (acute vs chronic)

Tissue healing stages (bone, ligament, muscle, tendon)

Clinical assessment format

Red flags vs yellow flags

Posture & gait observation basics

ROM, MMT, special tests – overview

Functional outcome measures

Evidence-based practice

Documentation & clinical decision making


LOW BACK PAIN (MOST IMPORTANT)

Mechanical LBP

Types: discogenic, facet, muscular

McKenzie concept (intro)

Disc Pathology

Disc bulge / prolapse

Centralization vs peripheralization

Neural tension tests

Chronic LBP

Core instability

Fear avoidance model

Motor control training

Core activation

Pelvic tilts, bridges

Ergonomics & posture correction


CERVICAL SPINE DISORDERS

Mechanical neck pain

Postural neck pain (mobile addiction)

Cervical radiculopathy

Disc & spondylosis

Cervicogenic headache

Dizziness (screening)

Cervical mobilization

Deep neck flexor training

Traction & ergonomics

Shoulder biomechanics

Scapular dyskinesis

Rotator cuff injuries

Impingement syndrome

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

Stage-wise rehab

Mobilization techniques

Theraband & scapular control exercises


ELBOW, WRIST & HAND

Tennis elbow / Golfer’s elbow

Wrist pain & instability

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Soft tissue techniques

Grip strengthening

Neural gliding


KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Pathophysiology of OA

Radiological correlation

Assessment & functional grading

Pain management strategies

Exercise prescription

Weight, footwear & lifestyle advice

Practical

Quadriceps strengthening

Closed vs open chain

Taping & braces

KNEE INJURIES

ACL, PCL, MCL, meniscus

Post-operative rehab (ACL reconstruction)

Patellofemoral pain syndrome

Proprioception

Return to sport criteria


HIP DISORDERS

Hip OA

Hip biomechanics

Avascular necrosis

Labral injuries

Post THR (Total Hip Replacement)

Hip mobilization

Gait training

Strength progression


ANKLE & FOOT

Ankle sprain (acute & chronic)

Plantar fasciitis

Heel pain

Flat foot & foot biomechanics

Balance training

Taping

Intrinsic foot muscle exercises


FRACTURES & POST-OPERATIVE REHAB

Bone healing & rehab phases

Upper limb fracture rehab

Lower limb fracture rehab

ROM progression


SPORTS ORTHOPAEDICS

Overuse injuries

Muscle strains & tears

Return-to-play protocols

Plyometrics

Agility drills

Injury prevention


ADVANCED & CLINIC-BASED PRACTICE

Manual therapy concepts

Mulligan / Maitland overview

Taping, dry needling (theory)