5B034E - Therapeutic Techniques in Sport and Exercise Therapy 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 5B034E
Module Title: Therapeutic Techniques in Sport and Exercise Therapy
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Sport
Faculty Sub Group: Sports Coaching
Module Leader: Sara Gray
Module Team: Sara Gray, Leighanne Kelly
First Intended Intake: SEP 2027 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh:
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 0
Valid From 01 Sep 2027
Valid To 31 Aug 2033

Module Aims

The main aims of the module are: 

  • Develop practical competence in applying manual therapy, electrotherapy, and taping & strapping techniques safely and effectively for musculoskeletal injury management in sport and exercise contexts. 

  • Enhance clinical reasoning and evidence-informed practice by enabling students to select, justify, and evaluate therapeutic interventions based on patient presentation, physiological principles, and current research. 

  • Foster reflective and professional practice by encouraging students to critically review treatment outcomes, understand the therapeutic rationale behind interventions, and integrate learning into future clinical decision-making. 

Content Summary

By the end of this module, you will be able to safely and effectively apply a range of therapeutic techniques used in sport and exercise therapy to support the management and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions. You will develop practical skills in manual therapy, including peripheral and spinal joint mobilisations, as well as in the application of electrotherapy modalities such as TENS, ultrasound, and NMES. The module also introduces athletic and kinesiology taping techniques, enabling you to prevent injuries and support rehabilitation. 

You will learn to assess patient presentations, interpret clearing tests, and select appropriate interventions based on clinical reasoning, safety, and evidence-informed practice. The module emphasises understanding the physiological mechanisms and therapeutic rationale of each modality, while encouraging you to critically evaluate current research to justify your treatment decisions. You will also reflect on treatment outcomes to enhance your professional practice and improve future clinical decision-making. Through the integration of theory, hands-on practice, and reflective learning, this module prepares you to confidently implement therapeutic techniques within your scope of practice, contributing effectively to the rehabilitation and performance of individuals in sport and exercise settings. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Scheduled Teaching 72
Asynchronous activity 10.5
Summative Assessment 60
Independent self-directed study  157.5
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Explain and Demonstrate safe and effective application of manual therapy techniques, electrotherapy modalities, and taping & strapping methods in the management of musculoskeletal conditions.
LO2 Critically evaluate the clinical effectiveness and therapeutic rationale of treatment modalities used in sports therapy practice.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment Practical / Clinical Viva (Onsite) 2 Assessment 1. Practical Examination with VIVA (Peripheral Treatment) : This assessment evaluates students’ ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills in musculoskeletal management. Using a clinical case study, students analyse patient presentation, select an appropriate treatment, and justify their decision, demonstrating clinical reasoning grounded in physiological principles and evidence-informed practice. 40 N/A 50 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment Practical / Clinical Viva (Onsite) 2 Assessment 2. Practical Examination with VIVA (Spinal Treatment): This assessment evaluates students’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the assessment and management of spinal conditions. Using a clinical case study, students must analyse patient presentation and select appropriate treatment interventions, demonstrating clinical reasoning and evidence-informed decision-making. 40 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical / Clinical Viva (Onsite) 2 ✔ ✔
Practical / Clinical Viva (Onsite) 2 ✔ ✔

Reading List

Week 1 / Week 2  

Brukner, P & Khan, K, (Eds.) (2017). Brukner & Khan's clinical sports medicine: Volume 1 injuries (5th edition). McGraw-Hill Education (Australia), North Ryde, N.S.W 

Hengeveld, E., and Banks, K. (2013). Maitland’s Peripheral Manipulation. Edinburgh: Butterworth Heinemann, Elsevier. 

Week 3/ Week 4  

Hattam, P., and Smeatham, A. (2010). Special Tests in Musculoskeletal Examination, An Evidence-based Guide for Clinicians.  Edinburgh, Churchill Livingstone. 

Neumann, D. A. (2013). Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: foundations for rehabilitation. Elsevier Health Sciences. 

Week 5 

Mulligan, B. (1999). Manual Therapy- NAGS, SNAGS, MWMS. Wellington, New Zealand: Plane View Service. 

Houglum, P. (2010). Therapeutic Exercise for Musculoskeletal Injuries. Champaign Ill. Human Kinetics. 

Week 6  

Kolt, G.S. and Snyder-Mackler, L. (2007). Physical Therapies in Sport and Exercise. Edinburgh, Churchill Livingstone. 

Supplementary Reading:  

  • Brukner, P & Khan, K, (Eds.) (2017). Brukner & Khan's clinical sports medicine: Volume 1 injuries (5th edition). McGraw-Hill Education (Australia), North Ryde, N.S.W 

  • Palastanga, N., & Soames, R. (2018). Anatomy and human movement, structure and function with PAGEBURST access, 7: anatomy and human movement. Elsevier Health Sciences. 

  • Hengeveld, E. and Banks, K. (2014) Maitland’s Vertebral Manipulation. 8th edn. Edinburgh: Elsevier. 

  • Gifford, L.S. (2014) Topical Issues in Pain. 2nd edn. Falmouth: CNS Press. 

  • Mulligan, B.R. (2010) Manual Therapy: NAGS, SNAGS, MWMs etc. 6th edn. Wellington, New Zealand: Plane View Services. 

  • Vicenzino, B. and Hing, W. (eds) (various) Mulligan Concept: Manual Therapy and Mobilisation with Movement. Edinburgh: Elsevier. 

  • Petty, N.J. and Moore, A.P. (2011) Musculoskeletal and Spinal Examination: An Evidence-Based Approach. 3rd edn. Edinburgh: Elsevier. 

  • Magee, D.J. (2021) Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 7th edn. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. 

  • Kaltenborn, F.M. (2011) Manual Mobilization of the Joints: The Extremities. 7th edn. Oslo: Norli. 

  • Kaltenborn, F.M. (2011) Manual Mobilization of the Joints: The Spine. 6th edn. Oslo: Norli. 

  • Shacklock, M. (2005) Clinical Neurodynamics: A New System of Musculoskeletal Treatment. Oxford: Elsevier. 

  • Butler, D.S. and Moseley, G.L. (2013) Explain Pain. 2nd edn. Adelaide: Noigroup Publications