Pain Management in Physiotherapy (5 cr)

Objective

The student can describe the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of sensing pain and pain classification according to the biopsychosocial framework. The student can clarify and use physiotherapy methods in pain treatment as part of multiprofessional activities. The student can implement physical therapy, as well as the methods of manual therapy selected for the content of the study term as part of pain treatment. The student knows how to encounter a client and understands the importance of validating interaction as part of the physiotherapy process.

Content

Physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of sensing pain
Classifying pain (pain mechanisms, definition of pain duration)
Assessing pain, physiotherapeutic examination and physiotherapy methods as part of pain treatment
Interaction skills

Materials

Eija Kalso, Maija Haanpää, Anneli Vainio: Kipu, 2018

Supplementary material; Luomajoki H. ym. Ammattilaisen kipukirja. VK-Kustannus, 2020

Teaching methods

Contact teaching (participation to contact teaching) , learning assignments, written exam/assignment (assessed numerically)

Exam schedules

Moodle exam 14.10.2025 at 9-11.00
Retake 28.10.2025 at 9-11.00

Further information

The course includes Physiology and Pathophysiology of Pain 1 cr

Attendance in all lessons and completion of assignments and exams is a prerequisite for successful completion of the course.

The assignments and MATERIALS are works of authorship according to the Copyright Act (404/61), to which the teacher holds the copyright. The assignments AND MATERIALS may not be used for purposes other than your own studies. Their public distribution is only allowed with the permission of the teacher.

The use of AI in this course is in accordance with the Metropolia AI guidelines and the student should familiarise him/herself with them.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE BASE
Student
-can search for knowledge resourcefully utilizing sources of the field and uses the knowledge base of the field
-is familiar with the knowledge base and core components of the profession

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND ACTIONS
Student
-has adequate professional skills to work in the profession
-can work in a client-oriented way
-solves professional tasks and problems

ETHICS, COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT
-works safely and in accordance with the ethical principles of the field
-displays competence benefitting groups or projects
-is able to evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses and development needs

Assessment criteria, good (3)

PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE BASE
Student
-searches for knowledge and justifies the use of sources
-uses the professional knowledge base consistently
-justifies actions by means of evidencebased knowledge

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND ACTIONS
Student
-applies professional skills to different situations
-can act responsibly and in a clientoriented way
-can work in various tasks in diverse operating environments

ETHICS, COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT
-justifies professional activities according to the ethical principles of the field and evaluates the safety of these activities
-can work in work groups and projects in a goal-oriented way
-develops oneself

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE BASE
Student
-applies the professional knowledge base fluently and in a versatile way
-evaluates and uses evidence-based knowledge

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND ACTIONS
Student
-applies professional skills in different situations and can evaluate the results of these actions
-can act responsibly and in a clientoriented way
-applies alternative solutions to professional decision-making

ETHICS, COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT
-evaluates professional activities and safety according to the ethical principles of the field
-can work in different groups and projects with persons with diverse cultural backgrounds
-develops the work community and oneself

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE BASE
Student
-can search for knowledge resourcefully utilizing sources of the field and uses the knowledge base of the field
-is familiar with the knowledge base and core components of the profession

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND ACTIONS
Student
-has adequate professional skills to work in the profession
-can work in a client-oriented way
-solves professional tasks and problems

ETHICS, COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT
-works safely and in accordance with the ethical principles of the field
-displays competence benefitting groups or projects
-is able to evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses and development needs

Assessment methods and criteria

Attendance to contact teaching, learning assignments and written exam.The written exam/assignment is assessed numerically 0-5. The other learning assignments are assessed accepted/false.

Qualifications

Student knows the basics of assessment and promotion of functioning in physiotherapy. Student knows the basics of body functions and structures.

Objective

The student can describe the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of sensing pain and pain classification according to the biopsychosocial framework. The student can clarify and use physiotherapy methods in pain treatment as part of multiprofessional activities. The student can implement physical therapy, as well as the methods of manual therapy selected for the content of the study term as part of pain treatment. The student knows how to encounter a client and understands the importance of validating interaction as part of the physiotherapy process.

Content

Physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of sensing pain
Classifying pain (pain mechanisms, definition of pain duration)
Assessing pain, physiotherapeutic examination and physiotherapy methods as part of pain treatment
Interaction skills

Qualifications

Student knows the basics of assessment and promotion of functioning in physiotherapy. Student knows the basics of body functions and structures.