physiological mechanisms for modulating pain and how these can be applied in physiotherapy practice

 Introduction:

The assignment must include an introduction of approximately 300 words which should set the scene by including:
 Definition of key terms.
 Provision of an outline of what you will be discussing in the main body of the assignment.
 Clear aims of the assignment
(N.B. due to the word count, you need to be clear in the focus of your assignment and ensure this addresses the marking criteria and the guidelines below).

NB: You should also include within the introduction brief details and rationale of your literature search. i.e. databases and key words used in the search, dates searched and any limits.

Main Body

• The aim of this assignment is to demonstrate your ability to link knowledge of the physiological mechanisms for modulating acute pain to the clinical application of
this knowledge i.e. the use of therapeutic modalities within physiotherapy practice to modulate acute pain.
• You can choose any physiotherapeutic modality covered within the Assessment and Management Peripheral 2 module curriculum i.e. ultrasound, inferential therapy, pulsed short wave, tens, massage, passive movements.
• You should include the relevant anatomy and physiological mechanisms of acute tissue damage / acute pain modulation.
• You must include discussion of acute pain modulation related specifically to the physiotherapeutic modality you chose.
• Cite suitable research evidence to evaluate the use of the physiotherapeutic modality you chose in the management of acute pain (minimum of 4 studies). Critiquing of evidence is not required at level 4 and is not reflected in the marking scheme.

Conclusion
The conclusion (approximately 200 words) should summarise the key points made in the main body of the assignment. It is important that you include your evaluation of the physiotherapeutic modality you discussed.

Appendices
You may include the full detail of your search strategy including full search terms, with all databases and how terms were combined with Boolean Operators to limit results. This will not contribute to your overall mark but will help with formative feedback to assist in future searches.