Man Shun: My Physiotherapy Work Placement

Posted on: 2 April 2025 by Richard Finch in Student experiences

Man Shun Wong is a second-year BSc Physiotherapy student at the University of Liverpool who has just completed a five-week placement at Broadgreen Liverpool University Hospital.

We caught up with her to find out more about her placement:

"From 25 February to 28 March 2025, I undertook a five-week placement in the Musculoskeletal Outpatient Department at Broadgreen Liverpool University Hospital.

During the placement, I had the opportunity to see a variety of patients with a range of conditions, such as frozen shoulder and knee osteoarthritis. To create a treatment plan that the patient could follow at home, I had to take both the subjective and objective history of the patient, including information about muscle strength, dermatomes, and more. Additionally, I had to assess whether the patient was ready to be discharged.

During my placement, I had the opportunity to observe a total hip replacement surgery. It was fascinating to watch the surgeon carefully remove the damaged femoral head and acetabulum before replacing the arthritic joint with an artificial ceramic ball and a metal stem. The surgeon also assessed the hip’s range of motion and ensured both legs were of equal length after the procedure.

This experience deepened my understanding of anatomy and gave me valuable insight into the concerns of patients attending post-operative physiotherapy. As a result, I feel more confident in prescribing the most appropriate treatment for each individual. Additionally, I gained a greater appreciation for the vital role physiotherapists play in enhancing patients' quality of life through mobilization, strengthening, and gait training—helping them regain independence in their daily activities.

Throughout this placement, I have enhanced both my verbal and non-verbal communication skills, particularly in actively listening to patients and providing reassurance. Additionally, I have developed stronger clinical reasoning skills when explaining diagnoses.

Overall, this was a valuable learning experience that deepened my appreciation for patient-centred care and the importance of adaptability in different situations. It was a rewarding experience, and I am confident it will shape me into a better physiotherapist in the future."