Diploma in Physiotherapy Syllabus & Subjects 2024

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Mar 24, 2024 12:16PM IST

Diploma in Physiotherapy Course Syllabus & Subjects Overview

A Diploma in Physiotherapy syllabus is a 2-year course structure, designed to assist students in gaining proper foundation knowledge and skills to serve the functions of aiding medical emergencies. Physiotherapy is one of the allied courses of medical sciences. Therefore, the Diploma in Physiotherapy syllabus is set to spearhead the need for conceptual knowledge through theoretical and practical pedagogy methods. The DPT Syllabus is divided into 4 semesters, defining the important DPT Subjects for study.

The course curriculum of Diploma in Physiotherapy syllabus is designed in categories of Physical Therapy, Physical Movements, Massages, and Exercise to improve and cure injuries, diseases and deformities. The DPT Syllabus structure highlights various rehabilitation techniques taught to the students for treating patients so they can return to their normal healthy lifestyles sooner. Some of the important Diploma in Physiotherapy subjects are Physiology, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Rehabilitation Science, Food and Nutrition, etc. An in-depth understanding of the Diploma in Physiotherapy Syllabus has been provided below.

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Diploma in Physiotherapy Course Structure

While the syllabus structure differs there is no possibility of course structure to remain uniform among varying colleges and universities offering Diploma in Physiotherapy. Yet, it is highly advised to the students that they research the programmes of the chosen institutions for the following:

  • The course structure must have a 75:25 ratio of theoretical and practical course study. That is, even if 75% of the course curriculum is theory-based, at least 25% must be practical.
  • Computer or IT must be involved as a subject in any of two years of course study. This is applicable in the case of semesters as well, where it is better that at least two semesters include the subject.
  • Practicals and computer subjects must be evaluated for inclusion in the overall grade.
  • The course curriculum must adhere to the course outcomes designed for the Diploma in Physiotherapy programmes.
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Year-Wise Diploma in Physiotherapy Syllabus

The Diploma in Physiotherapy course syllabus is not as organized as varying other medical and allied courses. Students will find that several autonomous bodies have been established to design course structure, including syllabus, subject aims, outcomes, topics to be included, number of hours devoted to theory and practical study, etc. However, in the case of the Diploma in Physiotherapy students shall find that the authoritative agency has only certain guidelines designed for the course and no specific syllabus. In simpler words, the authority recommends what should be the outcomes of the programme and through which studies, but not how they should be structured as a course curriculum.

The Diploma in Physiotherapy syllabus is bound to differ for varying colleges, however, a certain similarity can be drawn between them on the basis of subjects and topics. The theory and practical hours shall be decided by the institutes at their own discretion. Here is a Diploma in Physiotherapy course syllabus format that students may expect from the colleges offering the said programme:

Diploma in Physiotherapy Course Syllabus
Year IYear II
Human Anatomy and PhysiologyBasic Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, Gynaecology, and Obstetrics
Basic of Pharmacology, Pathology, and MicrobiologyCommunity Medicine, including Pediatrics and Psychiatry
Basics of Exercise Therapy and ElectrotherapyPhysiotherapy in Orthopaedic Conditions, Orthotics, and Prosthetics
Biomechanics and KinesiologyPhysiotherapy in Neurologic Conditions and Rehabilitation
Basics of ComputerPhysiotherapy in Sports and Cardiology Conditions
BiochemistryPracticals
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Semester-Wise Diploma in Physiotherapy Syllabus

A detailed structure of Semester-Wise Diploma in Physiotherapy Syllabus has been mentioned below for students to refer to:

Semester I Semester II 
Physiology Biochemistry 
First-Aid and Nursing Rehabilitation Science 
Anatomy Bioengineering 
Semester III Semester IV 
Food Science and Nutrition Fundamental Anatomy of Human Body 
PharmacologyCourse Projects
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Diploma in Physiotherapy Subjects

While the subjects of Diploma in Physiotherapy are susceptible to change depending on the institutes, students can rest assured that each syllabus they come across shall include the topics in the course study. This surety is because of the relevancy of these topics to the final course outcomes of the Diploma of Physiotherapy programmes, which are set, unlike the syllabus.

Here is the detailed list of topics that can be covered by the subjects included in the Diploma in Physiotherapy programmes:

SubjectsTopics
Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • General Anatomy
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Upper Extremity & Lower Extremity
  • Spine and Thorax, Back Muscles 
  • Head and Neck
  • Nervous System
  • Sensory System
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Lymphatic System
  • Respiratory System
  • Digestive System & Urinary & Reproductive System
Basic of Pharmacology, Pathology, and Microbiology
  • General Physiology
  • Blood
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Respiratory System 
  • Nerve Muscle Physiology
  • Nervous system
  • Renal System
  • Digestive System
  • Endocrinology
  • Pathology
  • Microbiology
Basics of Exercise Therapy and Electro Therapy
  • Exercise Therapy
  • Electrotherapy
Biomechanics and Kinesiology
  • Mechanics
  • Motion & Force
  • Friction & Gravity
  • Equilibrium
  • Levers
  • Pulleys
  • Elasticity
  • Springs
  • Muscular system
  • Joint structures and functions
  • Posture
Basics of Computer
  • Basics of computer
  • Hardware and software
  • Input and output devices
  • Operating system – DOS, etc
Biochemistry
  • Nutrition
  • Carbohydrates
  • Lipids
  • Amino Acids
  • Proteins
  • Study of hemoglobin and myoglobin with their functions
  • Enzymes
  • Biochemistry of connective tissue
  • Vitamins
  • Diabetes mellitus
Basic Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, Gynaecology, and Obstetrics
  • Basic Surgery
  • ENT
  • Ophthalmology
  • Gynaecology and Obstetrics
Community Medicine, including Pediatrics and Psychiatry
  • Community Medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Psychiatry
Physiotherapy in Orthopedic Conditions, Orthotics, and Prosthetics
  • PT assessment for Orthopedic conditions
  • Fractures
  • Specific fractures and dislocations
  • Principles of various schools of thought in manual therapy
  • Degenerative and inflammatory conditions
  • Infective conditions
  • Deformities
  • Poliomyelitis
  • Leprosy
  • Amputations
  • Spinal conditions
  • Osteoporosis
  • Orthopedic surgeries
  • Shoulder joint
  • Elbow and forearm
  • Wrist and Hand
  • Hip
  • Knee
  • Ankle and Foot
  • Orthotics and Prosthetics
Physiotherapy in Neurologic Conditions and Rehabilitation
  • Review of basic Neuro - Anatomy and Physiology
  • Physiotherapy evaluation of a neurological patient
  • Peripheral nerve injuries, surgical resection & repair
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Neurosurgery
  • Rehabilitation Theory
Physiotherapy in Sports and Cardiology Conditions
  • Physiotherapy in Sports
  • Sports injuries Spine
  • Sports injuries Hip
  • Sports injuries Knee
  • Sports injuries Leg & ankle
  • Sports injuries Head & face
  • Sports injuries Shoulder 
  • Sports injuries Elbow
  • Sports injuries Wrist and hand
  • Principles of injury prevention
  • Principles of training & Rehabilitation in sports injuries
  • Sports in Special age groups; Female athlete triad, Younger athlete, and  Older athlete
  • Physiotherapy in Cardio-Respiratory and General Conditions
  • Physiotherapy techniques to increase lung volume
  • Physiotherapy techniques to decrease the work of breathing
  • Physiotherapy techniques to clear secretions
  • Drug therapy
  • Management of wound ulcers 
  • Physiotherapy in dermatology
  • Neonatal and Pediatric Physiotherapy
  • Physiotherapy in Obstructive lung conditions 
  • Physiotherapy in Restrictive lung conditions
  • Management of breathlessness
  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation
  • Physiotherapy following Lung surgeries
  • Respiratory failure
  • Burns management
  • Physiotherapy management following cardiac surgeries
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation
  • Physiotherapy management following Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
  • Abdominal Surgeries
  • Management of Amputations following Diabetes, PVD - Prosthesis in amputations of lower limbs following ulcers and gangrenes
  • Physiotherapy intervention in the management of Medical, Surgical and Radiation Oncology Cases
  • Home program and education of family members in patient care
  • Physiotherapy in Obstetrics
  • Geriatrics
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Diploma in Physiotherapy Important Books

All students must know of the list of important books for Diploma in Physiotherapy in order to gain a thorough understanding of the coursework. It is important to know about the right study material in the right manner for a deeper grasp at the course understanding. Here are some of the books that can be referred to for studying the Diploma in Physiotherapy syllabus:

SubjectReference Books
Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Introduction to Physiotherapy, Anatomy, Physiology and Elemental Nursing by P. R. Ashalatha
  • Anatomy 101 by Kevin Langford
Basic of Pharmacology, Pathology, and Microbiology
  • An Integrated Approach to Health Sciences by Colbert Bruce, Jeff Ankney, Joe Wilson, John Havrilla
  • Robbins and Kumar Basic Pathology: First South Asia Edition by Kumar and Abbas
  • Textbook of Microbiology by Chakraborty
  • Textbook of Biochemistry by U Satyanarayana and Chakrapani
  • Essentials of Medical Pharmacology by K. D. Tripathi
Basics of Exercise Therapy and Electrotherapy
  • Hand Book of General Anatomy by B. D. Chaurasia
  • Trauma: Contemporary Principles and Therapy by Lewis M. Flint
Basic Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, Gynaecology, and Obstetrics
  • Handbook of Clinical Nursing: Medical-Surgical Nursing by Ronald Hickman, Celeste M. Alfes, Celeste M. Alfes
Community Medicine, including Pediatrics and Psychiatry
  • An Introduction to Community Health Nursing by Dr. Mrs. Kasturi and Sundar Rao
  • Treatise on Hygiene and Public Health by Ghosh B.N. A.
Physiotherapy in Neurologic Conditions and Rehabilitation
  • Disaster Nursing and Emergency and Preparedness by Tener Goodwin Veenema

Important Points to Remember:

  • Students must be mindful of selecting comprehensive books for study while pursuing a DPT course. The primary source of information must be at par with the DPT Syllabus curriculum. 
  • It is important to remember that one must not refer to more than 3 books at a time for a specific subject, in order to eliminate confusion and misunderstanding. 
  • Additionally, one must not blindly follow the information provided in the reference books but rather use it for further research and knowledge enhancement. Reference books are not to be interpreted as a replacement for primary study materials. 
  • While choosing a primary book for study, students must not forget to verify factual accuracy and relevance of the information provided in it. 
  • Not all the latest editions are the best and therefore, students must be particular in their research of the best book edition to fit their course study.
  • In case newer editions are available, the changes must be researched for their relevance.
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Diploma in Physiotherapy Syllabus Projects

Diploma in Physiotherapy syllabus defines a list of project topics that are to be completed by the students by the end of their course duration, to successfully conclude their Diploma degree. According to the Diploma in Physiotherapy syllabus, these are designed for students for interdisciplinary learning, for them to acquire training and experience. Some of the popular Diploma in Physiotherapy Syllabus project topics are listed below:

  • Effects of Neurodevelopmental Treatment for Cerebral Palsy: A Meta –Analysis
  • Effect of Balloon Blowing Exercises on PEFR in Patients with COPD
  • Effects of Neurodevelopmental Technigue on Gait Parameters in Children with Spastic Diplegia
  • Effect Of Static Walking Training On Balance Ability Of Chronic GBS Patients
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Diploma in Physiotherapy Syllabus: Teaching Methodology

The Diploma in Physiotherapy Syllabus additionally highlights the different teaching methods employed for the DPT course curriculum. According to the DOT Syllabus, the teaching methodologies in DPT course include both theoretical as well as practical techniques. Listed below are the different teaching methodology and strategies in general for Diploma in Physiotherapy:

  • Conceptual Learning
  • Experiential Engagement
  • Seminar on specific topics
  • Group Discussion 
  • Online Research Sessions
  • Demonstrations with Models
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