This is a one day advanced level face to face lower limb course aimed at General Practitioners and First Contact Physiotherapists who have an MSK caseload and experience seeing patients with MSK problems.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) practice is an exciting speciality within healthcare, but with such a rapidly expanding knowledge base, keeping up to date is challenging.

Delivered through face-to-face teaching which includes interactive discussions, practical techniques and case based learning, all of which are informed by the latest evidence and guidelines.

Our tutors Anthony and Sarah are MSK Physiotherapists with over 40 years combined experience in NHS and private practice, complementing their clinical work with university lecturer roles in advanced postgraduate MSK practice including; injection therapy, MSK ultrasound, Hand Therapy and First Contact Physiotherapy.

Learning Outcomes:

• Confidence in identifying potential serious pathology or masqueraders in the lower limb, investigate and refer onwards in a timely manner.
• Be able to perform an accurate subjective and objective assessment including appropriate special clinical test procedures to identify common musculoskeletal lower limb conditions. Which tests are best / most reliable?
• Understand when imaging, neurophysiological testing or laboratory investigations are indicated and which ones support diagnosis and management of specific lower limb conditions.
• Understand management options including conservative (exercise, advice, injection therapy), pharmacological, and surgical options, alongside thresholds for referral to secondary care.
• Be able to apply national guidelines relating to assessment and management of common musculoskeletal lower limb conditions (NICE, GIRFT initiative and special interest groups).

Anatomical Regions and Conditions Covered

(in line with RCGP GPwER in MSK Medicine Framework):

 Hip

• Osteoarthritis
• Groin pain and Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
• Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)

Knee

• Osteoarthritis
• Patello-femoral pain syndrome (PFPS)
• Tendinopathy
• Bursitis
• Meniscal injury
• Ligament injury
• Bakers (Popliteal) cyst

Foot & ankle

• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Posterior Tibialis Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Lateral Ankle Problems following sprain injury
• OA – ankle, midfoot, 1^st MTPJ
• Metatarsalgia (including Morton’s neuroma)