This is a one day advanced level face to face upper 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. This musculoskeletal masterclass provides contemporary CPD for GPs and First Contact Physiotherapists who are already assessing and managing MSK conditions in everyday practice.

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 upper 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 upper limb conditions in the upper limb. 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 upper 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 upper limb conditions (NICE, GIRFT initiative and special interest groups e.g. BESS – British Elbow and Shoulder Society, BSSH – British Society for Surgery of the Hand).

Anatomical Regions and Conditions Covered

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

 Shoulder

• Frozen shoulder
• Subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS)
• Osteoarthritis
• Instability

Elbow

• Extensor & Flexor Origin Tendinopathy (Tennis and Golfers Elbow!)
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
• Olecranon bursitis
• Degenerative & Inflammatory Arthropathy

 Hand & Wrist

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Trigger Digit/Finger
• Degenerative & Inflammatory conditions
• Ganglion Cyst
• Dupuytrens Disease
• Tenosynovitis (De Quervains)
• TFCC injury / ulna sided wrist pain