This is a one day intermediate level face to face upper limb course aimed at ANP’s and First Contact Paramedics (who are already assessing and managing MSK conditions in everyday practice).

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:

• Be able to identify potential serious pathology or masqueraders in the upper limb and understand when to seek medical advice.
• Be able to perform a subjective and objective assessment including some appropriate special clinical test procedures to identify common musculoskeletal upper limb conditions in the upper limb.
• Understand when imaging or laboratory investigations are indicated and which ones support diagnosis and management of specific upper limb conditions.
• Be aware of how to, and who to seek further advice from when unsure about diagnosis.
• Understand management options including conservative (exercise, advice, injection therapy), pharmacological, and surgical options, alongside thresholds for referral to secondary care.
• Be aware of 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