GP Cases: Complex musculoskeletal problems

The GP Cases: Complex Musculoskeletal Problems course provides comprehensive insights into diagnosing and managing challenging musculoskeletal conditions. Divided into five key units, the program equips general practitioners with the knowledge to navigate these common yet intricate clinical scenarios.

Unit 1: Recognising Recurrent Musculoskeletal Problems
This unit introduces the spectrum of recurrent musculoskeletal issues, including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, fragility fractures, and inflammatory conditions. It emphasises:
- The impact of musculoskeletal problems on physical and mental health.
- The role of primary care in early recognition and prevention.
- Strategies to manage pain, disability, and comorbidities like depression and metabolic syndrome.

Unit 2: Osteoarthritis and Back Pain
Explore two of the most prevalent chronic conditions:
- Osteoarthritis: Risk factors, pathophysiology, and treatment options, from pain management to surgical interventions.
- Back Pain: Diagnostic frameworks to differentiate between acute, subacute, and chronic cases. Learn evidence-based approaches to reduce recurrence and disability through conservative and active interventions.

Unit 3: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Conditions
Delve into inflammatory musculoskeletal diseases, focusing on:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early diagnosis, impact on systemic health, and management, including physical activity and drug therapies.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: Addressing spinal mobility and systemic symptoms.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: Identifying and treating this often-overlooked condition.

Unit 4: Physical Activity in Chronic Illnesses
Understand the critical role of exercise in managing musculoskeletal and systemic health conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
- Obesity and its impact on joint health.
- Cancer-related musculoskeletal challenges.
- Practical tips to integrate physical activity into treatment plans, emphasising its benefits in reducing fatigue, improving strength, and enhancing quality of life.

Unit 5: Complex Cases and Multidisciplinary Approaches
Conclude the course with real-world case studies addressing:
- Pregnancy and Musculoskeletal Health: Safe exercise guidelines and modifications.
- Chronic Kidney Disease and Neurological Disorders: Physical activity’s role in mitigating symptoms and enhancing mobility.
- Mental Health and Metabolic Disorders: Strategies to leverage exercise in treating depression, anxiety, diabetes, and obesity.

This course provides actionable strategies, case discussions, and the latest research to empower general practitioners in delivering holistic, patient-centred care for complex musculoskeletal conditions.