Musculoskeletal Pain

The Musculoskeletal Pain course is divided into five detailed units, each focusing on a specific aspect of musculoskeletal health and pain management:

Unit 1: Causes and Pathophysiology of Musculoskeletal Pain
This unit delves into the common presentations of musculoskeletal pain in general practice, focusing on the underlying mechanisms such as muscle overload, pairing imbalances, and joint instability. Case studies illustrate how seemingly minor activities can trigger significant pain due to underlying muscle weaknesses​.

Unit 2: Stabilising Muscles
Participants will learn about the crucial role of stabilising muscles in the body, with emphasis on key muscle groups like the rotator cuff and transverse abdominis. Case studies, such as a 65-year-old with chronic back pain, highlight how muscle weakness contributes to pain and the importance of targeted strengthening​(U2 - Stabilising muscle…).

Unit 3: Muscle Pairings and Pain
This unit examines how muscle imbalances, particularly between agonist and antagonist groups, lead to joint instability and chronic pain. Through case discussions, the course explores the impact of muscle pairing on conditions like ankle and shoulder pain, stressing the importance of balance in muscle strength.

Unit 4: Radiology in Musculoskeletal Pain
Unit 4 explores the limitations of radiology in diagnosing musculoskeletal pain, focusing on why radiographic findings often do not correlate with pain levels. The unit emphasises a clinical approach over reliance on imaging, particularly for conditions like back pain and arthritis.

Unit 5: Treatment Approaches
The final unit provides a comprehensive overview of treatment strategies for musculoskeletal pain. It covers stretching, strengthening, and manual therapies, while also discussing the use of analgesia and exercise programs to manage muscle weakness and tightness. This unit equips participants with practical tools to develop tailored treatment plans for their patients​.

This course is ideal for healthcare professionals looking to deepen their understanding of musculoskeletal conditions and improve patient outcomes through evidence-based practices.