Overview
Delivered by experts in the field, the three-part Professional Diploma program in Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine equips medical practitioners with the skills to diagnose and manage patients with musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries in primary care.
As musculoskeletal conditions account for over 14 per cent of general practice encounters and are the third most common reason for presentation, these ailments represent a major part of everyday GP work. This course thus delivers tailored general practitioner training to address these conditions.
Helping you to meet patient demand and improve outcomes, the certificate courses will teach you how to diagnose joint and musculoskeletal pains and sports injuries – including weekend sportspeople and professional athletes – and identify their underlying causes, minimize risk for patients, and provide ongoing GP management of these conditions in primary care.
Diagnose musculoskeletal pains and their underlying causes, including joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis, sports injuries, neck injuries, lower limb and gait problems, back pain, and more.
- Perfect for practitioners with no to little prior training in this area.
- This course is for medical doctors, International Medical Graduates, registered nurses and degree-qualified health professionals.
- CPD-accredited and university-assured.
Course Benefits
- Meet patient demand, as musculoskeletal conditions account for over 14 per cent of GP encounters and are the third most common reason for presentation.
- Provide your patients with immediate care by addressing common ailments in general practice.
- Assess and minimize risk of cervical spinal cord or nerve root damage.
- Provide long-term support for your patients with ongoing joint and musculoskeletal pains and sporting injuries.
- Judge when to refer on a patient, and learn how to work collaboratively with specialists and physiotherapists.
- Get unlimited access to all course content, additional learning materials, ongoing post-course support, and more.
Course Contents
Musculoskeletal pain
This module focuses on the different types of musculoskeletal pain and their underlying causes. It discusses in detail the pathophysiology of muscular deficiencies commonly seen in general practice, such as muscular overload, muscle pairing imbalance and joint instability. The module then covers the types of treatment and exercise to be applied to these deficiencies. Various images and case studies are presented throughout the module to assist with learning.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This module focuses on the steps used to initiate a diagnosis in patients with acutely painful joints and briefly introduces the causes and complications of polyarthritis. It outlines the differential diagnosis based on history taking, examinations and investigations. The module explains the epidemiology, aetiology, pathophysiology, natural history and diagnostic criteria of rheumatoid arthritis. The module concludes with the examination, investigations, diagnosis, and management of rheumatoid arthritis. Various images and statistics are used throughout the module.
Neck Injuries in Sport
This module focuses on the initial diagnosis and GP management of sport-related neck injuries. It outlines the neck anatomy and common causes of neck injuries in sport. The module then outlines the step-by-step diagnostic process to exclude the possibility of an unstable cervical spine injury that could lead to spinal cord compression and neurological compromise. This involves a combination of history taking, physical findings and, when required, imaging studies. The module also discusses the treatment and management of neck injuries in emergency and uncomplicated situations. The module concludes with the management of neck injuries in special situations including neck injuries in children, arthritic spine, ageing spine and soft tissue injuries with blunt injuries.
GP Cases: Acute Musculoskeletal and Sports
This module introduces the definition of musculoskeletal injuries and outlines the role and importance of GP involvement in managing these injuries. The module then outlines the different classifications and management of injuries including soft-tissue injuries and closed injuries. It also discusses the principles to improve and optimize the healing of such injuries. The module then focuses on the diagnosis and management of common musculoskeletal injuries including ankle sprains, syndesmosis injuries, MCL injuries, hamstring tears, groin strains and adhesive capsulitis. The module finishes with the diagnosis and symptoms of concussion and ways to manage them.
Physical and Biomechanical Assessment of Lower Limb and Gait Problems
This module begins with an introduction to the principles and fundamentals of biomechanical assessments. The module outlines the terminology and assessment tips of a normal gait and briefly discusses its movement, forces and pressures. It also discusses the terminology and clinical symptoms of antalgic/abnormal gait of the hip, knee, ankle and foot. The module then discusses the biomechanical assessments of the lower limb including non-clinical gait tests, altered/additional gait tests, ankle D/F lunge tests and other quick tests. The management and therapeutic intervention of the lower limbs is outlined. The module concludes with when and whom to refer patients to. Various images are presented throughout the module.
Degenerative Joint Diseases
This module focuses on planning an assessment of patients with chronic joint pain and degenerative joint disease. It begins with an introduction and overview of arthritis and a discussion on the differential diagnoses of degenerative joint and inflammatory joint disease. The module then explains the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA). Overarching principles of OA management is discussed including OA management of the hip, knee and hand. The module concludes with the management of cervical and lumbar spondylosis.
Low Back Pain
This module focuses on the initial diagnoses and management of low back pain including GP assessment for Cauda equina or spinal nerve root damage. It outlines the epidemiology, definitions, anatomy and physiology of low back pain. The module outlines red flags that require urgent intervention. Patients that need investigations through relevant lab tests are discussed in this module. Different imaging modalities including X rays, CT scans, MRI, bone scans and Nerve Conduction Studies are outlined depending on the symptoms. The module concludes with the management of non-specific low back pain and the role of surgery in managing these conditions. Images and videos are presented throughout the module.
GP Cases: Recurrent Musculoskeletal and Sports Injuries
This module focuses on assessing patients with sports injuries and chronic musculoskeletal conditions including establishing a management plan with other health professionals. It outlines the differential diagnosis, prevention, management and long-term rehabilitation of plantar fasciitis and chronic ankle instability. In this module, the aetiology, risk factors, presentation, differential diagnosis, examination, imaging and management of Achilles tendinopathy, shin splints, patellar tendinopathy, Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, Carpal Tunnel syndrome, Ilio-tibial band friction syndrome and rotator cuff tendinitis are discussed in detail. The module concludes with the diagnosis and management of elbow epicondylitis and lumbar facet joint syndrome.
Course Delivery
Each certificate course in the three-part pathway consists of eight online modules. The Professional Certificate also includes an optional accompanying practical workshop in which you can apply theory in practice and cement your knowledge through guided hands-on practical sessions in select locations.
Course Requirement
The program is suitable for medical doctors, International Medical Graduates, registered nurses, and degree qualified health professionals. No prior knowledge or training in this field is assumed.
The Course Includes
Pre-reading activities, an optional practical workshop with expert demonstrations and hands-on activities (Professional Certificate only), interactive live web tutorials and further readings, individual assessment tasks, and two online examinations.
Providers Terms
Course Transfers
Face to Face Courses
Course transfers for Face to Face practical workshops are available, subject to requests being received, in writing, a minimum of 10 business days prior to workshop commencement. Transfer requests received after 10 business days prior to workshop commencement will incur an Administration Fee of $250.
Transfers will be subject to availability in the future workshops. If the future workshop has a cost differential, that price will apply, and any additional charges will be payable at the time of the transfer request.
One workshop transfer, per course is allowed. Further transfers will be considered upon application and may be charged at 25% of a full new workshop booking rate.
Online Courses
Transfers for Online courses are available subject to requests being received, in writing, within 7 days of enrolment. Transfer requests received after the 7 days post enrolment will incur an Administration Fee of $200. One course transfer request, per course is allowed.
If the future course being transferred to, has a cost differential, that price will apply, and any additional charges will be payable at the time of the course transfer request.
Online Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellation and a full refund of the course fees will be provided if a request is received, in writing, a maximum of 7 days after course enrolment. Refund requests received later than 7 days after course enrolment will incur an Administration Fee of $250. Upon cancellation and full refund of the course enrolment, you will not receive a certificate or accreditation points.
Bundle Courses
Courses purchased as part of a bundle attract a discount. This discount is apportioned to the final course in the bundle in the cases of cancellations and refunds. Therefore, cancellation and refund requests of a course that have been purchased as part of a bundle are refunded based on the first and/or second course being charged at the full price rate. Any courses remaining in the bundle can be refunded provided the request is received, in writing, a maximum of 7 days after course enrolment. Refund requests received later than 7 days after course enrolment will incur an Administration Fee of $250.
Tickets:
Online CoursesClosedOptional WorkshopsClosedKey Details | |
| Contact Hours: | 7.0 hrs |
| Start Time: | Sun, 03 March 2024 , 8:30 AM |
| Finish Time: | Sun, 03 March 2024 , 4:45 PM |
| Duration: | Full Day |
| Format: | Hands-on |
| Language: | English |
| Venue: | Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre |
Address: | Merivale St, South, |
| Educator Shop: | HealthCert Education |
| Enquiries: |
Speakers:
 | Dr. Anoop JalotaFRACGP, MBBS, General Practitioner |
Dr Anoop Jalota is a general practitioner who has special interests in emergency procedures and musculoskeletal medicine. He is passionate about helping patients to quit smoking and manage their weight. Dr Jalota is currently a cluster leader for Central Illawarra and has a passion for continued learning and mentoring.
 | Dr. Alice LamMBHcB, FRACGP, General Practioner |
Dr Alice Lam is a general practitioner passionate about evidence-based medicine and education for medical professionals and their patients. She has over 23 years of medical experience in Australia and overseas. Dr Lam graduated from the University of Manchester, UK and practiced both as a locum and partner. Since 2008, she has worked as a GP in Melbourne, Australia. Her other interests include digital health, health writing and education for health professionals and patients.
 | Dr. David PughSenior Lecturer, Exercise Physiology, School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales |
Dr David Pugh is a Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology within the School of Sport and Health Sciences at Cardiff Metropolitan University, Wales. His global research agenda focuses on how regular exercise and physical activity can effectively prevent and treat cardiovascular and metabolic diseases across the lifespan.
 | Dr. Huddy FullerMBBS, General Practitioner |
A native Queenslander, Dr Huddy Fuller graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2012, and spent his hospital years in Launceston then Hervey Bay. He went on to complete GP Fellowship in NSW, choosing general practice because he believes it is the most important medical specialty for the betterment of people’s lives.
Dr Fuller has a background as an exercise physiologist and enjoys bringing this knowledge to general practice. He is experienced in skin cancer screening and management, musculoskeletal medicine, and chronic disease management especially type 2 diabetes. Dr Fuller focuses on an education and shared decision making approach to general practice.
He is heavily involved in the team sport Ultimate Frisbee.
 | A/Prof. Norman EizenbergMBBS, FRACS (Hon.) |
Clinical Academic Lead (Back to Base Days) Melbourne Clinical School, The University of Notre Dame
Honorary Principal Fellow Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne
Associate Professor Norman Eizenberg has taught anatomy to medical students (at Melbourne and Monash Universities) and surgical trainees for more than 40 years. His main areas of research and scholarship are in medical education (including student learning of anatomy) and in anatomical variations (including their surgical implications). He was awarded an Honorary Fellowship Degree (in 2016) by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in recognition of “significant work in anatomy and of contributions to the College” and is currently Anatomy Specialty Editor for the ANZ Journal of Surgery.
A/Prof Eizenberg’s biggest role was project leader of the recently completed ANATOMEDIA Online which is a comprehensive, interactive learning platform exploring anatomy from multiple perspectives. So far, ANATOMEDIA has received four national or international awards, including the Australian Publishers Association "Best teaching & learning package in tertiary education" (in 2008).
Meanwhile, he managed to keep his hand in clinical practice after-hours as a GP and received Life Membership “for 30 years extraordinary service as a volunteer doctor at matches” by AJAX Amateur Football Club. He was also fortunate to be a Victorian Australian of the Year Finalist (in 2014) for “outstanding contribution: anatomist, doctor and educationalist”.
Outside interests besides organised sport include nature walks and contemporary music. A/Prof Eizenberg is a bit of a film buff and reads books on biography or history (which like anatomy and unlike him, never become outdated).
 | Mr. Ronnie BatemanBSPhysio, BPodiatry, Masters Musculoskeletal Physio, Podiatrist & physiotherapist |
Ronnie Bateman attained his professional qualifications from LaTrobe University, Melbourne. In 1995, he graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and returned to study a Bachelor of Podiatry and a Masters of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.
Mr Bateman has worked in several sectors including elite sport, aged care and disability, occupational, public health, and private practice.
As a clinician, he promotes treatment pragmatism, and concedes that there are exceptions to most supported clinical and research-based beliefs.
As a podiatrist, he enjoys the challenge of complex foot/ankle conditions, in addition to assisting more proximal pathologies (such as knee pain) by altering distal biomechanics. Podiatric interventions he adopts can include one or more of the following: shoe alterations, insole alterations, over-the-counter orthotics, hand-made insoles/orthotics, strapping, padding, and off-loading. He continues to make devices from casting to fitting where necessary.
As a physiotherapist, Mr Bateman will consider evidence-based research and “old-school” manual therapy options in an attempt to make maximum improvement in the shortest timeframe.
As a lower-limb musculoskeletal practitioner, he can apply top-down (physiotherapy based) and bottom-up (podiatry based) approaches.
Principles and philosophies supported include:
- Mechanical problems have mechanical solutions.
- Maximal healing occurs in an environment of minimal symptoms.
- Rather than “no pain, no gain”, the preference is “more brain, less brawn”.
- Like bread, chronic soft-tissue scar invariably does well with a knead.
- “Trial and error” in musculoskeletal therapy is valuable if risks are understood and mitigated. Results-based therapy is about assessing, intervening with low-risk and re-assessing effect.
- The positive effect of braces in the acute phase are generally underrated and are invariably dispensed with too soon.
