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.
Gain the skills to diagnose and manage patients with musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries 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.
Study Modes
100% Online
Study at your own pace and to your own schedule.
- View and replay video lectures at your convenience.
- Participate in online case discussions with your peers.
- Participate in course webinars prior to the examinations and ask questions.
- Complete your assessment online and receive your CPD hours and certificate.
Online + Workshop
Complete your course online and receive all the benefits of online study, then put theory into practice at a small-group workshop.
- Gain hands-on practice in various procedures covered in the course under expert guidance.
- Workshops are available in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
- Please note strict dress code below.
HealthCert 365
Easily meet your CPD requirements and gain valuable skills – all in one place for $83 per month.
- Customize your learning experience by accessing and focusing only on course modules that interest you the most.
- Gain access to 200+ additional CPD activities and 50-hour special focus CPD programs, sourced from all HealthCert university-assured programs.
Workshop CPD Hours
The optional Musculoskeletal Medicine workshop is accredited for 12.5 CPD hours total.
- Education hours: 5.5
- Performance hours: 7
Outcome Measurement
Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of our professional and advanced certificates. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.
HealthCert provides several options to meet your outcome measurement hours requirement. These options are self-submitted activities and hours may vary depending on your focus area.
- Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) options on a specific topic.
- Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) on your identified area. A generic template is provided.
- Outcome Improvement Activity relating to specific topics within the course.
The purpose of outcome measurement activities is to improve your clinical confidence in managing an identified learning gap. The outcome improvement activities are designed to examine current clinical care, align clinical practice with best practice standards and identify opportunities for improvement.
Pre- and Post-Course Information
Entry Requirements
The Professional Certificate of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine is for degree-qualified medical professionals who wish to learn how to improve patient outcomes, especially those patients with musculoskeletal conditions commonly seen in general practice.
This course is for physicians and degree-qualified medical professionals. There are no prerequisites. Participants must have enrolled or successfully completed the online course before they are eligible to attend the practical workshop.
Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing English is assumed.
Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.
Recognized Prior Learning (RPL)
Professionally recognized qualifications and prior studies may be recognized for entry into this course if the learning outcomes match exactly. Please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience.
Workshop Dress Code
The workshop is fully practical with an expectation that all participants will be fully immersed and practice the teachings on each other. Therefore, there is a strict dress code: all participants must wear T-shirts and shorts to the practical sessions.
Certification
This certificate course meets the minimum 50 hours CPD annual requirement across all three mandatory CPD activity types, provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of five hours is completed. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.
Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of Professional or Advanced Certificates.
Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Professional Certificate of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine certificate.
This certificate course:
- Is quality-assured by Bond University.
- Qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
- Qualifies for CPD hours from the Australian Council of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
- Is recognized by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP).
- Is recognized by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognizes all courses
- endorsed by the RACGP. Points are calculated differently.
- Is a self-submitted activity in Dubai. The number of CPD hours must be stated on the certificate. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
- Is a self-submitted activity in the UK. CPD events overseas, applicable to a doctor’s scope of practice, may be submitted for revalidation. Please confirm with your Responsible Officer.
- Is a self-submitted activity in Canada through the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Contact [email protected] for more information.
- Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
- Has been independently developed with subject experts and does not receive education grants from any pharmaceutical company.
To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas, please visit the HealthCert's FAQs.
Pathways
Professional Diploma Pathway
This course is the first stage of the three-part professional diploma pathway. The full pathway is Professional Certificate of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine, Advanced Certificate of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine, and Professional Diploma of Musculoskeletal & Sports Medicine (coming soon).
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:
Course Fee$980| Contact Hours: | 85.5 hrs |
| Format: | Online Lectures |
| Duration: | Multiple Days |
| Lecture Videos | |
| Compatability: | All Devices |
| Language: | English |
| Subtitles: | Not Available |
| Provider: | HealthCert Education |
| Contact: |
Speaker(s):
 | 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 organized 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).
 | Dr. Brad LipsonD.O., FASPC, AQH, DABOM, Family & Bariatric Physician - Board Certified, AOBFP & ABOM |
Dr Brad Lipson is a family medicine expert in Boca Raton, Florida.
Dr Lipson is an alumnus of Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a doctorate in osteopathic medicine (D.O.) after graduating from the University of Miami with a B.S. in psychobiology and minor in business administration. He completed training as chief resident at the family practice residency program at Wellington Regional Medical Center in Wellington, Florida. He received his family practice board certification from the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. He is affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic Family Practitioners, and the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association.
Dr Lipson was born and raised in South Florida; he is married with two children, speaks Spanish, and enjoys Asian culture, geography, and computer technology. His interests include heart attack and stroke prevention, diabetes (diabetology), cholesterol (lipidology), obesity / metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, men's health, and sleep disorders. He is a board certified family physician. Fellow of the American Society for Preventative Cardiology.
 | 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 speciality 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.
 | 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 LamMBChB, FRACGP, General practitioner |
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.
 | Mr. Ronnie BatemanBPhysio, 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.
