Masterclass Articles

Rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP) is an over-arching term that encompasses a spectrum of shoulder conditions including; subacromial pain (impingement) syndrome, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and symptomatic partial and full thickness rotator cuff tears.

Considerable deficits in our understanding of RCRSP persist. These include; (i) cause and source of symptoms, (ii) establishing a definitive diagnosis, (iii) establishing the epidemiology of symptomatic RCRSP, (iv) knowing which tissues or systems to target intervention, and (v) which interventions are most effective.

The aim of this masterclass is to address a number of these areas of uncertainty and it will focus on; (i) RC function, (ii) symptoms, (iii) aetiology, (iv) assessment and management, (v) imaging, and (vi) uncertainties associated with surgery.

Introduction: Research on musculoskeletal disorders indicates that pain sensitivity can be an important consideration for musculoskeletal clinicians in the holistic view of a patient presentation.

Purpose: The purpose of this masterclass is to provide a framework for the consideration of pain sensitivity as a contributing factor in the presentation of people with musculoskeletal pain.

Implications: A pragmatic blueprint for specific assessment related to pain sensitivity has been outlined. A framework for integrating assessment findings into clinical reasoning to formulate management plans for the pain sensitive patient is provided.

Introduction: Hypermobile joints may be asymptomatic or may be associated with pain, fatigue, multisystemic complaints and significant disability. Furthermore, joint hypermobility may be a sign of an underlying hereditary disorder of connective tissue.

Purpose: This masterclass aims to provides a state-of-the-art review of the aetiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, assessment and management of joint hypermobility and hypermobility related disorders using an evidence based and biopsychosocial approach.

Implications for practice: People with joint hypermobility related disorders present to healthcare professionals with a wide range of symptoms which extend beyond the musculoskeletal system. Early recognition and treatment are key to effective management.

Gluteal tendinopathy is a prevalent and impactful condition. For many decades clinical practice has been guided by ‘myths’ that developed around clinical beliefs. It’s time to examine these myths and engage with the substantial evidence base.

This masterclass aims to: (i) engage with the evidence to refute the most common myths associated with gluteal tendinopathy and trochanteric pain, and (ii) provide clinicians with guidance around contemporary, evidence-based clinical practice.

In view of a didactical approach for teaching cervical mobilization and manipulation techniques to students as well as their use in daily practice, it is mandatory to acquire sound clinical reasoning to optimally apply advanced technical skills.

The aim of this Masterclass is to present a clinical algorithm to guide therapists in their clinical reasoning to identify patients who are likely to respond to mobilization and/or manipulation. The presented clinical reasoning process is situated within the context of pain mechanisms and is narrowed to and applicable in patients with a dominant input pain mechanism.