Tell us about the course ‘The shoulder theory and practice’. What are the main learning outcomes for participants?

‘The shoulder theory and practice’ is based on the internationally bestselling textbook of the same name.

The course has been a work in progress for more than two decades and has been taught in more than 50 countries and territories worldwide.

Its main philosophy is to shift the emphasis from a structural diagnosis and an ‘I can fix you’ model to a ‘Let’s work together to achieve the very best functional outcome possible’ model.

It takes a biopsychosocial approach (not just looking at the condition, but considering the individual with the condition) to assessment and management and focuses heavily on the relationship between lifestyle and musculoskeletal pain generally and the shoulder specifically.

How does the course use recent research on the shoulder?

Following the principles of evidence-based practice, the program draws on a combination of research, patient values and clinical experience.

It is updated on average twice a year, using the most recent evidence to underpin its approaches to assessment and management.

I am currently supervising 10 PhD students internationally—all investigating different aspects of shoulder pathology, assessment and management—and much of the updated content for this course involves the integration of the findings of these state-of-the-art research programs.

Because the course is being updated constantly, many participants have attended two, three or more times previously.

It is not possible to integrate research into every aspect of care because there are still gaps in our knowledge base, but where gaps exist, suggestions to support clinical practice are provided.

Can you explain the model of assessment and management that will be presented?

‘The shoulder theory and practice’ takes a biopsychosocial approach to assessment and management in which shared decision-making is integral.

A detailed, evidence-based discussion on injection therapy, rehabilitation following surgery and standalone rehabilitation helps to inform the shared decision-making conversations that clinicians have with patients.

The management presented in the course is tailored to specific conditions, including frozen shoulder, rotator cuff related shoulder pain and calcific tendinopathy.

It covers a rehabilitation program called Shape up My Shoulder, which is the focus of a number of current international PhD programs.

Shape up My Shoulder is a three-stage program and in the final stage, it aims not only to restore function but also to exceed an individual’s expectations about their ability.

The course also looks at massive inoperable rotator cuff tears and rotator cuff arthropathy, which are the focus of other ongoing PhD investigations.

What else do participants need to know about this course?
In addition to assessment and management of the shoulder region, the course synthesises the complex relationships between the shoulder and whole-of-body biomechanics, pain science, lifestyle and patient psychosocial factors, beliefs and expectations.

Devoid of recipes, it is designed to be fun and thought-provoking and to provide an opportunity to discuss ideas and share experiences.

Two weeks before the course, participants will be given an access code so they can watch theory videos on two sections of the program.

This allows more time during the course itself to investigate other content more deeply and broadly and to engage with the practical component.

For one month after the course, participants will have access to all the theory lectures and videos of practical techniques as a memory aid to enhance knowledge transfer.

‘The shoulder theory and practice’, presented by Jeremy Lewis, will run 13–14 June in Kent Town, South Australia and 16–17 June in Camberwell, Victoria. Click here for more information and to register.