The Unstable Shoulder Online Course

In this module you will learn how to classify, diagnose and manage traumatic and atraumatic shoulder instability.  

Module Aim

To produce practitioners who:

1. understand and can describe the classification and pathoaetiology of traumatic, atraumatic and recurrent shoulder instability.
2. can make an accurate diagnosis of shoulder laxity and instability using clinical examination and diagnostic investigations.
3. can appropriately refer for, and interpret diagnostic imaging for glenohumeral joint pathologies that may be associated with shoulder instability.
4. can appropriately manage glenohumeral instability including appropriate referral for orthopaedic evaluation.
5. can apply appropriate and effective physiotherapy treatment and rehabilitation for glenohumeral joint instability (traumatic and atraumatic).

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, the participant will be able to:

1. Describe the classification of glenohumeral joint instability
2. Describe the pathoaetiology of traumatic, atraumatic and recurrent GHJ instability including muscle patterning instability.
3. Describe the clinical features, including patient history and physical examination features of traumtic and atraumatic GHJ instability.
4. Perform a detailed patient history and physical examination to identify GHJ hyperlaxity and instability.
5. Understand and list the criteria for referral for diagnostic imaging investigations for the unstable shoulder.
6. Read and interpret the findings from plain-film x-rays and diagnostic ultrasound scans of the shoulder and understand the clinical relevance of findings from other imaging investigations e.g MRI.
7. Describe the evidence-based management of GHJ instability.
8. List the criteria and priority for referral for orthopaedic assessment for GHJ instability.
9. Describe evidence-based physiotherapy management for shoulder instability.

Learning Activities

Each lesson in this module consists of a range of learning activities including:

• Pre-reading articles
• Audiovisual presentation
• Additional clinical resources
• Quiz
• Case Study

A manual is provided for each lesson that includes copies of slide presentations, references and additional learning resources.