Musculoskeletal Primer for the Non-Orthopedist from edX

Overview

The Division of General Medical Disciplines in the Department of Medicine, Occupational Health and Surgical Anatomy at Stanford University School of Medicine

This CME activity focuses on providing a biomechanical and anatomic framework for physicians to understand musculoskeletal medicine, providing a clinical paradigm and confidence that clinicians can apply to all musculoskeletal injury care, reducing referral needs, improving recovery timeframes, and reducing condition relapse potential. Interactive Case scenarios, video demonstrations of exam techniques, and computer modeling will augment the didactic material. Patient education tools will be accessible online for reference in an effort to foster further learning and patient independent recovery.

Intended Audience

This course is designed for physicians in family practice, primary care, general surgery, internal medicine, neurology, emergency medicine/ urgent care, as well as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and allied health professionals.

Accreditation

In support of improving patient care, Stanford Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Credit Designation
American Medical Association (AMA)

The Stanford University School of Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 2.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. ****

If you would like to earn CME credit from Stanford University School of Medicine for participating in this course, please review the information here prior to beginning the activity.

What you'll learn

Evaluate a patient for basic musculoskeletal conditions associated with posture, ergonomics and biomechanics.
Reduce prescription of narcotic pain medications while enhancing utilization of physical modalities (physical therapy, acupuncture, myofascial or active release techniques) through integration of biomechanical- and trigger-point-based diagnostic approaches.
Differentiate between common musculoskeletal conditions, based on patient history and mechanism of injury to target the root cause of pain and dysfunction.
Manage musculoskeletal injuries through employing imaging studies as tools to guide treatment and referrals.
Educate patients regarding performance of independent home exercises, additionally gaining an online stretching source for patient referral.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Evaluate a patient for basic musculoskeletal conditions associated with posture, ergonomics and biomechanics.
Reduce prescription of narcotic pain medications while enhancing utilization of physical modalities (physical therapy, acupuncture, myofascial or active release techniques) through integration of biomechanical- and trigger-point-based diagnostic approaches.
Differentiate between common musculoskeletal conditions, based on patient history and mechanism of injury to target the root cause of pain and dysfunction.

Manage musculoskeletal injuries through employing imaging studies as tools to guide treatment and referrals.
Educate patients regarding performance of independent home exercises, additionally gaining an online stretching source for patient referral.

Evaluate a patient for basic musculoskeletal conditions associated with posture, ergonomics and biomechanics.
Reduce prescription of narcotic pain medications while enhancing utilization of physical modalities (physical therapy, acupuncture, myofascial or active release techniques) through integration of biomechanical- and trigger-point-based diagnostic approaches.
Differentiate between common musculoskeletal conditions, based on patient history and mechanism of injury to target the root cause of pain and dysfunction.
Manage musculoskeletal injuries through employing imaging studies as tools to guide treatment and referrals.
Educate patients regarding performance of independent home exercises, additionally gaining an online stretching source for patient referral.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on providing a biomechanical and anatomic framework for physicians to understand musculoskeletal medicine, reducing referral needs and improving recovery timeframes

Taught by Richard Wittman and Sakti Srivastava, who are instructors at Stanford University School of Medicine

Provides interactive case scenarios, video demonstrations of exam techniques, and computer modeling to enhance the didactic material

Offers patient education tools for reference, fostering further learning and patient independent recovery

Designed for physicians in family practice, primary care, general surgery, internal medicine, neurology, emergency medicine/urgent care, as well as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and allied health professionals

Requires medical background knowledge, making it suitable for medical professionals rather than beginners

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Musculoskeletal Primer for the Non-Orthopedist with these activities:

Review Biomechanics

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Reviewing biomechanics will ensure a grounded understanding of the material covered throughout the course, laying a solid foundation for successful learning

Browse courses on Biomechanics

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Revisit concepts of leverage, torque, and force
Recall principles of joint motion and muscle function
Summarize the role of biomechanics in musculoskeletal injuries

Explore Online Musculoskeletal Resources

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Exploring online resources will supplement course content with additional perspectives and interactive learning opportunities

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Search for reputable websites and videos on musculoskeletal anatomy, physiology, and pathology
Review online tutorials and simulations for examination techniques and treatment approaches
Utilize online tools for patient education and self-management

Review biomechanics

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Reviewing biomechanics can aid in building a solid foundational understanding of musculoskeletal medicine.

Browse courses on Biomechanics

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Research the fundamentals of biomechanics, focusing on concepts related to musculoskeletal system
Review anatomical structures involved in movement, their functions, and their biomechanical properties
Explore different types of biomechanical analyses, such as gait analysis and motion capture

Nine other activities

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Follow tutorials on musculoskeletal exam techniques

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Engaging in guided tutorials can provide practical insights and enhance the understanding of musculoskeletal exam techniques.

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Identify and select high-quality tutorials covering various musculoskeletal exam techniques
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, practicing the techniques on a volunteer or self
Seek feedback from an experienced clinician or instructor to refine the techniques

Discussion Forum Participation

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Engaging in discussion forums will foster collaboration, exchange of ideas, and deeper comprehension of course topics

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Pose thoughtful questions and share insights on course content
Respond to peer inquiries and provide constructive feedback
Summarize key discussion points and takeaways

Participate in peer-led group discussions

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Participating in peer-led discussions can foster collaboration, enhance critical thinking, and provide diverse perspectives in musculoskeletal medicine.

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Join or form a study group with peers enrolled in the course
Regularly meet to discuss course materials, case studies, and clinical experiences
Share knowledge, insights, and perspectives with each other to deepen understanding

Shadow a Doctor

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Shadowing a doctor will provide hands-on insights into the practical application of the principles and techniques introduced in this course

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Identify a physician who specializes in musculoskeletal medicine
Request permission to observe their practice
Document observations and reflections on patient presentations, diagnosis, and treatment

Case Study Analysis

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Engaging in case study analysis will reinforce clinical decision-making skills and enhance understanding of diverse musculoskeletal presentations

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Review case studies provided in the course materials
Analyze patient history, physical examination findings, and imaging results
Develop differential diagnoses and formulate treatment plans

Attend a Musculoskeletal Workshop

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Attending a musculoskeletal workshop will provide practical, hands-on experience in examination techniques and therapeutic interventions

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Research and identify relevant workshops in the area
Register for a workshop that aligns with your learning objectives
Actively participate in the workshop and seek opportunities for hands-on practice

Develop patient education materials on musculoskeletal injuries

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Creating patient education materials can reinforce the understanding of musculoskeletal injuries and empower patients in their recovery process.

Browse courses on Patient Education

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Research and gather information on common musculoskeletal injuries, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options
Develop patient-friendly materials, such as brochures, videos, or infographics, that clearly explain the information
Share the materials with patients to facilitate their understanding and promote self-management

Participate in a musculoskeletal case competition

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Participating in case competitions challenges the analytical and problem-solving skills in a competitive environment, enhancing the overall understanding of musculoskeletal medicine.

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Identify and register for a relevant musculoskeletal case competition
Thoroughly research the case and prepare a comprehensive analysis
Present the analysis and defend the recommendations to a panel of judges

Develop a Patient Education Guide

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Creating a patient education guide will enhance understanding of musculoskeletal conditions and empower patients in their recovery process

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Identify common musculoskeletal conditions and their symptoms
Develop clear and concise explanations of these conditions
Include self-management strategies, exercises, and lifestyle modifications

Career center

Learners who complete Musculoskeletal Primer for the Non-Orthopedist will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Orthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic Surgeons diagnose and treat injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. This course would be of great help to you, as it can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the musculoskeletal system, which would aid you in providing effective treatments for your patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Orthopedic Surgeon

Chiropractor

Chiropractors diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions, with a focus on spinal adjustments. As a Chiropractor, you would benefit from the musculoskeletal focus of this course, which can help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the musculoskeletal system and its functions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chiropractor

Sports Medicine Physician

Sports Medicine Physicians specialize in treating injuries and illnesses that affect athletes and active individuals. This course may help you in this role, as it can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the musculoskeletal system and help you diagnose and treat a variety of conditions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sports Medicine Physician

Athletic Trainer

Athletic Trainers work with athletes to prevent and treat injuries and illnesses. The musculoskeletal focus of this course could prove especially helpful for you, as it can help deepen your understanding of how the musculoskeletal system functions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Athletic Trainer

Rheumatologist

Rheumatologists diagnose and treat rheumatic diseases, which affect the joints, muscles, and bones. The musculoskeletal focus of this course can help you build on your understanding of these systems and how they function, which may prove helpful in diagnosing and treating patients with rheumatic diseases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Rheumatologist

Osteopathic Physician

Osteopathic Physicians practice a holistic approach to medicine, with a focus on the musculoskeletal system. This course can provide you with a deeper understanding of the musculoskeletal system and its functions, which may prove helpful in diagnosing and treating your patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Osteopathic Physician

Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants practice medicine under the supervision of physicians and surgeons. This course would be helpful, as it can provide you with a solid foundation in musculoskeletal medicine, which can help you diagnose and treat a variety of conditions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant

Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists treat people of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and function. This course would help you in your treatment of patients with musculoskeletal impairments, as it can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the musculoskeletal system and its functions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Therapist

Acupuncturist

Acupuncturists use thin needles inserted into the skin at specific points on the body to alleviate pain and treat various health conditions. The musculoskeletal focus of this course can be helpful for you, as it can provide you with a better understanding of the musculoskeletal system and its functions, which can help you identify acupuncture points and develop treatment plans for your patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Acupuncturist

Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists practice in a range of healthcare settings, helping people recovering from illness, injury, or disability to improve their ability to perform everyday tasks. This course's musculoskeletal focus would prove useful to an Occupational Therapist, who may find it helpful in helping patients improve their abilities to perform movements and tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist

Personal Trainer

Personal Trainers help people improve their health and fitness through exercise and nutrition. This course can help build your foundational knowledge about the musculoskeletal system and its functions. With this knowledge, you can better understand the biomechanics of exercise and how to develop safe and effective training programs for your clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Personal Trainer

Ergonomist

Ergonomists design and evaluate workplaces, products, and systems to fit the human body. This course may be helpful for you as you work to improve safety and efficiency in the workplace, as it can help you understand how the musculoskeletal system functions and responds to different physical demands.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ergonomist

Naturopathic Doctor

Naturopathic Doctors are licensed healthcare professionals who blend conventional and natural medicine. This course can be helpful for you, as it can provide you with a greater understanding of the musculoskeletal system, its functions, and how to diagnose and treat conditions affecting it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Naturopathic Doctor

Podiatrist

Podiatrists diagnose and treat foot and ankle problems. This course may be useful to you, as it can provide you with a better understanding of the musculoskeletal system and how it functions, which can help you diagnose and treat foot and ankle conditions more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Podiatrist

Massage Therapist

Massage Therapists use touch to manipulate the soft tissues of the body with the goal of improving health and well-being. This course can help you build a foundation in musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology, which can prove helpful in providing effective massage treatments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Massage Therapist