Training courses for healthcare professionals
MSK training for healthcare professionals
From our State of Musculoskeletal Health report, we know 20 million people in the UK live with a musculoskeletal condition and that prevalence is increasing. Being that one in seven GP consultations are related to MSK conditions, it is vital that health and care professionals of all disciplines are equipped with the skills, knowledge, information and lifelong learning needed to support patients to live the life they want.
However, we also hear health and care professionals can lack the skills and confidence to effectively support patients living with MSK conditions. This is why Arthritis UK has created our MSK training session series. These sessions are designed to increase confidence, knowledge and skills in MSK care to ensure patients receive high-quality care.
Upcoming CPD training courses
7 CPD points
This full-day, in-person course strengthens confidence and capability in conducting effective musculoskeletal consultations in primary care. It will equip you with practical, decluttered approaches to assessment, diagnosis, and communication across common MSK presentations.
7 CPD points
This four‑week digital course builds confidence and capability in conducting effective musculoskeletal consultations in primary care. It will provide you with clear, decluttered approaches to assessment, diagnosis, and communication across common MSK presentations.
3 CPD points
This focused, three-hour webinar provides a clear, structured overview of a range of musculoskeletal presentations seen in primary care, supporting you to recognise mechanical and inflammatory patterns, manage complexity, and identify situations requiring rapid referral.
2 CPD points
Managing chronic pain in primary care often involves navigating uncertainty and complex presentations. This two-hour online course will support you to manage chronic pain more confidently, offering practical consultation skills for challenging interactions, medication review, and person-centred care.
2 CPD points
Differentiating between fibromyalgia and inflammatory arthritis can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms. This two-hour online course will support you to develop greater confidence in the differential diagnosis and make safer, more informed decisions.
1 CPD point
Words can significantly influence how people perceive their condition, their confidence to self-manage, and their engagement with care. This one-hour online course explores why clear, accurate, and consistent language matters when communicating a diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
Tailored training provision
If you work within a Vocational Training Scheme, ICB, GP partnership, or another organisation working with health and care professionals, we can organise a workshop specifically for you and your team.
Please contact Donna Andrew, Healthcare Professional Training and Education Manager, to discuss your requirements on d.andrew@arthritis-uk.org.
Free SKILLs webinars
We recognise that staying up to date with the latest MSK evidence and best practices can be a challenge. Our free webinars are designed to help you to build the skills and knowledge you need to support your career. We provide the professional support and insights you need, so you can concentrate on delivering the highest quality of care.
Find us at the Primary Care Show 2026
We’re excited to be at the Primary Care Show on 20 – 21 May 2026, hosting a full programme of expert led MSK education.
Across two days, our speakers will deliver practical, evidence-based sessions designed for GPs, AHPs, pharmacy teams and dietitians. Topics include diagnosis, urgent care decision making, menopause, fibromyalgia, communication, opioids, uncertainty in MSK care and obesity.
Sessions include:
- Diagnosis and management of upper limb conditions
- Urgent Care Core Skills, optimise your ten minutes: Is it gout or septic arthritis?
- Diagnosis and management of lower limb conditions
- Menopause and arthritis
- Fibromyalgia: Diagnosis and management
- Reducing the use of medication and deprescribing in patients with arthritis
- Embracing uncertainty, managing MSK presentations in primary care with confidence
- Why language matters: how not to explain a diagnosis of OA
- Obesity – key messages for MSK healthcare on the management of obesity.
We’ll also be at stand 79 with a full range of booklets, resources and materials — come and meet the team, pick up resources, and chat with us about MSK care.
Find out more
You can find out more about the training on offer at the Primary Care Show by emailing ProfessionalEngagement@arthritis-uk.org with the ‘I'm interested: Primary Care Show 2026'.
Related resources
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Clinical assessment of patients with musculoskeletal conditions
Learn more about the key questions you need to consider when diagnosing a patient dealing with joint problems.
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Musculoskeletal clinical assessment in children and young people
Use our study guide to improve your clinical assessment skills and make a diagnosis of a child or young person.
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Effective Consultation videos
The Effective Consultation videos on MSK examination and conditions to support health and care professionals.