Physiopedia Plus (Plus) online education’s top trending courses during the second quarter of 2025 continue to focus on musculoskeletal issues, with emerging trends in women’s health and business management – these trends give insight into the learning preferences of rehabilitation professionals globally.
According to trending course data from Plus, healthcare professionals have been focused on learning more about musculoskeletal assessment during the second quarter of 2025, with shoulder assessment emerging as the clear frontrunner this quarter. Plus learners come from every corner of the globe, so when we see trends in the courses that our users are reaching for it gives some insight into the learning interests of the profession worldwide. Here we share the main trends we have spotted through course participation over the last 3 months.
1. Shoulder assessment skills continue to be a priority
The Overview of Shoulder Assessment course demonstrated staying power, ranking as the top trending course in April and May and maintaining its position in the top three during June. This sustained interest builds upon the shoulder assessment trends observed in the first quarter, suggesting that practitioners prioritise upper extremity evaluation skills as a core competency.
2. Fundamental assessment skills gain momentum
The second quarter revealed a shift toward fundamental assessment competencies. Assessing Muscle Strength climbed to become the top trending course in June after appearing in May’s top five, while Assessing Range of Motion secured a top-three position in June. This progression suggests practitioners are strengthening their foundational clinical skills alongside specialised assessment techniques.
The sustained popularity of Therapeutic Exercise Prescription Guidelines, which appeared in the first quarter and April’s top five, indicates that healthcare professionals are building comprehensive treatment capabilities that extend beyond assessment into intervention planning.
3. Specialist areas are becoming popular
Diversification occurred in the second quarter with the introduction of specialised topics not previously present on trending lists. The Overview of Female Pelvic Floor Muscle Anatomy and Physiology course broke into May’s top five, showing a growing interest in women’s health specialisation among rehabilitation professionals.
The Introduction to Business and Practice Management for Rehabilitation Professionals course, published in June, immediately rose to the top five list. Practitioners are recognising the importance of understanding the business aspects of healthcare delivery.
4. The focus on anatomy expands beyond the upper body
While shoulder assessment dominated, the second quarter saw expanded anatomical interest too. Exploring Foot Anatomy and Physiotherapy after Hallux Valgus Surgery featured in April’s top five, indicating growing attention to lower extremity conditions. This trend continued with Practical Guide for Hip and Knee Strengthening in May and Exploring Knee Anatomy in June.
5. Chronic condition management enters the spotlight
The appearance of Rheumatoid Arthritis Fundamentals for Rehabilitation Professionals in May’s top five represents a shift toward chronic condition management education. This addition suggests practitioners seek knowledge about complex, long-term patient care scenarios requiring specialised intervention approaches.
6. Continuity with first quarter trends
The second-quarter data reinforce several key trends identified in the first-quarter analysis. The continued emphasis on musculoskeletal assessment, particularly in the upper body, aligns with the ongoing impact of ergonomic challenges from remote work environments. The progression from assessment-focused courses to treatment-oriented content, first observed in the first quarter, continued with the sustained popularity of therapeutic exercise prescription guidelines.
The second quarter’s trending course data demonstrates that healthcare professionals are building comprehensive skill sets from fundamental assessment techniques to specialised treatment approaches. The emergence of business management content alongside clinical courses suggests practitioners recognise the complex nature of modern healthcare delivery.
The consistent demand for shoulder assessment training, combined with the expansion into women’s health and chronic condition management, indicates that healthcare professionals are responding to evolving patient needs while maintaining focus on the musculoskeletal challenges that continue to dominate clinical practice.
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