Introduction

Exercise therapy is widely endorsed as a first-line intervention for rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP). However, the supporting evidence remains limited, and no specific exercise regimen has proven superior to others. This course considers how contextual and non-structural factors, such as the therapeutic alliance, individualised prescription and timely clinical progress, shape patient outcomes. It introduces a structured approach to shoulder assessment and uses two contrasting clinical cases to show how the same assessment can lead to quite different exercise programmes.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• examine the current evidence base for exercise prescription in rotator cuff related shoulder pain, including areas where evidence is limited or uncertain
• apply a structured shoulder assessment framework to refine clinical reasoning, enabling more precise identification of contributing impairments and targeted exercise selection beyond standard protocols
• interpret rotator cuff related shoulder pain assessment findings to inform individualised exercise prescription and progression

Target audience

This course is aimed at Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy clinicians, students and assistants. Other interested professionals such as athletic trainers, occupational therapists, nurses or medical doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 1-1.5 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1.3 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

Financial disclosures: Paid speaker for educational content across multiple education platforms.
Non-financial disclosures: None.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.