Physiotherapy Approach to Differential Diagnosis of Pain

Course Description:

Accurately diagnosing pain is fundamental to effective treatment planning. Pain can arise from multiple sources, including nociceptive, neuropathic, and central sensitization mechanisms, making pain assessment training for physiotherapists essential.

This CPD pain management course focuses on the differential diagnosis of pain, helping physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists refine their diagnostic skills. Through evidence-based approaches, case studies, and interactive discussions, participants will gain a structured framework for pain assessment and management.

Designed for healthcare professionals in the UK and beyond, this physiotherapy  webinar will provide insights into distinguishing between neuropathic vs. nociceptive pain diagnosis and identifying red flags that indicate serious underlying conditions.
 

Course Presenter

Dr. Rina Pandya PT DPT FHEA PGLTHE:

Dr. Rina Pandya is a highly experienced physical therapist with a diverse international background. She earned her entry-level degree from the School of Allied Health Sciences Manipal, India, and her post-professional doctoral degree from the University of Michigan-Flint.1​

With extensive clinical experience in India, Oman, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Dr. Pandya brings a global perspective to her practice. Her roles as a clinician and rehabilitation manager have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare systems and patient care.​

A dedicated advocate for lifelong learning, Dr. Pandya has completed numerous professional development courses and certifications, including a Fellowship in Higher Education (FHEA) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (PGLTHE). Her passion for evidence-based practice is further strengthened by her completion of a formal research methods program at the Manchester School of Physiotherapy.​

Dr. Pandya's commitment to teaching and her desire to empower clinicians make her an ideal instructor for this course. Her engaging teaching style and practical approach will enhance your understanding of the subject matter and inspire you to implement evidnce-based practices in your clinical setting

Bib:

• Harvey-Sullivan A, Higginbottom S, Round T. NICE chronic primary pain guidelines: what the busy GP needs to know. Br J Gen Pract. 2022 Apr 28;72(718):240-241. doi: 10.3399/bjgp22X719453. PMID: 35483946; PMCID: PMC11189052.
• Goodman and Snyder's Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists - E-Book: Screening for Referral. (2022). United States: Elsevier.
• Hawker, G. A., Mian, S., Kendzerska, T., & French, M. (2011). Measures of adult pain: Visual analog scale for pain (vas pain),numeric rating scale for pain (nrs pain),mcgill pain questionnaire (mpq),short‐form mcgill pain questionnaire (sf‐mpq),chronic pain grade scale (cpgs),short form‐36 bodily pain scale (sf‐36 bps),and measure of intermittent and constant osteoarthritis pain (icoap). Arthritis care & research, 63(S11),S240-S252.
• Hsu, Joseph R. MD*; Mir, Hassan MD†; Wally, Meghan K. MSPH*; Seymour, Rachel B. PhD*;  the Orthopaedic Trauma Association Musculoskeletal Pain Task Force. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pain Management in Acute Musculoskeletal Injury. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 33(5):p e158-e182, May 2019. | DOI: 10.1097/BOT.0000000000001430
• Ruth L Chimenti, Laura A Frey-Law, Kathleen A Sluka, A Mechanism-Based Approach to Physical Therapist Management of Pain, Physical Therapy, Volume 98, Issue 5, May 2018, Pages 302–314, https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzy030
• https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-pain
   

Learning Objectives

By attending this differential diagnosis of pain webinar, participants will learn to:

1. Apply their knowledge of differential diagnosis of pain proficiently.
2. Identify different types of pain _ nociceptive, systemic, musculoskeletal, radicucular, neuropathic pain and differentiate between them.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving pain management.
4. Apply NICE clinical practice guidelines for medical and MSK pain management through critical thinking and case studies

Who Should Enroll

• Physiotherapist
• Sport & Exercise Physiologist 
• Occupational Therapist
• MSK therapist

CPD Credit Hours

2 hour

Resources

Downloadable Course Material 
CPD Certificate

Disclaimer: Our online physiotherapy courses meet the criteria and guidelines for CPD (Continuing Professional Development). The CPD hours indicated on the certificate contribute towards fulfilling professional standards and requirements necessary for CPD audits conducted by the HCPC and AHPRA. These CPD hours are important for maintaining physiotherapy registration and ensuring compliance with CPD audit and Physiotherapy registration renewal processes. Our courses are recognized as valuable continuing education resources across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout Asia and the Middle East.