Build Confidence in Shoulder Assessment and Rehabilitation
The Shoulder: Steps to Success is a practical, evidence-informed course designed to help clinicians move beyond simply performing tests and instead develop the confidence, clinical reasoning, and hands-on skills to assess and manage shoulder problems with clarity.
Led by specialist shoulder physiotherapist Jo Gibson, the course draws on 30 years of clinical experience to provide a clear, structured approach that helps simplify even the most complex presentations and translates the latest evidence into everyday clinical practice.
You’ll learn not just what to do, but why—developing a practical framework for making confident clinical decisions, adapting your assessment to the individual in front of you, and knowing how to manage even more challenging shoulder presentations.
Whether you’re early in your career or an experienced clinician looking to refine your approach, you’ll leave with practical strategies, greater confidence in your decision-making, and skills you can immediately apply to help your patients get back to what matters most.
EXAMPLE PROGRAMME
09:00
The current state of play in shoulder pain: What really matters?
Understanding the evidence and what it means for treatment.
10:30
Break
10:50
The rotator cuff and scapula: Victims & culprits.
Opportunities and insights -using assessment to inform treatment.
12:20
Lunch
13:20
The Kinetic chain: Pain, performance and rehabilitation considerations
Making life easier for the shoulder and when to consider in pain presentations.
14:10
Is it torn and does it matter?
Is structural pathology ever relevant and how does it impact management?
15:00
Break
15:20
Is it stiff?
Causes of shoulder stiffness and options for treatment (including post-op stiffness, frozen shoulder, osteoarthritis and ACJ stiffness)
16:30
Finish
09:00
The Irritable shoulder: Does pathology matter?
Key causes & considerations in patients with high pain irritability & what we can do about it.
10:30
Break
10:50
The Irritable shoulder: Does pathology matter? Part 2
Treatment options & getting it right from the start.
12:20
Lunch
13:20
Fit for function? Problems and progressions.
Debates, controversies and getting exercise done. Including the unstable shoulder- is it any different?
15:00
Break
15:20
Communication is your superpower: Use it wisely.
Fundamentals – don’t be a nocebo! Setting people up for success.
16:30
Finish
Upcoming Courses
Shoulder pain is often presented as complex and difficult to manage. Traditional approaches have focused heavily on diagnosis, special tests, and structural findings. However, research and clinical experience increasingly show that these factors alone do not explain pain or guide effective treatment.
This course offers a different perspective.
Drawing on over 30 years of specialist clinical experience, Jo introduces a clear framework that simplifies decision making and focuses on what truly matters for each individual.
You will learn how to:
- Apply a structured clinical reasoning process
- Understand the limitations of special tests and imaging
- Identify the key factors influencing pain and function
- Develop practical, adaptable rehabilitation strategies
- Communicate effectively to support patient confidence and outcomes
The course is regularly updated to reflect current evidence and evolving clinical practice.
Who This Course is For
This course is designed for clinicians who:
- Want a clear and practical approach to shoulder assessment
- Feel uncertain when managing complex shoulder presentations
- Are overwhelmed by the volume of research and conflicting information
- Want to improve confidence in rehabilitation planning
- Are looking to deliver more consistent and effective outcomes
Designed for any healthcare professional who works with people experiencing shoulder pain or instability, this course provides a practical, evidence-informed framework that will help you make confident clinical decisions, whatever your professional background or stage of your career.
Not sure if it’s right for you? Get in contact
What You Will Gain
By the end of the course, you will:
- Feel more confident assessing and managing shoulder conditions
- Have a structured approach to guide your clinical decisions
- Be able to translate evidence into meaningful practice
- Improve your ability to support patients through recovery
- Develop greater clarity when managing complex or persistent cases
Upcoming Courses
29-30
October 2026
In-Person Course
The Shoulder: Steps To Success
- London College Of Osteopathic Medicine, London, UK
06-07
November 2026
In-Person Course
The Shoulder: Steps To Success
- Edinburgh, Edinburgh Western, General Hospital
14-15
November 2026
In-Person Course
The Shoulder: Steps To Success
- London, Pure Sport Medicine Bank, UK
10-14
January 2027
In-Person Course
Ski Camp & Shoulder Steps To Success
- Valmorel France
11-12
February 2027
In-Person Course
The Shoulder: Steps To Success
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine , London
20-21
March 2027
In-Person Course
The Shoulder: Steps To Success
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine , London
13-14
May 2027
In-Person Course
The Shoulder: Steps To Success
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine , London
05-06
September 2026
In-Person Course
The Shoulder: Steps To Success
- Auckland, New Zealand
07
September 2026
In-Person Course
The Post-operative Shoulder: Using the Evidence to Optimise Outcomes
- Tauranga, New Zealand
13
September 2026
In-Person Course
The Shoulder: Steps To Success Key Foundations
- Wellington, New Zealand
19-20
September 2026
In-Person Course
The Shoulder: Steps to Success – 1 & 2 Day Options
- Christchurch, New Zealand
08-09
October 2026
In-Person Course
The Shoulder: Steps To Success
- Mickleover Hotel, Derby, UK
12-13
October 2026
In-Person Course
The Shoulder: Steps To Success
- Leuven, RainPharma Studio, Belgium
12-13
October 2026
In-Person Course
The Shoulder: Steps To Success
- Leuven, RainPharma Studio, Belgium
29-30
October 2026
In-Person Course
The Shoulder: Steps To Success
- London College Of Osteopathic Medicine, London, UK
10-14
January 2027
In-Person Course
Ski Camp & Shoulder Steps To Success
- Valmorel France
11-12
February 2027
In-Person Course
The Shoulder: Steps To Success
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine , London
20-21
March 2027
In-Person Course
The Shoulder: Steps To Success
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine , London
13-14
May 2027
In-Person Course
The Shoulder: Steps To Success
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine , London
What Fellow Practitioners Are Saying
Start Developing Your Shoulder Expertise
If you are looking to improve your confidence, develop your clinical reasoning, and deliver better outcomes for people with shoulder problems, this course provides a clear and practical pathway.
Explore upcoming courses and secure your place to begin building your expertise in shoulder rehabilitation.