Foundation Skills for MSK Ultrasound

Based on 11 Reviews

£799
Dates
Fri 21 Feb - Fri 14 Mar 2025
Fri 30 May - Fri 20 Jun 2025


CPD: 16 Hrs

Course Objectives

  • To understand how an ultrasound image is created - the Physics of Ultrasound
  • To be able to Identify basic tissue structure patterns using ultrasound
  • To demonstrate and use the fundamental scanning techniques used to identify musculoskeletal anatomy
  • Observe and demonstrate how to move the probe using probe handling techniques to scan structures
  • Practice the fundamental scanning techniques used to identify musculoskeletal anatomy

What's Included?

  • Each delegate has their own POD Toolbox for the duration of the course. This contains a Sonon 300L ultrasound system and gel phantom. Ultrasound gel and wipes are also included.
  • 4 x weekly 2hr live teaching sessions with lectures, demonstrations, and interactive guided scanning practice.
  • Weekly homework assignment with feedback to guide practice.
  • CPD certificate upon completion.

This course is aimed at developing the foundation knowledge and skills that underpin the use of ultrasound for examination of musculoskeletal structures. It is intended for clinicians and practitioners with little or no previous ultrasound scanning experience or understanding of the physics and controls of medical ultrasound. The course does not culminate in an exam or any form of educational or competency assessment but has been independently assessed CPD accreditation.

The format is a home-based programme of instruction and practical assignments facilitated by provision of an appropriate ultrasound scanner to each delegate. The interactive video conference sessions and accompanying practice exercises have been specifically designed to develop a foundation of understanding of the physics and principles of scanning and its application to guide the identification and assessment of musculoskeletal structures.

The course is conducted over 4 weeks.

All delegates are sent an Orca POD Toolbox containing a Sonon 300L portable ultrasound, a gel phantom, ultrasound gel and clinical wipes all of which are provided for the duration of the course. The POD Toolbox incorporates all the elements necessary to enable the progressive acquisition of knowledge and skills through home-based practice. The teaching programme is delivered by a combination of interactive lectures and practice exercises that will equip delegates with the essential cognitive skills necessary to begin incorporating ultrasound imaging guidance into their daily clinical management.

There is an assignment at the end of each session which helps the delegates to revise the concepts learnt during each session and to provide a framework for practising those skills.

Stewart Kerr

Stewart Kerr

Advanced Practice Physiotherapist


Trained as a Physiotherapist, Sonographer and Injection Therapist, Stewart specialises in diagnostic ultrasound scanning and ultrasound-guided injections of the upper and lower limbs. Combining his skills, he can provide a specialised service involving detailed clinical examination, ultrasound scanning, joint and soft-tissue injections and rehabilitation advice for joint, soft tissue and nerve conditions of the upper and lower limbs.

Stewart holds degrees in Sport and Exercise Science (BSc Hons) and Physiotherapy (MSc) as well as obtaining a Post Graduate Certificate in Medical Ultrasound and a Post Graduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Injection Therapy. As a Physiotherapist of over 13 years, he commonly sees both simple and complex conditions of the upper and lower limbs in his practise. He has had a longstanding sub-specialist interest in shoulder problems and continues to enjoy this aspect of his clinical work.

Stewart is the Clinical Director at Life Fit Wellness and enjoys teaching Nationally on ultrasound education. As a former international badminton player, he is delighted to be involved with the Badminton World Federation Research Commission, where he is actively involved in injury prevention research.

Stewart is passionate about how ultrasound can enhance patient care if used appropriately and is interested in the training process, clinical education and competency.  He is also involved with research both as an independent researcher and as part of the Badminton World Federation Research Commission.


Publications

Kaldau, Niels Christian; Kerr, Stewart; McCaig, Steve; Holmich, Per.
Training and injuries among world elite junior badminton players – Identifying the problems.
Asia-Pacific Journal of Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy, Rehabilitation and Technology: October 2021 – Volume 26 – pp. 21-26.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214687321000194

Bradley, John; Kerr, Stewart; Bowmaker, David; Gomez, Jean-Francois
A Swim-Specific Shoulder Strength and Conditioning Program for Front Crawl Swimmers Strength & Conditioning Journal: August 2019 – Volume 41 – Issue 4 – pp. 1–17.
https://journals.lww.com/nscascj/Abstract/2019/08000/A_Swim_Specific_Shoulder_Strength_and_ Conditioning.1.aspx

Bradley, John; Kerr, Stewart; Bowmaker, David; Gomez, Jean-Francois.
Review of Shoulder Injuries and Shoulder Problems in Competitive Swimmers.
American Journal of Sports Science and Medicine: 2016 – Vol. 4, no. 3 – pp. 57-73.
http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajssm/4/3/1/index.htm

Week 1: Principles of Scanning

Time Topic Speaker/Presenter
19:00 - 19:15 Welcome and introduction Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg
19:15 - 19:45 Basic Physics of Ultrasound Probe orientation Douglas Ogg
19:45 - 20:00 Break
20:00 - 20:20 Alignment of probe with structure Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg
20:20 - 20:30 Supervised practice session on gel phantom Stewart Kerr
20:30 - 20:50 Scanning the patella tendon - live demonstration and supervised practice Stewart Kerr
20:50 - 21:00 Q&A Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg

Week 2: Normal appearance of structures and developing probe skills

Time Topic Speaker/Presenter
19:00 - 19:15 Welcome and introduction Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg
19:15 - 19:45 Review of session 1 and assignments Stewart Kerr
19:45 - 20:00 Break
20:00 - 20:20 Presentation: Probe Skills 2 Stewart Kerr
20:20-20:30 Normal appearance of MSK tissues (muscle, bone, tendon and nerve) Stewart Kerr
20:30 - 20:50 Practical Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg
20:50 - 21:00 Q&A Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg

Week 3: Scanning on smaller structures and a joint

Time Topic Speaker/Presenter
19:00 - 19:15 Review of Exercises from session 2 Stewart Kerr
19:15 - 19:45 Intro and Practical -consolidate and develop key probe skills on a smaller structure Stewart Kerr
19:45 - 20:00 Break
20:00 - 20:20 Continue: consolidate and develop key probe skills on a smaller structure Stewart Kerr
20:20 - 20:30 Normal appearance of a typical synovial joint - key tips for scanning Stewart Kerr
20:30 - 20:50 Demonstration and supervised practice Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg
20:50 - 21:00 Q&A Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg

Week 4: Normal Appearance of structures and developing probe skills

Time Topic Speaker/Presenter
19:00 - 19:30 Review of exercises from session 3 Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg
19:30 - 19:45 Interactive Discussion review of skills learnt Stewart Kerr
19:45 - 20:00 Break
20:00 - 20:30 Next steps in Ultrasound qualification - CASE accredited courses; PgCert, sources of information FSEM, CSP, POC Ultrasound Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg
20:30 - 20:40 Considerations for devices- requirements, infection control, safety, SOP Stewart Kerr
20:40 - 21:00 Whistle stop pathologies to whet your appetite to continue Stewart Kerr
20:50 - 21:00 Q&A Stewart Kerr and Douglas Ogg

How do I know whether a course is suitable for me?

The programme for each course is formulated by the course director and a description of the content and intended learning objectives is provided.


Who are the course directors?

The biographies for the Course directors of each course are provided so that you can see their experience.


Does this course qualify me to perform ultrasound guided injections in my workplace?

In order to perform image guided injections in your workplace you must conform to your local guidelines and competency requirements.


Do I need to have scanned before in order to attend a course?

Our Foundation courses are specifically designed for people who have no previous scanning experience.


What about if I want to keep my handheld ultrasound at the end of the course?

There are options available to buy, rent or lease these and other ultrasound products that we sell. If you are interested please inform a member of our training staff or email us at orcapod@orcamedical.co.uk.


How will I receive my Orca POD?

When you have registered you'll be asked to fill out a form which gives us your preferred delivery details. Your Orca POD will be shipped to you via DHL Express. You get to keep and use the Orca POD for the entire duration of the course and we'll arrange the collection after the last session/assessment.


How will I be able to operate the handheld ultrasound on my own?

We provide pre-course technical support to help you from the time you receive your Orca POD. Our team is available for one-on-one meetings before and between sessions to support you.


What if I cannot make one of the sessions?

When someone is unable to attend a session a colleague can attend in their place.


What's included in the price?

The Course Fee includes the rental of the equipment for the entire duration of the course as well as the tutor's fee, shipping, CPD points and certificate.


I'm interested in a very specific area. How will I know if your course covers that?

If you would like more information about any of our courses then please contact us on orcapod@orcamedical.co.uk.


What do I do if I am unable to attend the next course or it is fully booked?

If you would like to book a future course or enquire about future dates please contact us on orcapod@orcamedical.co.uk.

Add to Cart

Price: £799.00

Week 1: Friday 21 February 2025
Week 2: Friday 28 February 2025
Week 3: Friday 07 March 2025
Week 4: Friday 14 March 2025

Note: Bookings close on Thursday 20 February 2025


Add to Cart

Price: £799.00

Week 1: Friday 30 May 2025
Week 2: Friday 06 June 2025
Week 3: Friday 13 June 2025
Week 4: Friday 20 June 2025

Note: Bookings close on Thursday 29 May 2025


Emma

Monday 13 February 2023

Brilliant course, thank you very much for the effort, enthusiasm and encouragement from highly knowledgeable course tutors, really appreciated.

Lisa

Saturday 01 October 2022

I am thoroughly impressed at how the course was organised and delivered. Having the probe available to practice and handle outside of the course enables a much greater advancement in skills than would have been achieved in a face-to-face course. I hope the market continues to demand online courses as how you have organised and delivered it has been superb. I will be highly recommending you to my SEM colleagues. Thank you so much for giving me a good starting ground in MSK ultrasound.

Anonymous
Director

Tuesday 23 August 2022

Excellent course. A++

Ashleigh

Wednesday 01 December 2021

I really enjoyed the course, incredibly informative and great to practice live and throughout the week with the assignments. I felt more confident each week as the course went on and is definitely something I?d like to continue to develop. The course leaders/lecturers were great and provided huge insight and appreciated that we were learners and the right level of difficulty. Admin wise great communication throughout organised and efficient. Overall fantastic course and experience would highly recommend to anyone.

Fran

Wednesday 01 December 2021

How useful is it to have an ultrasound to practice with - Very useful

Matthew

Wednesday 01 December 2021

Thoroughly enjoyable course.

Gareth Maguire
Advanced Neurology Physiotherapy Practitioner

Wednesday 16 June 2021

This was a fantastic course and delivered very effectively in an online setting. The Pod at home was a great opportunity to practise at leisure. I have learnt a great deal on the course and despite feeling confident with US guided injections there are certain aspects and learning points that I have taken from the course and will change my practise.

Dr Benjamin Jelley
Consultant in General, Geriatric and Stroke Medicine

Wednesday 16 June 2021

This was an exceptionally good course. It was a true pleasure to be a part of it. I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and professionalism.

Helen Wilkinson
Consultant Physiotherapist

Wednesday 16 June 2021

Chakri's knowledge and training style was excellent and facilitated learning. The whole course was well organised and enjoyable to do.

Susan White
Stroke Rehabilitation Consultant

Wednesday 16 June 2021

I really enjoyed the course, far more than I expected. It was fantastic to start with the basic science to underpin the practice sessions - it all makes more sense now, and I feel a lot more confident to inject. The team were all really helpful, and I think went out of their way to problem solve technical issues etc. I will certainly recommend this course to colleagues.

Mary Vincent
Specialist Neuro Physiotherapist. Senior Manager of Outpatient and Community Neuro Rehabilitation Services.

Wednesday 16 June 2021

Really valuable and enjoyable course, excellent patient teaching and support from all the team.