Overview
Course Times
Registration Online: 08:45
Start: 09:00
Finish: 17:00
This course is 7 CPD Hours
Course Details
Reconceptualizing MSK Pain: Context, Cognition & Control through Active Inference is a dynamic, one-day online CPD workshop that brings cutting-edge neuroscience into clinical practice. Grounded in the revolutionary Active Inference Framework—a leading model in theoretical neuroscience—this highly accessible seminar invites healthcare professionals to re-examine musculoskeletal (MSK) pain through a modern, integrative lens. Blending engaging lectures, real-world clinical case discussions, and interactive experiential exercises, the day provides participants with practical tools to better understand and influence the cognitive, contextual, and behavioural dimensions of pain. Designed for clinicians across physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, psychology, and pain medicine, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore how concepts like placebo, nocebo, and predictive processing can directly inform more effective, personalised patient care.
- Describe current pain neuroscience and the role of predictive processing in pain perception.
- Explain the Active Inference Framework and its relevance to understanding chronic MSK pain.
- Identify contextual and interpersonal factors that modulate pain experience and recovery.
- Critically appraise the placebo and nocebo effects as active inference phenomena and apply them ethically in practice.
- Construct a clinical formulation of MSK pain integrating biological, psychological, and social factors within an active inference model
Dave Newell BSc (Hons) PhD FBCA FEAC FRCC
Professor of Integrated MSK Health
Health Sciences University
Parkwood Campus
Parkwood Road
Bournemouth BH5 2DF
Solomon Segal, M.D.
Senior Lecturer of Anatomy,
AECC School of Chiropractic,
Health Sciences University,
Bournemouth
Jorge Esteves
Professor Jorge Esteves (Escola Superior de Saúde Atlântica, Atlântica University); Jorge, an osteopath and academic, has published with leading figures in Active Inference. He contributes key research in this field and is part of a European expert network, bringing theoretical insight, research expertise, and collaborative links to Active Inference and pain.
Mick Thacker
Professor Mick Thacker (Royal College of Surgery Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences); Mick, a leading figure in pain science and physiotherapy, integrates neuroscience, philosophy, and clinical practice. A world authority on neuroplasticity and pain, he has delivered a TEDx talk on Active Inference and serves on the Scientific Board of the Active Inference Institute, bringing high-level expertise and international recognition.
FAQs
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
For more information email cpd@aecc.ac.uk.
How do I attend online?
A link for the online session will be emailed to a few days before
FAQs
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
For more information email cpd@aecc.ac.uk.
How do I attend online?
A link for the online session will be emailed to a few days before
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Latest News
Discover and read all the latest news, press releases and happenings here at Health Sciences University.
Advance HE has published a new report that explores the merger which brought together AECC University College in Bournemouth and the University College of Osteopathy in London to create Health Sciences University (HSU).
This month, Claire Nadaf, Head of Engagement and Partnerships, and Sarah Herbert, Chief Nursing Officer at University Hospitals Dorset and Visiting Professor at HSU, embarked on a nursing delegation to China.
Health Sciences University (HSU) is delighted to announce its recent success in securing a capital funding bid from the Office for Students to the value of £2,136,638.
HSU is delighted to welcome Laura Finucane as Honorary Associate Professor. A leading figure in musculoskeletal (MSK) health, Laura brings a wealth of clinical, academic and international leadership experience - and a deep passion for rethinking how we support people in our practice.
In October, HSU was pleased to celebrate the publication of the Priorities for Osteopathic Care (PROCare) study in BMJ Open.
Earlier this week, we were pleased to welcome 13 new PhD students to Health Sciences University during our induction event.
