Accredited by

Registration Online: 08:45

Start: 09:00

Finish: 17:00

This course is 7 CPD Hours

Course Description

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.

Learning Outcomes

• 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

Speakers

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.