Therapy Expo and the MSK Conference are back at the NEC Birmingham on 27-28 November, and we're thrilled to unveil the initial lineup of speakers and sessions. The two-day event will be CPD-certified and offers a blend of hands-on training, insightful lectures, engaging Q&A sessions, and panel discussions. With the first wave of speakers confirmed, check out the programme so far: https://www.therapyexpo.co.uk/programme 

Based on research and feedback from delegates, exhibitors, speakers, and our esteemed advisory board, this year’s conference programme is focused on eight key topic streams.  

Women’s Health 

With the growing recognition of gender-specific health disparities and the importance of tackling these head on, our ‘Women’s Health’ topic stream aims to equip practitioners with the knowledge and understanding crucial for promoting optimal health and wellbeing for women in their communities. 

In 2024, women's health remains a complex and evolving field encompassing a broad spectrum of issues, including pregnancy-related musculoskeletal conditions, menopause, and breast weight and support. Manual therapy interventions play a vital role in approaching these issues, offering non-invasive and effective treatment options to improve quality of life and functional outcomes for women. Sessions will focus on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in women's health, fostering partnerships between healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive, patient-centred care. 

Professional Sports  

In 2024, professional sports continue to captivate audiences worldwide, with athletes pushing the boundaries of human performance across diverse disciplines. As suggested by the International Olympic Committee, manual therapy plays a critical role in the comprehensive care and management of athletes, addressing musculoskeletal issues, optimising recovery, and maximising performance potential. In recent years, the demands of professional sports have intensified, with athletes undergoing rigorous training regimens, frequent competitions, and high-pressure environments, resulting in increased susceptibility to musculoskeletal injuries. Manual therapy techniques, including soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilisation, and corrective exercise, are integral components of athletes' injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement protocols.  

With sessions covering strength and conditioning, rehabilitation updates, and career pointers, practitioners can play a vital role in supporting athletes' health, performance, and success on and off the field. 

Ethics & Professionalism 

With manual therapy playing such a pivotal role in managing MSK conditions, therapists must navigate ethical dilemmas surrounding patient consent, boundaries, and evidence-based practice. Additionally, with growing emphasis on multidisciplinary care, therapists must collaborate ethically within healthcare teams. A survey by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) found that 92% of respondents deemed ethical conduct "extremely important" in their practice, underlining just one profession's commitment to ethical principles.  

This topic stream looks to embody a critical dialogue essential for manual therapy professionals in the UK, equipping them to navigate ethical complexities and uphold professionalism while delivering quality, patient-centred care.  

Clinical Reasoning 

Looking to refine diagnostic and treatment decision-making processes, this topic stream aims to elevate practitioners' clinical reasoning skills to ensure accurate assessment, tailored treatment plans, and effective rehabilitation strategies. Discussions will focus on refining diagnostic skills to accurately identify musculoskeletal conditions and differentiate them from other pathologies. 

We will explore evidence-based approaches to developing individualised treatment plans based on thorough clinical reasoning and assessment findings. This will help to equip therapists with heightened clinical reasoning abilities to enhance diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and overall patient satisfaction, contributing to the advancement of manual therapy practice in the healthcare landscape. 

Older Age Adults 

The UK's population is aging rapidly, with projections indicating that by 2030, more than 1 in 5 people will be aged 65 and over (ONS, 2021). This demographic shift highlights the importance of addressing the musculoskeletal health challenges faced by older adults, including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and age-related mobility limitations. Manual therapy professionals play a crucial role in promoting mobility, independence, and quality of life in this population. 

This topic stream looks to address the growing need for specialised care and tailored interventions for the aging population in the UK. By focusing on this, we will help equip therapy professionals with the knowledge and skills to enhance the quality of life and promote healthy aging among this demographic.

Neurology 

With the prevalence of neurological disorders in the UK and the demand for specialised care growing, this topic stream aims to unlock the knowledge and techniques necessary to optimise outcomes for individuals with neurological conditions. 

Encompassing a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease, an estimated 11 million people are currently living with a neurological condition in the UK (The Neurological Alliance, 2021). Manual therapy interventions play a crucial role in addressing symptoms, promoting function, and enhancing quality of life for such individuals.  

We will be exploring the latest research and evidence supporting manual therapy interventions ensuring current practice aligns with best practices and guidelines to help improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for individuals living with neurological disorders. 

Specific Conditions 

Designed to help enhance the skills of therapy professionals in managing diverse musculoskeletal challenges, this topic stream looks to tackle specific conditions including hypermobility, hip impingements, osteoporosis, and more. Manual therapy interventions play a pivotal role in managing symptoms, reducing pain, and improving function for individuals grappling with these specific conditions. 

Against the backdrop of evolving treatment paradigms, these topics aim to equip practitioners with the latest evidence-based strategies to effectively address such conditions and optimise patient outcomes by exchanging knowledge and exploring innovative approaches in addressing the unique challenges posed by specific conditions. 

Massage & Manual Therapy  

Delve into the latest techniques, research, and applications in hands-on therapy within our ‘Massage & Manual Therapy’ topic stream. With persistent demand for changing treatment modalities, we will aim to equip practitioners with up-to-date knowledge and skills to enhance the efficacy and quality of practice.  

Addressing a wide range of conditions from acute injuries to chronic pain, massage - , alongside other manual therapy techniques - , continues to play a vital role in managing symptoms, promoting relaxation, and improving overall well-being for individuals across diverse populations. Covering topics from the shoulder down to the feet, join this stream to discover the latest evidence-based practice to enhance the quality of care you provide and promote optimal health and well-being for your individual clients.  

Other elements at the show will include the Demo Zone, Acu Centre, Hands-on Hub, Rocktape: Manual Therapy & Exercise Zone, and the Venn Innovations in Shockwave Theatre with hands-on demonstrations and training aimed at furthering the skills of our delegates.