ABSTRACT
The content of this manual has so far concentrated on the clinical diagnosis and management of soft tissue and joint disorders. Soft tissue complaints are extremely common in general practice consultations, and shoulder pain alone is a common complaint, with a reported prevalence of 6.9%–34% in the general population and 21% in those over 70 years of age. It accounts for 1.2% of all general practice encounters. Uncertainty remains regarding the relative merits and efficacy for all available therapies, with little in the way of evidence-based practice available.
