Although the incidence of complaints involving the musculoskeletal system is high, adequate examination and treatment of these complaints leave a lot to be desired. Therefore, the need for professional development in this field is pressing. The existing discrepancy between the previously mentioned professional need on the one hand and the training currently provided on the other, elicits several questions. Is structured and sufficient attention given to musculoskeletal examinations during the undergraduate medical degree? Is there sufficient knowledge of the (functional) anatomy, kinesiology and pathology in this area? To what degree is the complexity of the research discouraging? Is the lack of consensus between various schools of thought confusing? It is not the intention of the authors to provide well-balanced answers to these questions. Instead we aim to give the reader the opportunity to expand and deepen their knowledge and skills in this field. Although the information provided relates to general practice, we certainly do not wish to limit ourselves to this professional group. We feel that medical students, resident physicians, physiotherapists (in training) and posture and movement therapists will also benefit from reading this book.