MSK & Arthritis News

Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) Quality Standard launch

RCCThe Royal College of Chiropractors’ Quality Standards are tools designed to help deliver the best possible outcomes for patients. They are a series of specific, concise quality statements with associated measures that provide aspirational, but achievable, markers of high-quality patient care covering the treatment of different conditions. They also form an important part in the process of improving quality and patient outcomes.

Launched at the 2026 Summer Conference is the RCC Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) Quality Standard. It covers the recognition, assessment and referral of patients suspected of having axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA).…

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Chair’s farewell – Chris Martey to step down from ARMA Chair

Chris Martey16 June 2026

After six years of dedicated service, Chris Martey will step down as Trustee and Chair of the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance after the Annual General Meeting on 1 July 2026.

During his tenure, Chris has guided the organisation through significant challenge and change. Under his leadership, governance has been strengthened, ARMA is financially more sustainable, and a new and ambitious five-year strategy has been launched that positions ARMA as the alliance that can shift the system – convening, collaborating and campaigning to influence leaders and policymakers to make musculoskeletal (MSK) health a national priority.…

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Volunteer Opportunities at NRAS

Oxford Group

NRAS is looking for a new Group Leader for this well-established group. The current leader, Sue, is stepping back from the helm and NRAS would love for someone to continue her good work. If you’re interested in taking on the role, please complete the application form, selecting ‘Group Leader’. 

Menopause with IA JoinTogether Group

This online group runs 3–4 times a year on Zoom, generally in the evening, and offers a warm, supportive space for women to hear from expert speakers on menopause while navigating life with Inflammatory Arthritis.…

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JIA Awareness Week: 13-17th July

This JIA Awareness Week, NRAS will be shining a light on the emotional realities of living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) by sharing the powerful lived experiences of some of our brave community members. The week takes place from Monday 13th July to Friday 17th July 2026.

Throughout the week, NRAS will take a closer look at what life with JIA really looks like for one particular young person and their family. From navigating diagnosis and treatment to managing school, friendships, family life and the emotional impact of a lifelong condition, their story shows an honest insight into the challenges, resilience and strength within our community.…

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Arthritis UK report calls for improved arthritis diagnosis

As part of Arthritis Awareness Month, Arthritis UK has launched a report, ‘The Silent Treatment: Why an Arthritis Diagnosis Matters‘, to bring together insights from people with arthritis and health professionals to highlight the barriers faced in achieving a timely and personalised diagnosis for arthritis conditions.

Without a diagnosis, people are without vital treatment and support that can have a long-term impact on their condition. Crucially, for people with arthritis, a diagnosis provides validation and the relief of finally being seen.…

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Arthritis UK Effective consultations webinar series

Effective consultations: examination, diagnosis, and management of musculoskeletal presentations

Tuesday 5th November 2026, 7pm to 8:45pm
(occurring weekly over 4 weeks)

Virtual webinar series via Microsoft Teams

Build confidence in MSK consultations with this four-week interactive online course for primary care. Learn structured approaches to assessment, diagnosis, and communication across common presentations. Includes live webinars, practical discussion, optional homework, digital resources, and 7 CPD points. Ideal for anyone undertaking MSK consultations in busy clinical settings.

More details and booking.

Government consultation on mental health

Open call for evidence

Informing the mental health strategy for England

Consultation ends 10 July 2026

The Department of Health and Social Care is seeking evidence to inform a new Mental Health Strategy for England, with the consultation open until 10 July 2026.

The Government is looking for examples of effective approaches to prevention, early intervention and community-based support. For the musculoskeletal community, this is an opportunity to highlight the links between long-term conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain and mental health, and to make the case for more integrated physical and mental healthcare.…

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Navigating the regulatory landscape webinar

webinarA notified body perspective

Webinar
30 June 2026, 14:00-15:30

The latest webinar hosted by the Joint Venture MSK Innovation initiative will focus on how early-stage MedTech businesses can navigate the complexities of the regulatory landscape.

Delivered by Kiwa (a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification), the webinar will explain how certification bodies/notified bodies evaluate orthopaedic devices and how start‑ups can avoid the pitfalls that delay conformity assessment.

For further information and to reserve your place, visit  jointventure-msk.com.

BCA hosts parliamentary roundtable

Strengthening chiropractic’s role in UK healthcare

On 3 June 2026, the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) hosted a parliamentary roundtable, bringing together Members of Parliament, Peers, BCA members, and representatives from healthcare charities to explore the evolving role of chiropractic within the UK’s healthcare system. The discussion centred around how chiropractic can contribute more effectively to the wider healthcare workforce, particularly within the framework of Allied Health Professions (AHPs). 

Addressing Growing Pressure on MSK Services

A key focus of the roundtable was the increasing strain on musculoskeletal (MSK) services across the UK.…

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MSK & obesity: “The way forward” online meeting

MSK & obesity – The way forward for providers, clinicians, campaigners and policy makers

19 October 2026, 11:00-12:30
Online meeting

The purpose of this online meeting, hosted by ORUK in partnership with ARMA, is to align everyone interested in the inter-relationship between poor musculoskeletal health and obesity with an agreed set of actions. The audience of providers, clinicians, campaigners and policy makers will debate a range of issues including:

  • The need for holistic care
  • Access to surgery for high BMI patients 
  • Prehabilitation & rehabilitation
  • Use of weight‑management medications 

It will feature short presentations from clinicians and other experts on this topic plus plenty of opportunity for debate.…

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