MSK & Arthritis News

Advancing Practice MSK MSc – Enrolment open

The Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine (SOMM) is pleased to share an exciting update ahead of the new academic year.

Since its development in 2000 in partnership with Middlesex University, the MSc in Musculoskeletal Medicine has continued to evolve. In 2018, the programme moved to Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh, where it successfully ran until August 2024.

SOMM is delighted to announce that QMU now offers a part‑time, fully online MSc / PgDip Advancing Practice in Musculoskeletal Medicine.

Health professionals who have completed SOMM’s Foundation in Musculoskeletal Medicine module (SOMM Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine) within the last five years, worth 60 master’s‑level credits, are eligible to apply.…

Read more of this article

A moment to reflect and a moment to act

ARMA CEOby Adrian Bradley, CEO, Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA)

As we approach publication of ARMA’s new five-year strategy, this feels like an important moment to pause and reflect on the state of musculoskeletal (MSK) health, our sector, and our Alliance.

The challenges are clear. Community MSK waiting lists remain among the longest in the NHS, leaving too many people waiting in persistent pain and unable to work, care for family, or participate fully in everyday life. In many areas, MSK health still lacks clear system leadership.…

Read more of this article

PCRMM Essentials of MSK Injections course

Event agenda coverSaturday, 9th May, 2026, at the The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham

The Essentials of MSK Injections: Landmark and Ultrasound-Guided course is a comprehensive, hands-on training programme designed to equip clinicians with the knowledge and practical skills required to perform musculoskeletal injections safely and effectively in clinical practice.

This course focuses on the most performed MSK injections, covering both landmark-guided and ultrasound-guided techniques. As one of the first courses of its kind to combine both approaches in a single structured curriculum, it provides a unique opportunity to develop a dual skill set, making it easier for clinicians to learn, understand, and apply both techniques in real-world settings.…

Read more of this article

Celebrating Christina Cunliffe OBE

Christina Cunliffe OBEThe RCC President-Elect, Stuart Smellie and Chief Executive, Susie Isaacson were delighted to be invited to share the formal celebrations as Professor Christina Cunliffe OBE, Principal of McTimoney College of Chiropractic was awarded her Order of the British Empire (OBE) from the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle.

This was a proud moment to celebrate all of Christina’s many achievements and she was joined by family, friends, colleagues, patients and members of the chiropractic community. We were delighted to share this momentous occasion to celebrate Christina’s personal ambition and all that she represents for the profession as a whole.…

Read more of this article

SOMM Patient Information Leaflet

The SOMM team has developed a clear, accessible, and evidence‑informed aftercare advice leaflet to support patient safety, optimal outcomes, and integrated rehabilitation following steroid injection treatment.

This new high‑quality Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provides simple, practical guidance for both clinicians and patients after a musculoskeletal steroid injection in any clinical setting.

Key Features

  • Clear & easy to read
  • Written to an approximate reading age of 11, ensuring accessibility for patients with a wide range of literacy levels. The leaflet helps patients understand their post‑injection care and encourages confidence, adherence, and engagement in their rehabilitation plan.
…

Read more of this article

New RA & Menopause booklet

Women's DayOn International Women’s Day March 8th 2026, the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) launched a new Rheumatoid Arthritis & Menopause booklet, which will be available to download or order in print free of charge. The resource addresses a long‑standing gap in support for women managing both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the menopause—two conditions that can overlap in complex and often confusing ways.

The booklet follows a 2024 NRAS study exploring women’s experiences of RA during menopause. The findings revealed a striking lack of clinical discussion: 93% of respondents said no healthcare professional had ever raised the topic with them.…

Read more of this article

NRAS cardiovascular risk modules

The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) has introduced three new cardiovascular risk management modules to its SMILE‑RA e‑learning programme this February.

People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) face a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)—around 1.5 times that of the general population—yet screening and management of these risks remain inconsistent across the UK.

Although guidelines such as NICE NG100 highlight the importance of regular cardiovascular checks for people with RA, many individuals still have undiagnosed or poorly managed risk factors. International audits show this is a widespread issue, regardless of healthcare system, and contributes to the persistently elevated CVD risk seen in RA.…

Read more of this article

The MSK health innovation ecosystem

New report into MSK innovation ecosystem 

Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK) has launched a State of the Musculoskeletal health innovation ecosystem report. It is a synthesis of two new research studies commissioned by ORUK – business data analysis Beauhurst has identified and analysed innovative MSK companies (including spinouts) in the UK; meanwhile, academic researcher Businessable has produced a dataset and subject analysis of those involved in MSK research in the UK.

The purpose of these research studies is to improve understanding of the MSK health innovation ecosystem and ensure that support is focused on the right areas.…

Read more of this article

Early diagnosis of osteoporosis study

Keele to lead new study to improve early diagnosis of osteoporosis

A Keele University–led team has secured £4.8 million from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to improve early identification of osteoporosis among at-risk and under-served patients in primary care.

Led by Professor Zoe Paskins, the PROTECTS study will design, implement and evaluate a new digital bone health model of care in general practice (GPs). This model will enable earlier treatment, prevent fractures, reduce pressure on the NHS, and provide economic evidence to inform decisions on targeted osteoporosis screening.…

Read more of this article