by Adrian Bradley, CEO, Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) I hope you are enjoying the summer. This month we are pleased to have a guest blog from Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Versus Arthritis. In her blog, Deborah rightly identifies the huge opportunity presented by the 10 Year Health Plan for England and the serious risk that MSK conditions continue to be sidelined. As the alliance representing about forty diverse patient organisations and professional bodies across the MSK community, ARMA welcomes the Plan’s ambition but we are under no illusions. Ambition without action won’t deliver the change needed for the 17 million people in England living with MSK conditions. Poor MSK health is a pressing public health challenge. MSK conditions are a major driver of pain, disability and long-term sickness absence, yet they continue to be overlooked in national policy and local planning. Read more

Guest blog by Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Versus Arthritis Like many others, Versus Arthritis has closely engaged with the development of the 10 Year Health Plan and has spent some time analysing it since its publication. In this blog, we take a closer look at the Plan and what needs to happen to make it work for the 17 million people living with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in England. 1 in 3 people live with an MSK condition which has a significant impact on people’s lives. Common symptoms include pain, fatigue and restricted mobility which can lead, in some cases, to people losing their independence and confidence. MSK conditions are the second largest cause of disability and remain one of the most common reasons for long-term sickness absence from work. MSK conditions also account for around one in seven GP appointments. Read more

Evaluating the impact of a new digital intervention

Good Boost Digital exercise programme boosts outcomes for MSK patients A large-scale evaluation of a community-based digital exercise programme for people with MSK conditions has demonstrated significant improvements in physical function, mental wellbeing, and healthcare cost-efficiency. Published in the Musculoskeletal Care journal, the study tracked more than 4,400 participants across the UK who engaged with Good Boost, a digital exercise programme delivered both at home and in community leisure centres via tablet computers. Read more

BASRaT calls for VAT exemption for PSA registrants

Call for VAT exemption for Healthcare Workers on PSA Accredited Registers The Accredited Registers Collaborative is urging the Government to address a long-standing legislative gap that excludes health and care practitioners on Professional Standards Authority (PSA) Accredited Registers from VAT exemption, despite their vital contributions to public health. Under current legislation only professionals on statutory registers are eligible for VAT-exempt status. However, over 120,000 health and care professionals now work under PSA accredited voluntary registers providing essential services across the NHS and private sectors but remain subject to VAT, placing them and the public at a financial disadvantage. Read more

The iO publishes innovative new case study

In response to recent NHS strategy agreements encouraging greater involvement from independent sector providers, the Institute of Osteopathy has published a new case study showcasing successful integration in practice. City Way Health Clinic, an award-winning, osteopath-led musculoskeletal service, demonstrates how independent providers can support NHS objectives by delivering high-quality, evidence-informed osteopathic care and rehabilitation exercise classes to NHS patients. The clinic’s success provides compelling evidence that this collaborative model can reduce waiting lists, expand service capacity, and enhance patient choice. Read the case study here.

iO Convention 2025: early-bird tickets on sale!

The Institute of Osteopathy is excited to share the news that early-bird tickets are now available for the iO Convention 2025, the flagship event for osteopaths and allied health professionals. Hosted in partnership with the National Council for Osteopathic Research and UCO School of Osteopathy, Health Sciences University, this year’s Convention promises inspiring keynote speakers, hands-on workshops, cutting-edge research, and invaluable networking opportunities. Friday 21 - Saturday 22 November 2025 Secure your place at a discounted rate while early-bird prices last. Book now via this link.

We know that many people value our newsletter, webinars and the fact that we provide a voice for MSK health. We are increasingly asked: given that our membership is made up of organisations, how can an individual support ARMA? For this reason, we have set up a new supporter scheme. Full details can be found on our Become an ARMA Supporter page.

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