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ARMA Newsletter February 2026
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A moment to reflect and a moment to act
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by Adrian Bradley, CEO, Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA)
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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. Most Integrated Care Boards do not meaningfully prioritise MSK health, and nationally we continue to operate without a coherent, cross government plan.
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At the same time, demand is rising. Our population is ageing. Expectations are growing. The links between MSK health, economic inactivity, healthy ageing and productivity are better understood than ever and yet policy attention has not kept pace.
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ARMA Launches New Policy Position on MSK Prevention
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Too often, prevention is seen as something that happens in clinics, but true prevention starts long before that. It’s about creating the conditions that make good MSK health possible for everyone, everywhere.
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ARMA’s new policy position paper on MSK prevention calls for a broader, more connected approach. With over 20 million people in the UK affected by MSK conditions prevention must be at the heart of national and local strategies. The benefits are clear, fewer people living in pain, more people staying active and independent, and stronger, more resilient communities.
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Our paper sets out three priorities for action:
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Start early and act across the life course.
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Good MSK health begins in childhood, is supported through adulthood by active environments and safe workplaces, and continues into later life through movement, falls prevention, and rehabilitation.
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Join up systems and services.
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Prevention works best when sectors collaborate. Local MSK networks should bring together healthcare, employers, community organisations, and fitness providers to offer early, holistic support.
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Create health, not just deliver care.
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MSK prevention depends on the social, economic, and environmental factors that shape our daily lives.
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Prevention can’t be achieved by the NHS alone. It’s everyone’s business and local authorities, employers, educators, and communities all have a part to play.
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Early diagnosis of osteoporosis study
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Keele to lead new study to improve early diagnosis of osteoporosis
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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 bone health model of care in general practice.
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CCAA UCL Blood research video
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Ever wondered what happens to your blood when you give it for research? Children and young people living with paediatric rheumatology conditions told us they wanted to know more about what happens to blood samples donated for research. CCAA - Kids With Arthritis worked with a young person living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and the team at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health to show step-by-step how a blood sample is handled and stored in the laboratories.
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SOMM Patient Information Leaflet
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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.
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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.
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International Women's Day
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NRAS to launch new Rheumatoid Arthritis & Menopause booklet on International Women’s Day
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On International Women’s Day March 8th 2026, the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) will launch 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.
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NRAS Love Your Heart
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NRAS launches new cardiovascular risk modules for SMILE‑RA
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The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) is introducing 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.
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Essentials of MSK Injections course from the PCRMM
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Saturday, 9th May, 2026, at the The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham
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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.
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APPG on Osteoporosis and Bone Health
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All-Party Parliamentary Group publishes report on osteoporosis
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The APPG on Osteoporosis and Bone Health has published Seen, Heard, Supported: Transforming Osteoporosis Care. Drawing on survey data from over 3,300 patients, the report found more than half of people with osteoporosis had no NHS contact about their condition in the past year.
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Psoriasis Association Annual Meeting 2026
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The Psoriasis Association annual conference, set to explore developments in treatments, research and patient support for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, will take place on Saturday 20 June 2026.
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The event, titled ‘Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions’, will be held at Convene (etc Venues), 11 Portland Street, Manchester…
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Celebrating Christina Cunliffe OBE
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The 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…
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FSEM Diploma in MSK Medicine
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Applications are now open for the FSEM Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine. Musculoskeletal conditions affect millions worldwide. This Diploma in MSK Medicine empowers healthcare professionals to deliver exceptional care through recognition of their clinical skills, knowledge and evidence-based practice. Exam sitting: 28th May 2026.
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The MSK health innovation ecosystem
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New report into MSK innovation ecosystem
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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 …
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Arthritis UK's new SKILLs Sessions
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SKILLs Sessions are a brand-new series of free-to-attend monthly webinars from Arthritis UK, driven by feedback from the SKILLs Community.
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The webinars will cover the most in-demand MSK topics.
Registration is essential.
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Upcoming SKILLs Sessions will focus on: Fibromyalgia; Supporting people with obesity; and Gout.
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Arthritis UK's MSK Bitesize webinar
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This is a 3-hour webinar on a wide range of MSK conditions that can present in primary care and the role of physical activity in preventing and managing MSK conditions. Topics include inflammatory arthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, and more.
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Thursday 16th April 2026, 6pm - 9pm on Microsoft Teams
£60
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Core Skills in MSK Care, Belfast
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This training focuses on developing the practical skills required in a typical 10-minute primary care consultation. Our training provides delegates a supportive environment to develop their confidence and skills in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with MSK conditions.
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ARMA Calendar
| 25 Feb 2026, 7pm–8pm |
Arthritis UK webinar: Good practice with obesity |
| 8 Mar 2026 |
International Women's Day |
| 10 Mar 2026 |
National Spine Network 2026 Annual Meeting, Birmingham |
| 11 Mar 2026, 9am-5pm |
Arthritis UK's Core Skills in MSK Care, Belfast |
| 21 Mar 2026, 9am |
Guy’s Hospital MSK Injection Skills workshop |
| 25 Mar 2026, 7pm–8pm |
Arthritis UK SKILLs webinar: Gout |
| 28 Mar 2026 |
SOMM Spinal Manual Therapy Masterclass, Liverpool |
| 16 Apr 2026, 6pm–9pm |
Arthritis UK’s MSK Bitesize webinar |
| 9 May 2026 |
PCRMM Essentials of MSK Injections course |
| 28 May 2026 |
FSEM Diploma in MSK Medicine exam |
| 20 June 2026 |
Psoriasis Association Annual Meeting 2026 |
| 22-24 Sept 2026 |
BOA Annual Congress 2026, London |
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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.
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