by 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. Most Integrated Care Boards do not meaningfully prioritise MSK health, and nationally we continue to operate without a coherent, cross government plan.
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.
Prevention remains one of the greatest missed opportunities. We know that physical activity, bone health, early intervention, workplace support and timely rehabilitation can prevent avoidable decline and reduce long term costs. Yet too often the system remains configured around managing deterioration rather than preventing it. If we are serious about shifting from sickness to prevention, MSK must be central to that ambition.
Workforce pressures add further strain. Dedicated professionals across primary care, community services, rheumatology, orthopaedics, pain and rehabilitation are working under sustained pressure. Data and insight – particularly on patient outcomes and service experience – remain inconsistent, limiting our ability to demonstrate value and drive improvement at scale.
And yet, this does not have to be a story of decline.
Our friends and colleagues across the NHS at all levels are working tirelessly in the most difficult of circumstances.
Across our Alliance there is extraordinary expertise, innovation and determination. ARMA brings together a uniquely diverse community of patient organisations, professional bodies, researchers and system leaders. The depth of knowledge, the commitment to collaboration and the shared belief that MSK health matters are powerful foundations.
ARMA is in a good place too, guided by a thoughtful and committed Board, underpinned by sound finances, and confident about the contribution we can make in the years ahead.
We must build on these strengths.
Our new strategy will set out how ARMA will convene, collaborate and campaign more powerfully than ever to champion prevention, neighbourhood MSK services, better data, stronger leadership and a coherent national framework.
This will be followed by a manifesto and policy papers that set out our case in more detail.
The next five years must be about reshaping the system to reflect the scale of the challenge. Together, we have 20 million reasons to succeed.