MSK & Arthritis News

Empowering the next generation of MSK Innovators

ORUK logoMedTechApplications are now open for the MSK Innovation Accelerator programme, hosted by MedTech SuperConnector and part funded by Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK).

The programme is designed to accelerate the development of musculoskeletal innovation and thereby create and scale early-stage MSK ventures across the UK. It will involve a 6 month intensive learning journey, providing participants with entrepreneurship training, masterclasses and access to expertise. The accelerator learning content is part-time.

The MSK Innovation Accelerator programme is open to MSK related Innovations at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 or above from research fellows, postdocs & late-stage PhD candidates, or innovators from Academic Research Centres, small to medium size enterprises with research laboratories, or clinical institutes with a medical technology in development in the lab or digital environment.…

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Walk Yourself Happy

Royal College of Podiatry MSK lead, Dr Helen Branthwaite has contributed a chapter on foot health and wellbeing for Julia Bradbury’s newest book on walking: ‘Walk Yourself Happy.’

Poor MSK health affecting the feet and the lower limb impacts around 30% of the UK population, and not being able to walk has a wider impact on wellbeing. This book covers all areas of wellbeing including, nutrition, sleep and mental health with foot care, footwear choice and foot strength playing a major role in walking yourself happy.

The BCA announces the Chiro Live 2023 programme

Following the tremendous success of last year’s conference, ‘The Homecoming’, the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) is back for another in-person event on 18 November 2023 – Chiro Live 2023.

The event is a chance for chiropractors, students, and the wider healthcare community to come together to discuss some of the most important issues facing the sector and celebrate the BCA’s Mission: to be the home of chiropractors that put patients first.

The one-day conference will be jam-packed with BCA fun, including its new, interactive, TED-style afternoon sessions, The Big Think.…

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Good Boost is re-defining national policy

swimmingGood Boost has been recognized in the UK Swimming Industry Report 2023, cited as an exemplar of “how pools can be harnessed to support the NHS.”

There is a UK and global sector shift from exercise and fitness to health &  wellbeing, and Good Boost is leading the product and service to enable this sector-wide transition.

Good Boost – now five years old – was included as the first case study within the ‘Musculoskeletal hubs in the community’ section of the Government’s new Get Active sport and physical activity strategy released in August 2023.…

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ARMA Welcomes Major Conditions Strategy

Policy Paper

Major conditions strategy: case for change and our strategic framework

Updated 16 August 2023

It is great to see MSK included in the Government’s Major Conditions Strategy Case for Change and Strategic Framework. This is a major step forward in recognising the impact MSK has on people’s lives and wider society. MSK is biggest cause of years lived with disability in the UK, and it’s recognition as a major condition on par with cancer and mental health is a positive step forward.…

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MSK and the Major Conditions Strategy

ARMA CEOby Sue Brown, CEO ARMA

Everyone working in or living with MSK conditions will have been delighted to read the interim report of the Major Conditions Strategy. MSK is recognised as a “major condition”. It has its own section alongside cancer, dementia, mental health and others. The same size, the same structure, the same status. It finally puts MSK where it belongs. Or should do.

There is so much to welcome in the document. The focus on prevention and personalisation. On treatments in the community and alignment of physical and mental health.…

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NOA webinar: GIRFT Elective Hub Accreditation

NOA webinarNOA webinar: ROH & SWLEOC’s GIRFT Elective Hub Accreditation Experience

This next NOA webinar (exclusively for NOA members) taking place Monday 4 September 2023 at 12pm will give an insight into achieving Elective Hub accreditation. Colleagues from NOA Member Trusts, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre will share their lived experiences of the accreditation process including:

  • Preparation
  • The visit
  • Ongoing monitoring mechanisms.

There will be an opportunity for questions and networking. For further details and to register click here.

RA Awareness Week September 11-17 2023

RA DrainThe theme of RA Awareness week 2023 is #RADrain – showing how day-to-day activities can drain your battery, and leave you unable to continue with more events during the day, for example going out in the evening to socialise.

Things like getting a stressful email at work can drain a person with RA’s battery a huge amount compared to someone who is not living with this illness. Finding there is no parking near your office is probably an inconvenience for most people, however if you have RA and have had a busy morning, that extra walk can take a huge chunk out of your daily battery.…

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NRAS Community tips and stories

NRAS gardeningHave you seen the NRAS Blog? The posts include hints and tips on how to manage RA and personal stories from the RA community; there is a wide variety to take a look at.

The most recent blog post is on gardening – it is a great hobby that allows you to connect with nature, create beautiful landscapes, keeps you physically active. However, for those living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), inflammation and joint pain can make gardening a challenging task. Fortunately, with the right approach and some helpful tips, it is possible to enjoy gardening while managing your symptoms effectively.…

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