MSK & Arthritis News

ARMA Annual Lecture 2023

With a growing number of people affected by long-term MSK conditions, improving their quality of life has never been more important. Yet services are under increasing pressure, with lengthy backlogs, leaving many to believe our current models are unsustainable.

Could the solution lie in our local communities? That’s the topic of ARMA’s 2023 Annual Lecture, Community-Powered MSK, taking place virtually on Tuesday, 16 May 2023 at 6pm.

Adam Lent, Chief Executive of New Local, will join Laura Finucane, a Consultant Physiotherapist and Clinical Director of Sussex MSK Partnership, to explore innovative ways to tackle these issues.…

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Budget Announcement

MSK conditions are one of the leading causes of disability in the UK, resulting in millions of lost working days in the UK, as well as significant numbers leaving the workforce each year.

Not only does this have a serious impact on those affected, in terms of income and mental health, but it also means that their much-needed skills and experience are lost to the economy.

That’s why it is welcome news that the Government has announced a package of support for those with disabilities or affected by long-term sickness, as part of this year’s Spring Budget.…

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A step change in the priority for MSK

by Sue Brown, CEO ARMA

I’m delighted to be writing, for the second time this year, about MSK getting a high profile in Government policy. Two months ago I wrote about the Major Conditions Strategy, and now we have a budget which included funding for MSK. By including the word musculoskeletal in such a major annual economic event, the speech has underlined the vital importance of MSK health to our country and our economy.

The budget included three initiatives for MSK:

  • Digital resources for MSK and Mental Health – £310 million over 5 years
  • MSK Hubs – £20 million over 4 years
  • Increase employment advisers in health settings (including MSK services) – £150 million over 5 years

This is a lot of money, although given the numbers of people with MSK conditions, nowhere near as much as it sounds.…

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Moving from exclusion to inclusion in digital health and care

This long read from the Kings Fund looks at practical suggestions for addressing digital exclusion. The recommendations are grouped under three headings:

  • fixing the fundamentals
  • structuring services around people’s needs and preferences
  • improving the quality and consistency of services.

The article considers a range of issues, including how to provide devices, the best ways to provide data, building digital skills and working with communities to develop more inclusive services. It is must-read for anyone involved in MSK digital projects.

New funding for osteoporosis research

The Royal Osteoporosis Society has launched its third consecutive research grants round for 2023, opening the scheme for the first time to innovation projects that can close the care gap and reduce health inequalities.

Applications are encouraged from researchers at every career stage. Project grants of up to £100,000 over a maximum of three years will be available. The deadline for applications is Tuesday 6 June 2023.

Read more here.

NOA webinar – Origins and Achievements of the GMOA

Save the date for the next NOA webinar taking place on 3 May 2023 at 1pm. The session will look at the origins and achievements of the Greater Manchester Orthopaedic Alliance (GMOA). The current Chair, Professor David Sands Johnson, will share details of the alliance, its role during the pandemic and its goals for the future.

This one-hour webinar will be of interest to anyone eager to form alliances in their local area in order to improve services. Professor Sands Johnson will be interviewed by Mr Cormac Kelly, NOA Webinar Lead, and will take questions from participants.…

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The Future of Pain Management – trailer

Pain Concern would like to announce their new Airing Pain podcast episode 136, The Future of Pain Management.

This edition will be released on 26 April 2023 and platforms four internationally recognised clinicians talking at the British Pain Society Annual Scientific Meeting 2022.

The episode features Dr Stephen Ward, Dr Simon Thomson, Dr Owen Williamson and Dr Timothy Deer and discusses their specialist areas of: new scientific evidence for fibromyalgia; neuropathic pain in the form of phantom limb and post-surgery back pain; and cutting-edge developments in neuromodulation techniques, specifically non-invasive Virtual Reality and Gaming for treating neurological distortions.…

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getUBetter wins HSJ partnership award 2023

getUBetter is delighted to announce that their collaboration with NHS South West London and South West London ICS to deliver digital self-management of all common musculoskeletal injuries and condition across entire Integrated Care Systems has been crowned the winner of the HealthTech Partnership of the Year category at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2023, recognising their outstanding dedication to improving healthcare and effective collaboration with the NHS.

Winners in 21 categories were announced during a ceremony at Evolution London, on 23 March 2023.…

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Your SpAce is launched

Your Space imageThe National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS) has launched Your SpAce, which has been created in partnership with people living with axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA) and healthcare professionals.

Your SpAce allows people living with axial SpA to engage with their condition, learn more about axial SpA, and build skills to manage the impact it has on their life.

The programme is free to access on the NASS website and YouTube channel. It includes co-produced, short informative videos on topics such as pain, fatigue and flares.…

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Save the Date – ARMA lecture 2023

ARMA’s 2023 Annual Lecture, entitled Community Powered MSK, is set to take place on Tuesday, May 16th at 6pm. The event will be virtual and feature two distinguished speakers: Adam Lent, the Chief Executive of New Local, and Laura Finucane, a Consultant Physiotherapist and Clinical Director of Sussex MSK Partnership.

With a growing number of people suffering from long-term MSK conditions, there is increasing pressure on services and lengthy backlogs, leading many to believe that our current models are unsustainable.…

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