MSK & Arthritis News

New SOMM MSc Advancing Practice in MSK Medicine

The Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine’s (SOMM’s) MSc Musculoskeletal Medicine was developed in 2000 in collaboration with Middlesex University and the programme moved to Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh in 2018. SOMM has greatly valued its collaboration with both universities and the programme continued to run successfully at QMU until August 2024.

SOMM is delighted to announce that QMU is now offering a new part time online MSc / PgDip Advancing Practice in Musculoskeletal Medicine. Health professionals who have successfully completed SOMM’s Foundation in Musculoskeletal Medicine module (SOMM’s Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine) within the last 5 years, worth 60 master’s-level credits, are eligible to apply for the MSc.…

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NASS survey for people with axial SpA

NASS is looking to create resources to support people with axial SpA to be more physically active. To understand the issues our community face and co-produce the solutions, we’d love to hear from your patients. You can invite patients to take part by:

If you have any questions or would like to be more involved, please email zoe@nass.co.uk

Join the JIA Champions Forum with CCAA

Make your lived experience count — join the JIA Champions Forum!

The CCAA is looking for passionate individuals over the age of 18 who have lived experience of JIA or JIA-uveitis (either as a patient or a parent/carer) to become JIA Champions.

As a JIA Champion, you will be part of a national forum of advocates, advisors, and ambassadors. Together, we will:

🔹 Contribute to shaping JIA research priorities and design
🔹 Ensure the patient and family voice is at the heart of policy and communications
🔹 Collaborate with researchers, charities, and professional bodies
🔹 Raise awareness and champion equity in care across the UK

This role is reimbursed in line with NIHR guidance.…

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The State of MSK health

The report is a collection of the most up-to-date, UK-wide statistics on arthritis and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. It is a resource for healthcare professionals, policy makers, public heath leads, researchers, people with these conditions, and anyone interested in MSK health. Arthritis UK believes that with the best information you can build awareness, make more informed decisions, feel more confident and ultimately help more people with MSK conditions, such as arthritis.

The State of Musculoskeletal Health | Arthritis UK

New brand, new name

Versus Arthritis has now rebranded to Arthritis UK. Arthritis UK believes this name change will help more people who need help find the appropriate information, education and support services. Arthritis UK also believes this will help bring about greater change for people living with arthritis all across the UK as they look to grow their income and impact.

ARMA Launches New Policy Position on MSK Prevention

Health PreventionToo 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.

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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Orthopaedics and 10-Year Health Plan

NOA’s recent webinar brought together policy and clinical leaders to explore how orthopaedic services can respond to the NHS’s 10-Year Health Plan.

Speakers from the King’s Fund, BOA and ROH shared insights on shifting care to communities, embracing digital tools, and prioritising prevention. The session highlighted practical innovations already underway and called on orthopaedics to lead local transformation.

Read more here.

Upcoming GIRFT webinars

The GIRFT team have announced a series of upcoming webinars for November which will be of interest to all working across MSK care.

Digital solutions to support delivery of MSK care in community settings

Thursday 13th November 2025

Andrew Bennett, GIRFT clinical lead for community MSK (cMSK) and consultant physiotherapist Sutton Health and Care, Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust, is hosting a webinar to discuss digital solutions to support delivery of MSK care in community settings.

This webinar aims to give attendees a better understanding of digital innovations in community MSK settings and to highlight the benefits and risks associated with ambient AI. …

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Diploma in MSK Medicine – Register your interest

Dip MSK medicineExam sitting – 28th May 2026
Applications open – 12th January 2026

The Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK is dedicated to promoting a more active nation and ensuring that MSK and rheumatological conditions and pain symptoms are not a barrier to living an active life at any age or ability level. This Diploma examination will support evidencing competency as a GP, GP Working in Extended Roles as well as allied health professionals working towards advanced practice roles (including extended scope physiotherapists and advanced nurse practitioners) in a range of community settings.…

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