MSK & Arthritis News

Early diagnosis of osteoporosis study

Keele to lead new study to improve early diagnosis of osteoporosis

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 health model of care in general practice (GPs). This model will enable earlier treatment, prevent fractures, reduce pressure on the NHS, and provide economic evidence to inform decisions on targeted osteoporosis screening.…

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One month to the Psoriasis Association Annual Meeting

‘Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions’
Saturday, 20 June 2026

Places are still available for this event, which is set to explore developments in treatments, research and patient support for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

This year’s conference is proudly CPD certified – so all attendees that would like a certificate for their attendance will have one supplied from The CPD certification service on behalf of The Psoriasis Association following the event.

Location: Convene (etc Venues), 11 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 3HU.

For more information and to grab your ticket, visit the Psoriasis Association website.

CCAA UCL Blood research video

CCAA bannerEver 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.

By sharing this video, CCAA hopes to help patients and their families feel more informed about what happens when they donate blood samples for research.…

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An important year ahead

ARMA CEOby Adrian Bradley, CEO, Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA)

I’m not sure whether to start with excitement for the year ahead… or an apology for this newsletter arriving later than planned thanks to a small but mighty IT saga behind the scenes. Let’s call it proof that even in a digital age, progress still occasionally involves turning things off and on again.

But delays aside, there’s a real sense of momentum building across our community. This is going to be a pivotal year for ARMA and for MSK health.…

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ORUK invests in medical technology research

Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK) has announced a £100,000 investment in VerIQ Limited, a UK-based MedTech clinical research accelerator, through a convertible loan agreement. The investment will help advance VerIQ’s mission to transform how medical device and health technology research is delivered; ensuring that exciting new innovations reach our patients faster, with uncompromising scientific integrity.

This strategic partnership reinforces ORUK’s commitment to improve musculoskeletal health and patient outcomes. The funding will enable VerIQ to expand its nationwide network of orthopaedic and MedTech clinical research sites, focusing initially on improved treatment for improved musculoskeletal health.…

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NRAS JoinTogether group meeting

NRAS groupsFor many people, attending a local group in person may not be possible. But with the NRAS JoinTogether digital groups, you can connect online with others who have similar interests and lifestyles. All groups are run by volunteers.

Menopause with IA

A supportive space for women navigating Menopause and Inflammatory Arthritis: this group offers a welcoming, safe space for women to connect, share, and feel heard throughout every stage of menopause—from perimenopause to post-menopause—while also managing life with Inflammatory Arthritis. The meetings will provide an opportunity to exchange experiences and discuss practical tips for symptom management, as well as hear expert advice from guest speakers who understand the unique challenges of this journey.…

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SMILE-RA – Exercise just got easier

NRAS understands that for people living with rheumatoid arthritis, physical activity is not a short‑term resolution but an important, sustained commitment that supports health throughout the year. SMILE-RA is a free, user friendly program designed to support people living with RA self-manage their condition.

To help individuals incorporate exercise more effectively into daily life, NRAS has refined the original SMILE‑RA Exercise module into two concise components: The Science Explained, which outlines the evidence behind the benefits of regular exercise for heart health, joint function, energy, mood, and overall wellbeing; and Let’s Move, which provides practical, achievable guidance for integrating physical activity into everyday routines in a sustainable and adaptable way.…

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Survey of Physiotherapists Supporting Self-Management

HCPC-registered physiotherapists are sought to participate in a new survey from the University of Hertfordshire:

A Survey of Self-Efficacy and Performance among UK Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists Supporting Self-Management of Chronic Low Back Pain

This is a cross-sectional survey of UK HCPC-registered physiotherapists working in a musculoskeletal setting with a caseload of chronic low back pain patients. The survey will assess self-efficacy and performance among UK MSK physiotherapists in supporting self-management in chronic low back pain patients.

This research will run for about 4 weeks from 19/01/2026, and is expected to close 16/02/2026.…

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