Garreth | Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance

A moment to reflect and a moment to act

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.…

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Essentials of MSK Injections course

Saturday, 9th May, 2026, at the The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham

The Essentials of MSK Injections: Landmark and Ultrasound-Guided course is a comprehensive, hands-on training programme designed to equip clinicians with the knowledge and practical skills required to perform musculoskeletal injections safely and effectively in clinical practice.

This course focuses on the most performed MSK injections, covering both landmark-guided and ultrasound-guided techniques. As one of the first courses of its kind to combine both approaches in a single structured curriculum, it provides a unique opportunity to develop a dual skill set, making it easier for clinicians to learn, understand, and apply both techniques in real-world settings.…

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Celebrating Christina Cunliffe OBE

The RCC President-Elect, Stuart Smellie and Chief Executive, Susie Isaacson were delighted to be invited to share the formal celebrations as Professor Christina Cunliffe OBE, Principal of McTimoney College of Chiropractic was awarded her Order of the British Empire (OBE) from the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle.

This was a proud moment to celebrate all of Christina’s many achievements and she was joined by family, friends, colleagues, patients and members of the chiropractic community. We were delighted to share this momentous occasion to celebrate Christina’s personal ambition and all that she represents for the profession as a whole.…

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SOMM Patient Information Leaflet

The SOMM team has developed a clear, accessible, and evidence‑informed aftercare advice leaflet to support patient safety, optimal outcomes, and integrated rehabilitation following steroid injection treatment.

This new high‑quality Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provides simple, practical guidance for both clinicians and patients after a musculoskeletal steroid injection in any clinical setting.

Key Features

Clear & easy to read

Written to an approximate reading age of 11, ensuring accessibility for patients with a wide range of literacy levels. The leaflet helps patients understand their post‑injection care and encourages confidence, adherence, and engagement in their rehabilitation plan.…

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International Women’s Day

NRAS to launch new Rheumatoid Arthritis & Menopause booklet on International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day March 8^th 2026, the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) will launch a new Rheumatoid Arthritis & Menopause booklet, which will be available to download or order in print free of charge. The resource addresses a long‑standing gap in support for women managing both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the menopause—two conditions that can overlap in complex and often confusing ways.

The booklet follows a 2024 NRAS study exploring women’s experiences of RA during menopause.…

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NRAS Love Your Heart

NRAS launches new cardiovascular risk modules for SMILE‑RA

The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) is introducing three new cardiovascular risk management modules to its SMILE‑RA e‑learning programme this February. People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) face a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)—around 1.5 times that of the general population—yet screening and management of these risks remain inconsistent across the UK.

Although guidelines such as NICE NG100 highlight the importance of regular cardiovascular checks for people with RA, many individuals still have undiagnosed or poorly managed risk factors.…

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The MSK health innovation ecosystem

New report into MSK innovation ecosystem

Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK) has launched a State of the Musculoskeletal health innovation ecosystem report. It is a synthesis of two new research studies commissioned by ORUK – business data analysis Beauhurst has identified and analysed innovative MSK companies (including spinouts) in the UK; meanwhile, academic researcher Businessable has produced a dataset and subject analysis of those involved in MSK research in the UK.

The purpose of these research studies is to improve understanding of the MSK health innovation ecosystem and ensure that support is focused on the right areas.…

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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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Psoriasis Association Annual Meeting 2026

Save the date!

The Psoriasis Association annual conference, set to explore developments in treatments, research and patient support for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, will take place on Saturday 20 June 2026.

The event, titled ‘Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions’, will be held at Convene (etc Venues), 11 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 3HU, bringing together experts, healthcare professionals and members of the psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis community.

A full programme and registration information will be announced in due course on the Psoriasis Association website.…

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CCAA UCL Blood research video

Ever 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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