ARMA Membership

Arthritis Action

Our vision is for people to live active lives, free from arthritis pain. We want to empower people with arthritis to take control of their lives, manage their condition and reduce the need for medical intervention.

Arthritis Action gives members access to physical therapies in their local area, alongside exercise, healthy eating, weight management advice and individual support. We run self-management events around the country and are setting up local support groups for members. Our healthcare professionals work with members to develop a personal arthritis action plan that suits their needs.

BackCare

BackCare is a national charity that aims to reduce the impact of back pain on society by providing information, support, promoting good practice and funding research. BackCare acts as a hub between patients, (healthcare) professionals, employers, policy makers, researchers and all others with an interest in back pain.

BASEM

British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine (BASEM)

The British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine (BASEM) is a multidisciplinary sport and exercise medicine membership organisation with a core responsibility to provide education and support to its members.

BASEM members are multidisciplinary healthcare professionals who provide the care and management necessary to ensure safe and continuing participation in sport and physical activity at all levels with a particular emphasis on musculoskeletal medicine.

BASEM supports the benefits of physical activity in all populations, without discrimination and the importance it plays in health and well-being and its role in both primary and secondary prevention of disease. BASEM supports the WHO Global Action Plan to make significantly more people active by 2030.
BASEM recognises the need for strong National and International partnerships to achieve its vision.
BASEM is joint owner of the British Journal of Sports Medicine and the BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine Journal with BMJ Publishing and supports a strong international research agenda to underpin its principles.

BASRat

British Association of Sport Rehabilitation and Trainers

BASRaT is the UK regulator for Sport Rehabilitation Graduates.

The BASRaT register has been approved as an Accredited Register by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care.

British Chiropractic Association

The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) is the largest and longest-standing association for chiropractors in the UK. It was founded in 1925 and has a membership comprising over 50% of the UK’s registered chiropractors. The BCA only accepts members who have graduated from a nationally or internationally-recognised college of chiropractic education, after a minimum of four years full-time training and ensures its chiropractors maintain high standards of conduct, practice, education and training.

The BCA was a founder member of the European Chiropractors Union and the World Federation of Chiropractic. All BCA members are covered by a high quality professional indemnity insurance and the Association operates a robust professional standards and complaints management process.

British Dietetic Association

The British Dietetic Association was founded in 1936, making it one of the oldest dietetic organisations in the world. We are the professional body and trade union for UK dietitians, and represent the whole of the dietetic workforce – practitioners, researchers, educators, support workers and students.

Registered dietitians are qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition problems at an individual and wider public health level. Dietitians are statutorily regulated, with a protected title and governed by an ethical code, to ensure that they always work to the highest standard.

British Orthopaedic Association

The British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) is the professional association for trauma and orthopaedic surgeons in the United Kingdom and those abroad who have had orthopaedic training in the UK or who show a continuing interest in the affairs of the Association. The Association’s mission is to advance, for the public benefit, the science, art and practice of orthopaedic surgery with the aim of bringing relief to patients of all ages suffering from the effects of injury or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

2018 is the centenary year of the British Orthopaedic Association. Join us in Birmingham, 25-28 September 2018, to celebrate the BOA’s 100 year anniversary!

British Society of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine

The British Society of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine (BSPRM) is a learned society representing doctors who practise in rehabilitation medicine. Its goal is to increase the availability of high-quality rehabilitation to anyone with a disability in the UK.

Its objectives are to increase public understanding and improve the professional practice of rehabilitation through supporting research, education, and by setting out clinical service standards that can be audited.

Membership of the BSPRM is open to all registered medical practitioners interested and concerned with its objectives.

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) is the professional, educational and trade union body for the UK’s 50,000 chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and support workers. The CSP leads, promotes and represents the physiotherapy profession by driving excellence in physiotherapy practice and employment, and influencing healthcare policy across the UK. It is the voice of physiotherapy in the UK, supporting its members in transforming peoples’ health and well being. The CSP is a progressive, dynamic, member-centred organisation which aims to:

• lead and support all members in developing and promoting high quality innovative patient care
• protect and further advance the interests and working lives of its members
• raise the profile of the physiotherapy profession and influence the health care agenda
• work openly in partnership to meet the diverse needs of both its members and their patients.

CCAA Kids with Arthritis

The Children’s Chronic Arthritis Association (CCAA) is a charity supporting children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in England and Wales. The charity is run by a group of volunteers who have been affected by the condition through personal experiences. They are extremely passionate about supporting families and providing a local support network around the UK for children with arthritis and their families.

Support can mean different things to different people. So whether it be a quick chat on the phone, a Facebook message to us or attending one of our local or regional events, CCAA strive to offer emotional and practical support and do what we can, to help bring positive change for your child and family.

Cornwall Arthritis Trust

The Cornwall Arthritis Trust supports the provision of health care for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions across Cornwall as well as furthering knowledge and the treatment of these conditions by supporting research and education. It was established in 1976 to develop and equip the Duke of Cornwall Rheumatology Department, Royal Cornwall Hospital but now also supports the care of people in the wider community including through its website and other activities.

Ehlers Danlos Support UK

EDS UK was founded in 1987 to support and educate all those living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. The organisation produces literature, DVDs and merchandise to increase the understanding in managing this condition. The organisation supplies education and resources for the medical community and funds research. Raising awareness in this area is important, as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.

Ehlers-Danlos Support UK provides a membership package that includes a bi-annual newsletter and a support network in your local area. They also offer members exclusive access to an area on their website containing past conference videos, a friendly specialists’ directory and previous issues of the ‘Fragile Links’ newsletter. EDS UK host conferences and events to keep the community informed with the latest developments.

Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine (UK)

The Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine (UK) works to develop and promote the medical specialty of Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM). SEM is made up of three elements: exercise as a way to improve health; exercise as treatment for illness; and the treatment of injuries from sport.

Fibromyalgia Action UK

Fibromyalgia Action UK is a registered charity administered by unpaid volunteers. FMA UK represents the possible 5% of the population with fibromyalgia. By raising awareness of fibromyalgia among medical professionals, politicians and the general public, we hope to improve the knowledge and availability of treatment options.

Gloucestershire Arthritis Trust

Gloucestershire Arthritis Trust (GAT) is a local medical charity formed in 1983.

It is dedicated to helping more than 70,000 people, living all across Gloucestershire, who are living with the constant pain of Arthritis, begin to get their lives back to normal.

We support the work of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rheumatologists and Physiotherapists to tackle six aspects of Arthritis: Prevention, Diagnosis, Control, Surgery, Recovery and Research. Thanks to nearly 1,200 supporters and our volunteers, we know that equipment bought with GAT’s grants helps treat over 4,400 patients in a normal year – this drives our passion to help even more people.

Hypermobility Syndrome Association

The Hypermobility Syndrome Association (HMSA) is a charity run by and for people diagnosed with the Hypermobility Syndrome (HMS). What we do: The HMSA aims to provide support and information to those affected by the Syndrome and to promote knowledge and understanding within the medical community and the public at large. We hope to assist sufferers to come to terms with the HMS and the distress that it can cause.

Institute of Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a holistic system of diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of medical conditions including (but not exclusively limited to) those causing musculoskeletal morbidity. The Institute of Osteopathy is the professional membership organisation for osteopaths in the UK. Representing approximately 70% of osteopaths registered to practice in the UK, the Institute of Osteopathy endeavours to support its members and promote the profession through research, lobbying and communication. The iO works closely with the National Council of Osteopathic Research (NCOR) to gather data to support the efficacy of osteopathy.

To qualify, an osteopath must study for four to five years for an undergraduate degree. This is similar to a medical degree, with more emphasis on anatomy and musculoskeletal medicine and includes more than 1,000 hours of training in osteopathic techniques. By law, osteopaths must register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). This gives an osteopath similar status to that of a doctor or dentist and guarantees the patient equivalently high levels of care. It is an offence for anyone to call themselves an osteopath if they are not registered. The British Medical Association’s guidance for general practitioners states that doctors can safely refer patients to osteopaths.

LUPUS UK

LUPUS UK is the only national registered charity supporting people with lupus and assisting those approaching diagnosis. We offer advice and information to anyone who wants or needs it, and help people to get in touch with other people with lupus through our Regional Groups, online patient forum, and National Contacts.

LUPUS UK produces a wide range of information resources, and awards grants for lupus-related research, Specialist Lupus Nurses in NHS Hospitals, and welfare.

McTimoney Chiropractic Association (MCA)

The McTimoney Chiropractic Association (MCA) is one of four Professional Associations in the UK representing the chiropractic profession. With approximately 812 members, our chiropractors care for around 8,000 patients each working day and approximately 150,000 new patients consult an MCA member every year. Our members are committed, highly educated primary health care professionals focused on helping their patients to be as active and healthy as possible. An underlying principle of chiropractic is that a healthy spine facilitates a healthy life.

The McTimoney Approach to Chiropractic
The McTimoney approach to chiropractic was developed by the late John McTimoney over fifty years ago and is taught only at the McTimoney College of Chiropractic, either in Abingdon or Manchester. It is well known for being a gentle, precise, whole body approach to chiropractic care.
The gentle nature of chiropractic the McTimoney way makes it suitable for people throughout their lifetime from babyhood to those in later life.
Many of our members have gone on to develop special interests and attend further postgraduate training in areas such as pregnancy, paediatrics, sports or later life chiropractic care.

Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists

The Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP) is a group of over 1100 physiotherapists, who are members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. In addition to their undergraduate training they have all undertaken extensive postgraduate study and reached a recognised standard of excellence in neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapy. Their knowledge and practical skills ensures that all MACP Physiotherapists are able to provide an excellent standard of care in examination, treatment and management for people with neuromusculoskeletal problems.

In the UK the MACP is recognised as the specialist manipulative therapy group by the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT). To obtain membership of the MACP clinicians have to complete a recognised postgraduate course of study, many of which are at a Master of Science level. The association has 1000 full members (members who have passed a stringent examination process) and almost 200 associate members (members undertaking post-graduate education leading to membership).

National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society

Axial SpA is an inflammatory disease of the spine and joints. Inflammation where muscles attach to the bones, causes extreme pain. If left untreated, it can permanently fuse bones together.

We are the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS) and we seek to transform the diagnosis and care of people living with axial SpA. It’s an invisible and misdiagnosed condition. Often leaving people feeling powerless, in increasing pain and extreme exhaustion.

So we campaign policy makers for early diagnosis and better services. We work with the NHS to get axial SpA identified and diagnosed quickly. We’re determined that everyone receives effective care. We make sure people with axial SpA get the latest information and the support they need to tackle living with the condition. And we build an active community, online and through our local branches across the UK. We are with them all the way.

Axial SpA may work silently. But we don’t.

National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society & JIA

The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) is the only patient-led patient organisation in the UK focusing specifically on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), (including adult JIA) and providing information, support, advocacy and campaigning for people living with these long term conditions, their families and carers, and the health professionals caring for them.

National Spine Network

The National Spine Network (NSN) is an active multi-professional collaboration dedicated to the implementation of the best evidence for the management of spinal disorders through the National Back and Radicular Pain Pathway. The strength of the network lies with its members, learning from each other’s vast cumulative knowledge and experience to promote excellence in clinical care.

Orthopaedic Research UK

Established in 1989, Orthopaedic Research UK is a medical research charity dedicated to advancing musculoskeletal (MSK) knowledge and supporting the MSK community. We use our funding to encourage breakthrough research and education programmes in bone, joint and muscle wellbeing and thereby reduce the burden of poor MSK health on individuals, workplaces and our health system. We fund innovative research projects in the UK that expand knowledge, improve patient outcomes and pioneer new forms of diagnosis and treatment. Our investment makes a real difference to the lives of millions of people suffering poor MSK health, today and into the future.

Pain Concern

Pain Concern was founded in 1995 and is a charity working to support and inform people with pain and those who care for them, whether family, friends or healthcare professionals.

Pain Concern provides support and information in a variety of different ways:

• Our leaflets on self-management and other topics are authored by experts with years of experience as healthcare professionals specialising in pain.
• Our Airing Pain radio programme features the experiences of those coping with and managing their everyday pain and interviews with top, internationally recognised experts.
• Our magazine Pain Matters contains news, features and comment on topics including self-management techniques, research into pain treatments and personal experiences of living with pain.
• Our helpline is staffed by trained volunteers who provide information, support or just a listening ear to people wanting to talk about their own pain or that of a family member or friend. Our volunteers moderate our online community on HealthUnlocked which provides members with a safe space to share experiences.

Physio First

Physio First is a membership trade association of self-employed Chartered physiotherapists and a dynamic professional network of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. We have approximately 3,000 members across the whole of the United Kingdom, the vast majority of whom are practice principles (i.e. business owners). Physio First is run by our members with an elected Physio First executive committee and fellow volunteer member post holders, supported by our employed Northampton office team. We proactively work together to deliver our organisational statement of intent: to “champion evidenced value based private physiotherapy with Physio First members in the changing healthcare marketplace”.

Membership of Physio First enables you to:

• demonstrate quality through independent analysis of your patient outcome data
• continuously develop personally, professionally and commercially
• share and receive practical advice with a community of like-minded private physiotherapists
• remain current with the most up to date marketplace information
• be part of a collective that shapes the private physiotherapy marketplace
• benefit from the support of trusted partner organisations

Physio First members have access to quality assurance schemes that are robust, trusted, consistent and industry renowned. Our quality assurance schemes allow our members to benchmark their independently analysed patient treatment outcomes to demonstrate how well they are doing against over 75,000 data sets that inform the quality baseline. So, our quality kitemarks (Quality Assured Practitioner and Quality Assured Clinic) prove the effectiveness of their individual and/or clinic’s treatment. Read more about QAP and QAC here.

Physiotherapy Pain Association (PPA)

The Physiotherapy Pain Association champions physiotherapists working across all specialities in contemporary physiotherapy practice, drawing on biopsychosocial and narrative approaches to support people living with pain.

Objectives:

• Value the experiences of those living with pain and to work with the voice of the patient in the development of PPA strategies and training.
• Develop a strategy that effectively communicates the value and vision of the PPA to our members.
• Advocate for those living in pain through providing inclusive, high quality pain services, support networks and representation.
• Support quality training, education, and peer-supervision for members of the PPA to facilitate reflection, clinical development, innovation and shared learning.
• Raise the profile of the PPA in fields of pain management, public health awareness and relevant others and to act as stakeholders, providing feedback on National guidelines and organisational documents.
• Provide a community of practice to share knowledge and experience in order to improve outcomes for people living with pain.
• Explore the development of technology likely to affect the delivery of pain management healthcare with members and partners.
• Include the student and early career therapists’ voice in the PPA, to consult about career development and learning experiences.
• Support evidence-based research, clinical expertise, cutting edge pain therapy options and multidisciplinary treatment that aims to enhance physical and psychological wellbeing.
• Celebrate diversity and promote pain management for patients and physiotherapists regardless of age, disability, gender (including gender reassignment), marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Podiatry Rheumatic Care Association

The Podiatry Rheumatic Care Association is an independent group working towards excellence in the care of rheumatic foot disorders through education and research. Established in January 1997, this is the association for podiatrists who have an interest or who are currently working in the area of Rheumatology and musculoskeletal pathology. Aims are

• To provide a network between Podiatrists and to facilitate support for podiatrists working in the field of Rheumatology
• To develop a programme of post graduate education in the field of rheumatic care and some form of post graduate qualification
• To encourage and support research in the area of rheumatology
• To promote Podiatry within Rheumatology and the role of the Podiatrist in the field of rheumatology
• To achieve recognition within Rheumatology of the specialist skills that Podiatrists have in this important field of medicine.

Primary Care Rheumatology Musculoskeletal Medicine Society

The Primary Care Musculoskeletal Medicine Rheumatology Society (PCRMM) was set up in 1986 by a group of general practitioners with a special interest in Rheumatology.

PCRMMS’s aims are:

• To improve education in Rheumatology in general practice
• To set up relevant research topics
• To increase communication between hospital rheumatologists and other relevant health professionals, with the ultimate aim of improving care for patients with rheumatic disease.

Psoriasis Association

The Psoriasis Association offers information and support in a variety of ways, to people whose lives are affected by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis; patients, relatives, friends, healthcare professionals and the general public. We run helplines over many platforms including traditional telephone and email, website forums and WhatsApp. We have dedicated social media presences on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn all of which are updated frequently. We regularly contribute to appraisals and guidelines for NICE and the SMC. We fund, collaborate and support cutting edge research to increase the understanding of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in addition to improving the experiences and advance the treatments for those affected by these conditions.

Founded in 1968, the Psoriasis Association has always recognised and promoted the value of multi-disciplinary teams when treating both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This is as important as it has ever been as our understanding of the conditions improves and treatments become more personalised.

Rheumatology Pharmacists UK

Rheumatology pharmacists UK (RPUK) is the national group for pharmacists with a special interest in rheumatology. We have a central committee who provide leadership and support to our group members. We also provide specialist input into the design and production of medicines policy relating to rheumatology.

We have close ties with the following professional groups:

• United Kingdom Clinical Pharmacy Association
• The Royal Pharmaceutical Society
• Versus Arthritis
• The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society
• The British Society for Rheumatology
• The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

We regularly contribute to the national agenda regarding the use of medicines in rheumatology and we are keen to be contacted by organisations who wish to involve RPUK in their work. We provide a professional pharmacy view on medicine policy in rheumatology, and are happy to comment on any documents passed to us.

Royal College of Chiropractors

The Royal College of Chiropractors (RCC) is a professional membership body which seeks to promote the art, science and practice of chiropractic, maintain and improve professional standards for the benefit of the public and advance the study of and research in chiropractic.

The RCC complements the General Chiropractic Council by running the UK’s chiropractic postgraduate training scheme, providing a major UK-wide programme of continuing professional development and facilitating quality, safety and excellence in the provision of chiropractic services.

Royal College of Nursing Rheumatology Forum

The RCN Rheumatology Forum represents its members by:

• Promoting best practice in rheumatology.
• Leading the development of rheumatology nursing practice.
• Promoting the nature, scope and value of rheumatology nursing.
• Educating nurses and health care professionals and improving the quality of compassionate patient care.
• Influencing changes in rheumatology that will benefit both patients and nurses.

Royal Osteoporosis Society

The Royal Osteoporosis Society is the UK’s the only national charity dedicated to bone health and osteoporosis. We work to improve the bone health of the nation and support everyone with osteoporosis to live well through our support services and advice.

Osteoporosis causes bones to weaken and break more easily. There are 3.5 million people living with it in the UK today and it causes more than 500,000 broken bones every year. Half of women and 20% of men will experience a broken bone as a result of osteoporosis in their lifetime, but less than a quarter of adults understand the condition.

Through our work with healthcare professionals and policy-makers, we influence and shape policy and practice at every level. We are also driving research and development of new treatments, working towards a future without osteoporosis.

Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK

Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK is the only charity dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by Scleroderma and Raynaud’s. We exist to improve awareness and understanding of these conditions, to support those affected, and ultimately to find a cure.

Scleroderma & Raynaud’s UK is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with charity number 1161828.

Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine (SOMM)

The Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine (SOMM) is an educational charity formed over 30 years ago to promote the theory and practice of musculoskeletal medicine developed by Dr James Cyriax.

The SOMM provides a comprehensive training pathway of post-graduate courses (including an MSc programme accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy) for physiotherapists, doctors and other MSK health professionals (e.g. osteopaths) throughout the UK.

The Society has a committed team of tutors with many years of experience practising musculoskeletal medicine in a variety of different arenas including NHS, sport, private practice and the armed forces. This diversity of experience and interests ensures a stimulating and varied learning experience for students, and the course programme is continually developed and advanced in the light of new evidence and research by our highly experienced team.

The Society of Sports Therapists

The Society of Sports Therapists is the lead membership organisation for Sports Therapists in the UK. It was established in 1990, and has the following key aims:

• To provide a professional body for Sports Therapists that monitors and advises on all matters pertaining to Sports Therapy.
• To accredit nationally recognised, educational qualifications as a prerequisite for membership.
• To provide comprehensive medical malpractice and public liability insurance for Members.
• To provide a platform for Members to further their knowledge, careers and therapeutic and/or academic ambitions.
• To lobby legislative and educational organisations to ensure that the protection of the public and Members is addressed by both regulation and registration
• To advise regulatory, political, legal, judicial and sporting bodies on matters pertaining to Sport and Exercise Therapy and Sports Therapists.

The Society of Sports Therapists currently has collaborative agreements with 25 Universities and accredits 32 academic courses including BSc, MSc and MSci programmes.
The Society now requires Members to be Graduate Sports Therapists from an accredited programme.

Members of The Society of Sports Therapists currently work, in a diversity of sporting, clinical and healthcare settings. Additionally, their sport and exercise expertise along with their therapeutic skills and knowledge gives them a skillset and ability to work both independently and autonomously or within a musculoskeletal, exercise and rehabilitation environment. Consequently, The Society of Sports Therapists and its Members enhance and exemplify the aims and philosophies of ARMA and, as such, are proud to be associated with it.

UK Gout Society

The UK Gout Society charity, launched in December 2002. Its mission and objectives are :-

• To provide basic information about this metabolic disorder for people who suffer from gout.
• To provide gout sufferers with further information about the causes and treatment of gout, and about organisations that are committed to education, health promotion and the prevention of gout.
• To increase public awareness and knowledge about this painful, potentially disabling, but eminently treatable disorder.

Versus Arthritis

In 2017, Arthritis Care and Arthritis Research UK joined forces so that we could achieve more for people with arthritis. In September 2018, we became Versus Arthritis.

We’re Versus Arthritis. We’ve come together, taking the best of both organisations and our rich histories of working with and for people with arthritis to do even more.

We’re 10 million people living with arthritis. We’re fundraisers, supporters, bakers, health professionals, volunteers, campaigners and researchers. Together, we’re demanding that the pain and isolation of arthritis is no longer tolerated. We’re pushing to defy arthritis. We are Versus Arthritis.