ARMA launches new strategy to make musculoskeletal health a national priority

As a proud member of the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA), we are pleased to support its bold new plan to transform the recognition, prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, including psoriatic arthritis.

Launched today (Monday 2 March), ARMA’s new five-year strategy aims to make MSK health a national priority.

MSK conditions are the leading cause of pain and disability, affecting more than 20 million people. They limit independence, reduce healthy life expectancy, drive economic inactivity and place major pressure on health and care services. Yet MSK health remains consistently overlooked in national policy and investment.

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ARMA’s 2026 - 2031 strategy, 20 Million Reasons, sets out how the UK wide alliance of patient organisations, professional bodies and research groups will change that. It commits ARMA to securing stronger political and senior NHS leadership, shifting the system towards prevention and neighbourhood-based support, tackling inequalities, and improving access to timely, effective MSK care.

The strategy positions MSK health as fundamental to the nation’s wellbeing and prosperity and calls for collective action to make it impossible to ignore.

Adrian Bradley, Chief Executive of ARMA, said:

“MSK health must not be overlooked. It’s central to our nation’s health and prosperity. If we invest in prevention, whole system change and better treatment and care in every community, we can improve millions of lives and secure a decade of better health and wellbeing.”

You can read the full strategy on ARMA's website.