Welcome to the Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Innovation (IMHI) here at Health Sciences University
The IMHI is set up to partner, collaborate and provide a supportive network for communities of practice across clinical practice, CPD and research. It is supported by our “Virtual Faculty” who are visiting Fellows and MSK experts within a range of specialities.
The Institute also provides a consultancy service, mentorship support and supportive expert level clinical supervision.
Director of the IMHI
Dr Neil Langridge
Director and Associate Professor of Musculoskeletal Health. Neil is the Director for the Institute and has over 30 years of experience. As a NHS Consultant physiotherapist for over a decade he now leads the clinical team within Health Sciences University and the IMHI. Neil is an expert in his field and has published widely in research, service innovation and thought leadership.
Background to the Institute
The Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Innovation (IMHI) has been established to bring together the broad range of multi-professional musculoskeletal (MSK) expertise that exists within the Health Sciences University (HSU) portfolio. It serves as an external vehicle through which clinicians, services, researchers, educators, and leaders can access and benefit from the University’s extensive knowledge, experience, and capabilities.
HSU is founded on the principles of multi-professional practice, and the IMHI reflects this ethos by drawing upon both internal expertise and a wide network of external partnerships. Working at local, regional, national, and international levels, the IMHI is designed to foster collaboration that ultimately improves patient care and outcomes.
Whether through applied research, service development, clinical innovation, leadership support, workforce development, or education, the IMHI provides an agile and flexible platform capable of working across traditional professional and organisational boundaries. Its purpose is to connect people, ideas, and expertise to drive meaningful improvements in musculoskeletal health.
Virtual Faculty
Dr Tim Noblet. Visiting Associate Professor
Tim is a Consultant physiotherapist and co-chair of the Advanced Physiotherapy Practice Network, executive member of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP), and UK representative to the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT). Tim has published widely and led many successful grants as well as PhD supervision.
Laura Finucane. Visiting Associate Professor
Consultant and MSK Physiotherapy expert Laura has been at the forefront of professional development in the UK, helping to shape advanced practice frameworks and championing the evolution of physiotherapy roles. Her leadership extended beyond national borders representing the MACP as the UK delegate for the International Federation of Manual and Musculoskeletal Physical Therapists (IFOMPT). She went on to become president in 2020 to 2024. Laura has been further known for her innovations concerning community appointment days and her work in tackling Health inequalities.
Rob Beaven. Practice Educator In Chiropractic
Rob Beaven is a UK-based chiropractor, clinical educator, and business owner with a focus on evidence-informed musculoskeletal care and performance.
He is a clinical tutor at Health Sciences University (HSU), where he supports the development of future practitioners.
Alongside his clinical and academic work, Rob plays a key role in shaping professional education as Head of Partnerships at Physio Matters, one of the leading platforms for musculoskeletal CPD.
He co-hosts the award-winning Back Pain Podcast, where he explores contemporary topics in MSK care with clinicians and experts from around the world.
Sharon Chan-Braddock. Visiting Fellow.
Sharon is an advanced physiotherapy practitioner who has taught widely in injection therapy. A published author in this field, Sharon is a widely accepted expert in orthopaedic examination. Currently actively involved in post graduate MSK education since 2009 Sharon also is current MACP Co-Lead of the Portfolio Route. Previously the co-Chair for the MSK partnership Sharons knowledge has depth and breadth across the MSK field.
Matt Low. Visiting Fellow.
Matt is a Consultant Physiotherapist at University Hospitals Dorset Foundation NHS Trust and is a visiting associate at the Orthopaedic Research Institute at Bournemouth University. He qualified from the University of Southampton and completed a Masters degree in Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy at the University of Brighton. He has lectured on subjects such as motor control, spinal manipulation and clinical reasoning skills. He has interests in compassionate person-centred care, the theory of causation within the healthcare setting, philosophy, reflective practice and critical thinking skills.
Kate Purcell. Visiting Fellow
Kate is an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist working across primary care and integrated orthopaedic services within the NHS. With a background in higher education and recognition as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, she brings a strong focus on clinical education, mentorship, and professional development. Kate has a particular interest in how reflective practice, clinical reasoning, and professional judgement are developed in complex, real-world settings.
Sam Simmonds. Visiting Fellow.
Sam is a consultant Physiotherapist for Dorset Health Care and leads their Spinal Triage and Treat service. Prior to this she was an advanced practitioner for University Hospitals Sussex, this was combined this with a leadership role in FCP for Sussex Community Foundation Trust. Sam also lectures on a internationally renowned course red flags and spinal masqueraders.
Mentorship Service
At all levels of practice, high‑quality clinical mentorship is essential. Whether you work in private practice, the NHS or the independent sector, we can support your development as a clinician.
More about this Service 
Using evidence‑based models of effective clinical supervision, you can book sessions with our virtual faculty for online, one‑to‑one or small‑group mentorship. Sessions can focus on any of the major domains of professional practice, including:
- Clinical reasoning and complex case discussion
- Research and evidence‑informed practice
- Leadership and service development
- Teaching, learning and clinical education
Our aim is to provide structured, supportive supervision that helps you grow in confidence, sharpen your skills and enhance the quality of care you provide
We can arrange a package or one off sessions as you need.
Costs will be discussed on a case by case basis dependent on need.
Whatever your requirements as a MSK clinician, from newly qualified or student to consultant level we can get a session for individuals or groups arranged.
We offer a free, no obligation discussion to develop on assessment of need and then offer you a proposal to consider.
For all enquiries, please go to MHI@HSU.ac.uk
MSK Pathway and System Improvement
MSK service practice, design and implementation is a challenge. We can help with supporting ideas, testing and evaluation to ensure your service is at its optimal level of function.
More about this service
What we offer: Service improvement and support for clinical practice.
- Mapping and redesign of MSK pathways across:
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- PCN FCP/MSK services
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- Community MSK, orthopaedics, rheumatology and pain services
- Components:
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- Pathway mapping and demand–capacity analysis
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- Referral, red flag and imaging protocols
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- Skill‑mix and role redesign (FCP, advanced practice, band 5–7 progression)
- Benefits:
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- Clearer patient flow and access
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- Reduced bottlenecks and variation
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- Better use of clinician skill‑mix
Clinical Education and Workforce Development
- Structured training for:
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- FCPs, Advanced Practice Physiotherapists, MSK physiotherapists
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- GPs and GPwERs with an MSK focus
- Example topics:
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- Assessment and differential diagnosis of common MSK presentations
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- Evidence‑based management of back, neck, shoulder, knee and hip conditions
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- Persistent pain and biopsychosocial approaches
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- Rational imaging and injection decision‑making (where in scope)
- University linkage:
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- Potential CPD‑accredited short courses
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- Signposting to postgraduate modules and research opportunities
Service Evaluation and Quality Improvement
- Design and delivery of service evaluations and audits for:
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- New or redesigned MSK and FCP pathways
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- Virtual MSK clinics or group programmes
- Components:
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- Selection and implementation of PROMs and PREMs (e.g. MSK‑HQ, EQ‑5D, pain and function scales, satisfaction)
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- Before/after or pre/post analyses of waits, imaging use, referral rates and outcomes
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- Recommendations for quality improvement
- Outputs:
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- Concise evaluation reports and board‑ready slide decks
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- Potential for joint academic presentations or publications with clients
We offer a free, no obligation session where we can understand your needs and put a proposal inn place for you and your team to consider.
For all enquires please go to MHI@HSU.ac.uk
Join Our Research Active MSK clinicians: Community of Practice
Our Research Community of practice is designed to support less experienced MSK researchers in developing the skill, knowledge and awareness in bringing evaluation and research into everyday clinical work.
More About the Community of Practice
Early Career Clinician Research Community of Practice
Overall purpose
To support clinicians in the early stages of their career to develop confidence, skills and networks in clinical research and evidence‑informed practice, without requiring them to leave their clinical roles.
Core objectives
- Build foundational research literacy (understanding methods, critical appraisal, implementation).
- Provide practical support for small‑scale projects (e.g. service evaluations, audits, feasibility studies).
- Create a safe peer‑learning environment for sharing ideas, challenges and progress.
- Connect early‑career clinicians with experienced research mentors and academic partners.
- Encourage and support dissemination (posters, presentations, publications, QI reports).
For all enquiries please contact MHI@HSU.ac.uk
Research Centres
The Centre for Workforce and Systems Innovation
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Centre for Human Performance Research
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National Council for Osteopathic Research (NCOR)
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The Centre for Osteopathic Research and Leadership (CORaL)
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HSU Centre for PAIn Research
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National Centre for Chiropractic Research (NCCR)
Learn MoreClinical Insight
Clinical Insight is the IMHI’s thought leadership platform, providing regular content designed to inform, challenge, and inspire healthcare professionals. New content is added monthly and covers a wide range of topics, including clinical practice, leadership, innovation, case studies, professional development, and emerging issues in healthcare.
By joining our mailing list, you will receive email notifications whenever new Clinical Insight content is published, ensuring you stay up to date with the latest thinking and developments from the IMHI community.
Our Clinics
Explore our comprehensive range of Clinical & Rehabilitation Services. From chiropractic care to physiotherapy, podiatry to diagnostic imaging, specialist rehabilitation and even state-of-the-art health testing, we have you covered. Explore our services and find the support you need.
Find out more about our Bournemouth Clinic Services
Find out more about London Clinic Services
CPD
The IMHI is linked through HSU to a range of CPD opportunities. We have a range of Units, CPD events.
For anyone signed up we will be able to update you upcoming events.
Current and Past Projects
Exercise sessions in care homes
A range of online exercise sessions for residents in Care homes.
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