Musculoskeletal conditions affect millions of people across Australia and New Zealand, yet they often don’t receive the same attention given to other chronic health conditions.
One in three Australians and 40 to 67 percent of adults in New Zealand are impacted by one or more of 150 rheumatological and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), affecting people’s ability to work, stay active and enjoy everyday life.
Conditions such as back pain, gout and arthritis are among the most common yet are often invisible and misunderstood.
Many people can also experience related health issues, including depression, anxiety, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, making access to trusted information, support and self-management tools essential for people living with RMDs.
Strengthening support
Musculoskeletal Health Australia (MHA), is a national not for-profit organisation established some 60 years ago.
Founded on the principles of consumer empowerment through knowledge, choice and connection, MHA is a trusted source of evidence‑based information and support for consumers and health care professionals.
MHA aims to support consumers and health care professionals to be empowered when it comes to musculoskeletal health by providing access to free services and evidence‑based information.
To support the important role community pharmacists play, MHA continually expands its free services and resources based on what consumers and health care professionals need.
Its national B.A.M Helpline (back pain, arthritis and musculoskeletal health) is free and staffed by qualified health care professionals who provide evidence‑based information, practical self‑management strategies and tools that help people feel more confident, supported and in control of their health.
As part of the B.A.M Helpline, the organisation recently launched ‘The Gout Shout Out’ which delivers the latest information and support tools for people living with gout.
Free services
MHA also offers the MFormed Webinar Series which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@MHAust
The series is delivered by leading national and international experts discussing a range of musculoskeletal health and wellbeing topics.
Every session is available on demand via the MHA YouTube channel.
MHA’s free services and support are not just for consumers. They are a trusted source of information which can support you, your team and your customers.
Tools which work in partnership with the services community pharmacists provide to help people navigate their musculoskeletal health and to support self‑management and health empowerment.
Everything MHA does is guided by its mission to improve knowledge, choice and connection, helping drive positive outcomes for people impacted by musculoskeletal conditions, while promoting excellence in support and care.
The World’s Biggest Sit
October 12, 2026
Musculoskeletal Health Australia will host The World’s Biggest Sit In on October 12 2026, where hundreds of Australians will take part in a virtual 30-minute chair-based exercise class lead by Gerald Quigley, Luke Hines and Libby Birch to raise vital awareness and funds to support the one-in-three people affected by musculoskeletal conditions in the country.
Getting sit done
Each year MHA delivers a national campaign specifically designed to shine a spotlight on the invisible – musculoskeletal health.
On Monday October 12, World Arthritis Day, MHA puts a call out across Australia and New Zealand to sit and get moving with the World’s Biggest Sit-In (WBSI).
Led by WBSI Ambassadors, community pharmacist Gerald Quigley, celebrity cook and wellness expert Luke Hines, and AFLW Champion Libby Birch, WBSI is a world record attempt at the largest simultaneous 30‑minute chair‑based exercise workout ever held.
The power in WBSI is its simplicity. It can be done almost anywhere, at home, at work, or even perhaps at your local community pharmacy.
All you need is 30 minutes, a sturdy chair, access to the livestream and the willingness to have fun and approach movement differently.
WBSI is a great opportunity for pharmacies to partner with MHA – improving the lives of millions of people by simply sitting down and getting moving. For more information, visit www.wbsi.org.au.
Together, community pharmacy and Musculoskeletal Health Australia can help more Australians and New Zealanders access trusted information, build confidence to self manage their condition and stay active for longer.
For more information about how MHA can support you, your staff and customers, please contact info@muscha.org
