Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine

What Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine does

The Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine (SOMM) is a UK-registered educational charity founded in 1979 in Liverpool, originally as the Society of Orthopaedic Medicine, to continue the work of Dr James Cyriax. It delivers postgraduate musculoskeletal (MSK) training to HCPC-registered healthcare professionals — principally physiotherapists, GPs, sports and exercise medicine doctors, podiatrists, osteopaths, and sport therapists/rehabilitators — in the UK and overseas. The core curriculum is a three-unit Foundation Module (Cervical Spine & Upper Limb; Lumbar Spine & Lower Limb; Thoracic Spine, Sacroiliac Joint & Advanced Techniques) leading to the SOMM Diploma and use of the MSOMM post-nominal, supplemented by the Theory & Practice of Injection Therapy module (20 Master's-level credits) and one-day masterclasses. All modules are credit rated by Queen Margaret University Edinburgh, and the curriculum is mapped to NHS England's FCP MSK Roadmap (Stage 1 sign-off) and UK AP MSK Standards.

SOMM's teaching methodology is grounded in Dr Cyriax's Examination by Selective Tissue Tension approach, delivered through practical, in-person courses at NHS hospital venues and the Liverpool HQ. The Society generates revenue primarily through per-course registration fees (Foundation Units £750–£900, Injection Therapy £1,250, one-day masterclasses £175), with additional recurring revenue from post-diploma membership subscriptions, examination fees, and administrative charges. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via the sommcourses.org website, complemented by organic social channels, an email newsletter, podcast/video content, and skills-exchange evenings run with Physio First. International course delivery has extended to Ireland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Denmark, Malta, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong.

The organisation operates with a very small team of 1–10 part-time staff and elected leadership (Dr Elaine Atkins MBE as President, Nick Worth as Chair, Johnny Smith as Chair of Education, Christine Williams as Society Manager). It holds no external investment, has no parent company, and functions as a not-for-profit controlled by its faculty and trustees. In 2024 the affiliated MSc programme at Queen Margaret University closed (31 August 2024), with SOMM modules retaining independent credit rating; the Society launched two new one-day courses in 2025 (Spinal Manual Therapy Masterclass; Injection Therapy Annual Competency Day) to broaden the product surface.

Name

Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine

Legal name

The Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine

Website

https://sommcourses.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

UK educational charity (founded 1979, Liverpool) delivering postgraduate musculoskeletal medicine training courses — including a credit-rated Foundation Module and Injection Therapy programme — to HCPC-registered physiotherapists, GPs, and allied healthcare professionals in the UK and internationally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Continuing Medical Education

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDANAIAB

Nursing & Allied Health Certification Prep (CNA, EMT/Paramedic, Radiology, Sonography, PT/OT)

Education/Tutoring & Test Preparation/Professional Certification & Licensure Exam Prep

SECONDARYEDAHAGAH

Allied Health & Rehabilitation Sciences Schools (PT/OT/SLP, etc.)

Education/Higher Education (Colleges & Universities)/Medical & Health Sciences Universities

SECONDARYEDANAIAA

Healthcare & Medical Licensure Exam Prep (USMLE/COMLEX, NCLEX, Dentistry, Pharmacy, PA)

Education/Tutoring & Test Preparation/Professional Certification & Licensure Exam Prep

Keywords

• Postgraduate medical training
• Musculoskeletal medicine courses
• Physiotherapy continuing education
• Injection therapy training
• Clinical examination training

Headquarters

HQ city

Liverpool

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Course Fees: SOMM generates revenue through registration fees for its postgraduate courses including Foundation Modules (Units 1-3), Injection Therapy courses, and Masterclass programs. Payment options include credit/debit card, invoice (with 10 weeks prior requirement), and instalment plans (3-monthly with final payment 6 weeks before course). Cancellation policy applies with tiered refunds based on timing.
2. Membership Fees: Upon completion of the SOMM Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine, professionals become fully subscribed Members entitled to use the post-nominals MSOMM and access to SOMM advertising materials for their practice.
3. Examination and Assessment Fees: Fees for membership examinations, reassessment attempts (with administration fee), and deferrals. Administration fee applicable for reassessment of all SOMM modules.
4. Transfer and Administrative Charges: £30 administration charge for course transfers, £60 administrative charge for substitutions. These charges apply when students need to change their course booking.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine (SOMM) provides a comprehensive programme of postgraduate training courses in musculoskeletal medicine for healthcare professionals. Offerings include a three-unit Foundation Module, an advanced Theory & Practice of Injection Therapy module, one-day masterclasses, and the credit-rated SOMM Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine. Courses are delivered face-to-face across NHS hospital venues in the UK, at SOMM's Liverpool headquarters, and internationally, culminating in Master's-level credits awarded by Queen Margaret University Edinburgh.

Product overview

SOMM offers a complete pathway in MSK training comprising a core Foundation Module program divided into three units (Cervical Spine & Upper Limb, Lumbar Spine & Lower Limb, and Thoracic Spine, Sacroiliac Joint & Advanced Techniques), which together lead to the SOMM Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine. The program is supplemented by advanced modules including the Theory & Practice of Injection Therapy and standalone one-day masterclass courses such as the Spinal Manual Therapy Masterclass. An academic pathway is available through partnerships with Queen Margaret University Edinburgh for MSc-level study. All courses are credit-rated at master's level and designed for HCPC-registered health professionals including physiotherapists, GPs, sports doctors, osteopaths, and other allied health professionals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Foundation Module Unit 1 - Cervical Spine and Upper Limb A 4-day highly practical unit covering the cervical spine, shoulder, elbow and wrist/hand. Combines theory lectures, clinical reasoning, and review of functional anatomy to develop competence in joint examination, assessment, clinical diagnosis and treatment for HCPC-registered physiotherapists, GPs, sports doctors and other allied health professionals. Priced at £750.00.
• Foundation Module Unit 2 - Lumbar Spine and Lower Limb A 4-day highly practical unit covering the lumbar spine, hip, knee and ankle/foot. Combines theory lectures, clinical reasoning, and review of functional anatomy to enable clinicians to examine, diagnose and treat common MSK disorders accurately and effectively. For HCPC-registered physiotherapists, GPs, sports doctors and other allied health professionals.
• Foundation Module Unit 3 - Thoracic Spine, Sacroiliac Joint & Advanced Techniques A 5-day unit covering the thoracic spine and sacroiliac joint, advanced techniques, principles of lumbar injections, and a review of Units 1 & 2 in preparation for the SOMM membership examination on the final day. Priced at £900.00. For HCPC-registered clinicians and medical practitioners progressing towards the SOMM Diploma.
• Theory & Practice of Injection Therapy Advanced Master's level module reviewing and developing clinical reasoning and injection therapy skills needed to practise injection therapy effectively and safely. Run in 2 units with a 6-month inter-unit gap for supervised injections. Credit rated for 20 Master's level credits by Queen Margaret University Edinburgh. 180 study hours with 24 hours of lectures. Priced at £1,250. For HCPC-registered physiotherapists, GPs, sports and exercise medicine doctors, and other registered medical practitioners.
• Spinal Manual Therapy Masterclass A one-day course providing clinicians with an overview of the current evidence base surrounding Manual Therapy and allowing students to learn new effective treatment techniques for the Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar spine. Priced at £175.00. For HCPC-registered physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals seeking CPD in manual therapy.
• Injection Therapy Annual Competency Day One-day course for annual competency updates in injection therapy, supporting clinicians who have previously completed the SOMM Injection Therapy course to maintain and refresh their injection skills in line with CSP-endorsed standards.

Quantifiable outcome

• 60 Master's level credits awarded upon completion of SOMM Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Queen Margaret University EdinburghcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018SOMM's MSc Musculoskeletal Medicine programme moved to Queen Margaret University Edinburgh in 2018. SOMM's modules remain credit-rated by QMU at Master's level: Foundation in Musculoskeletal Medicine (60 credits) and Theory and Practice of Injection Therapy (20 credits). QMU is now offering a new part time online MSc/PgDip Advancing Practice in Musculoskeletal Medicine for SOMM graduates.
• Chartered Society of PhysiotherapycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe SOMM Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine is accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. The Injection Therapy module is endorsed by the CSP and regarded as the gold standard training course. SOMM works closely with CSP for professional recognition.
• NHS EnglandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSOMM works closely with NHS England on Advanced Practice. The Foundation Diploma fulfils Stage 1 requirements per the Knowledge, Skills & Attributes (KSA) document. SOMM contributed to the Advanced Practice Minimum Standards of Supervision, ACP Supervision Capability Framework, and ACP MSK Credential within NHS England Faculty for Advancing Practice.
• Health Education EnglandmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealth Education England (now part of NHS England) partner for professional education standards and MSK training frameworks.
• HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council)coreOthersHCPC is the regulatory body for health and care professionals in the UK. SOMM courses are open to HCPC registered professionals, and the Society requires HCPC registration as an entry requirement for many courses.
• Physio FirstminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSOMM hosts skills exchange evenings at their Liverpool HQ in partnership with Physio First. These CPD sessions promote and share hands-on skills between HCPC registered physiotherapists in a safe, collaborative environment.
• ARMA (Arthritis and Rheumatism Council)minorOthersARMA is shown as a partner organization on SOMM's website, representing the musculoskeletal charity sector.
• MACP (Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerSOMM provides Route to MACP membership for SOMM Graduates. The Society has created documentation and pathways for graduates to join MACP upon completion of the SOMM Diploma.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Connect Health: UK's largest independent provider of NHS MSK and physiotherapy services, also running training and advanced practice pathways. Comparable as a UK-based MSK-specialist organization running clinical training at scale, though focused on service delivery rather than postgraduate courses.

Direct peers

• Physio First: UK organization providing CPD and skills exchange for HCPC-registered physiotherapists in private practice. SOMM partners with Physio First on Skills Exchange evenings at their Liverpool HQ, indicating overlapping membership and CPD audience.
• Orthopaedic Medicine International: European orthopaedic medicine conference organization (Johnny Smith presented at their Alingsas, Sweden Low Back Pain Conference in 2023). Directly comparable as a peer training/credentialing body in the orthopaedic/MSK medicine specialty.
• Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP): UK professional network for MSK physiotherapists offering postgraduate training and clinical mentorship. Direct peer as SOMM provides a documented Route to MACP membership for its graduates, creating functional overlap in advanced MSK practitioner education.
• Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP): UK membership body running accredited postgraduate training courses for physiotherapists in a specialty technique (acupuncture). Highly comparable operating model to SOMM: course fees, membership, post-nominals, and HCPC-registered clinician audience.

Broad incumbents

• Keele University (MSK programmes): Offers MSc/MSc Advanced Practice in Musculoskeletal Medicine and related postgraduate certificates. Comparable as a UK university hosting credit-rated MSK postgraduate programs that compete with SOMM's pathways for the same clinician cohort.
• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP): Umbrella professional body for UK physiotherapists that accredits and endorses SOMM's courses. Comparable as a broader education, CPD and credentialing authority governing the same clinician audience, and a key partner for SOMM's commercial model.
• Sheffield Hallam University (Advanced Clinical Practice): Major UK provider of Advanced Clinical Practice and MSK post-registration education for allied health professionals. Comparable audience and credentialing end-state (Master's-level advanced practice) as SOMM's QMU-linked pathway.

Others

• Wolters Kluwer Health / Lippincott (medical education publisher): Global medical education publisher producing textbooks, CPD content and digital learning for clinicians. Comparable as an adjacent training/credentialing infrastructure provider in the same healthcare professional education value chain.
• British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM) / BMJ Learning: Leading sports medicine publication and affiliated online CPD platform used by physiotherapists and sports doctors for ongoing learning. Comparable as an alternative digital-first CPD channel competing for the same clinician continuous-learning budget.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/sommcourses
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCMkJB0GUQyZWzSK7qxK-APw
• Facebookfacebook.com/SOMMCOURSE
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/society-of-musculoskeletal-medicine
• Instagraminstagram.com/somm.courses

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine