Meet Michael Dare

Consultant Physiotherapist | Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal Specialist | MSK Ultrasound & Ultrasound-Guided Injection Clinician

Michael Dare is a Consultant Physiotherapist, musculoskeletal and rheumatology specialist, and founder and Director of The Arthritis Clinic Ltd, a specialist private clinic based in Billericay, Essex.

With extensive experience across NHS rheumatology, musculoskeletal medicine and private practice, Michael provides specialist assessment and management for people experiencing persistent musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, inflammatory and non-inflammatory rheumatological conditions, joint and soft-tissue problems, and complex musculoskeletal presentations.

His clinical practice combines detailed clinical assessment with advanced musculoskeletal ultrasound, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and, where clinically appropriate, ultrasound-guided injection treatments.

Specialist Clinical Experience

Michael has more than a decade of advanced clinical experience within rheumatology and musculoskeletal services, including senior clinical and leadership roles within large NHS services and private healthcare.

His areas of clinical expertise include:

• Rheumatology and musculoskeletal physiotherapy
• Osteoarthritis and persistent joint pain
• Complex musculoskeletal presentations
• Musculoskeletal ultrasound
• Ultrasound-guided injections
• Physiotherapy and exercise rehabilitation
• Persistent and complex pain
• Tendon and soft-tissue disorders
• Sports and activity-related musculoskeletal conditions
• Post-operative rehabilitation
• Hypermobility and associated musculoskeletal presentations
• Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders

Michael takes a patient-centred approach to assessment and treatment, recognising that musculoskeletal pain and rheumatological conditions can affect people in different ways.

Where appropriate, treatment may involve physiotherapy and rehabilitation, exercise prescription, education and self-management, diagnostic ultrasound, image-guided procedures, or onward referral to another healthcare professional or specialist service.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Michael has specialist training and experience in musculoskeletal ultrasound and uses ultrasound as an important part of clinical assessment where appropriate.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound can provide real-time assessment of joints, tendons, muscles and other soft tissues and can complement the clinical examination when investigating a patient’s symptoms.

At The Arthritis Clinic, ultrasound may also be used to guide certain injection procedures. Ultrasound guidance allows the clinician to visualise the relevant anatomical structures and guide the needle towards the intended treatment area.

Ultrasound-Guided Injection Treatments

Where injection treatment is considered clinically appropriate, Michael provides ultrasound-guided procedures for selected musculoskeletal conditions.

Depending on the diagnosis, symptoms, previous treatment and individual circumstances, treatment options may include:

• Corticosteroid injections
• Hyaluronic acid injections
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
• Selected regenerative or injectable treatments
• Ultrasound-guided injections for joints, tendons and other appropriate structures

Injection treatment is not automatically appropriate for every patient. Michael assesses each person individually and discusses the potential benefits, limitations, risks and alternatives before treatment.

Where an injection is unlikely to be appropriate, alternative conservative management or onward referral can be discussed.

Specialist Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy remains an important part of the management of many musculoskeletal and rheumatological conditions.

Michael’s approach combines clinical assessment with evidence-informed rehabilitation, helping patients understand their condition and develop a practical management plan around their symptoms, function and goals.

Depending on the individual’s presentation, rehabilitation may include:

• Exercise prescription
• Strength and conditioning
• Mobility and flexibility work
• Functional rehabilitation
• Manual therapy where appropriate
• Education and self-management
• Activity modification
• Post-operative rehabilitation
• Return-to-work or return-to-sport planning

The aim is not simply to treat a painful body part, but to understand the factors contributing to the individual’s symptoms and develop an appropriate management strategy.

Rheumatology Experience

Michael has developed extensive experience working within rheumatology services, assessing patients with a wide range of musculoskeletal and rheumatological presentations.

This experience is particularly relevant for patients who have persistent or multiple areas of pain, unexplained musculoskeletal symptoms, or conditions that may require a broader clinical assessment rather than treatment of an isolated joint or body region.

Where a presentation requires medical, surgical or specialist investigation beyond the scope of the clinic, appropriate onward referral can be recommended.

PhD Research in Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility

Alongside his clinical work, Michael is undertaking doctoral research focused on Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD).

His research explores the experiences of people living with hEDS and HSD, including their experiences of diagnosis and healthcare, alongside the evidence surrounding physiotherapy and other conservative approaches to managing pain and improving quality of life.

This research interest complements Michael’s clinical experience and reflects his commitment to improving understanding of hypermobility-related conditions within physiotherapy, rheumatology and wider healthcare.

Research findings and publications will be shared as they become available.

Evidence-Informed Clinical Practice

Michael is committed to evidence-informed practice and to keeping his clinical knowledge current.

Clinical decisions at The Arthritis Clinic are based on the combination of:

Clinical assessment + available evidence + professional expertise + patient goals and preferences

No single treatment is appropriate for every patient.

Treatment recommendations are therefore made following individual assessment and consideration of the available management options.

Professional Qualifications & Development

Michael’s professional education includes:

• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
• MSc
• Doctorate in Physiotherapy (DPT)
• Current PhD research in Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders
• Specialist postgraduate education in rheumatology
• Specialist training in musculoskeletal ultrasound
• Training and professional development in ultrasound-guided injection procedures

Michael maintains professional registration and membership with relevant professional and regulatory organisations.

Clinical Leadership

In addition to his clinical work, Michael has held senior clinical leadership positions within NHS and private healthcare services.

His leadership experience includes service development, pathway redesign, clinical governance, workforce development, mentoring and improving access to musculoskeletal and rheumatology services.

He has a particular interest in developing effective clinical pathways that combine timely assessment, appropriate diagnostics, conservative management and onward referral when required.

The Arthritis Clinic Ltd

Michael founded The Arthritis Clinic Ltd to provide accessible specialist musculoskeletal and rheumatology-focused healthcare outside traditional hospital pathways.

Based in Billericay, Essex, the clinic provides specialist services including:

• Consultant-led musculoskeletal assessment
• Rheumatology-focused assessment
• Specialist physiotherapy
• Musculoskeletal ultrasound
• Ultrasound-guided injections
• Osteoarthritis management
• Rehabilitation
• Shockwave therapy
• Advice regarding appropriate onward referral

The clinic works with patients, GPs and other healthcare professionals where appropriate and can provide clinical reports following assessment or ultrasound examination.

A Patient-Centred Approach

Michael believes that effective musculoskeletal healthcare starts with listening to the patient and understanding the impact their condition is having on their everyday life.

A diagnosis or scan result is only one part of the picture.

The aim of an assessment at The Arthritis Clinic is to understand:

• What is causing or contributing to your symptoms?
• How are your symptoms affecting your daily life?
• What treatments have you already tried?
• What matters most to you?
• What are your goals?
• What treatment options are appropriate?
• Is further investigation or specialist referral required?

From there, a personalised management plan can be developed.

When to See Michael

You may wish to consider a specialist assessment if you have:

• Persistent joint or musculoskeletal pain
• Osteoarthritis that is affecting your quality of life
• Recurrent or unexplained musculoskeletal symptoms
• Pain that has not improved with initial treatment
• A suspected tendon, joint or soft-tissue problem
• A condition that may benefit from diagnostic ultrasound
• Questions about injection treatment
• A complex musculoskeletal presentation
• Hypermobility or suspected HSD/hEDS
• A rehabilitation problem following surgery or injury
• Uncertainty about whether you require further investigation or referral

If your presentation is outside the scope of the clinic, this will be discussed with you and appropriate onward referral can be recommended.

Based in Billericay, Serving Essex and Beyond

The Arthritis Clinic is based in Billericay, Essex, and provides specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapy and related services to patients from Billericay, Basildon, Wickford, Brentwood and the surrounding Essex area.

The clinic also provides selected outreach and visiting services beyond Essex.

Meet Michael

Michael combines extensive clinical experience in rheumatology and musculoskeletal healthcare with advanced ultrasound skills, clinical leadership experience and ongoing doctoral research.

His aim is to provide patients with a thorough assessment, a clear explanation of their condition and an evidence-informed management plan that reflects their individual circumstances and goals.

If you would like to arrange an assessment with Michael Dare at The Arthritis Clinic, please contact the clinic to discuss your requirements.

Professional profile

Michael Dare
Consultant Physiotherapist
Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal Specialist
MSK Ultrasound & Ultrasound-Guided Injection Clinician
Founder & Director – The Arthritis Clinic Ltd
PhD Researcher – Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes & Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders

Karen has extensive experience working in practice management over the past ten years. She has worked as a practice manager for an Ear Nose and Throat surgeon, Plastic Surgeons and Physiotherapy and Rheumatology clinics.

Karen Handles all admin tasks, booking appointments and chaperones in various scans and guided procedures. You can be sure to see her greeting you with a smile when you visit the clinic.