Why Choose The Arthritis Clinic Ltd?
Specialist Musculoskeletal & Rheumatology Care in Billericay, Essex
Choosing the right clinician for persistent pain, arthritis, joint problems or a musculoskeletal condition can be difficult. At The Arthritis Clinic Ltd, we combine specialist clinical experience, advanced musculoskeletal assessment and evidence-informed treatment to provide personalised care for patients across Billericay, Basildon, Wickford and throughout Essex.
Our aim is simple: to understand your problem properly, explain your options clearly and develop a treatment plan around you.
Whether you are living with osteoarthritis, tendon pain, persistent joint pain, back pain, sports injury or another musculoskeletal condition, we provide specialist assessment and treatment in a private clinical setting.
Specialist Clinical Expertise
The Arthritis Clinic is led by Michael Dare, Consultant Physiotherapist, Musculoskeletal and Rheumatology Sonographer and PhD researcher in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders.
Michael has extensive experience in NHS rheumatology, radiology and advanced musculoskeletal practice, alongside senior clinical leadership and private practice experience.
This specialist background allows patients to access a clinician with experience across the assessment and management of complex musculoskeletal and rheumatological presentations.
Our clinical interests include:
- Osteoarthritis and joint pain
- Rheumatological and musculoskeletal conditions
- Persistent and complex pain
- Tendinopathy and sports injuries
- Shoulder, knee, hip and spinal problems
- Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound
- Ultrasound-guided injections
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
A More Comprehensive Assessment
We believe effective treatment starts with understanding the problem.
Rather than simply treating symptoms, our consultations aim to establish:
- What may be causing your symptoms
- How your condition is affecting your daily life
- Whether further investigation is appropriate
- Whether imaging may be useful
- Which treatments are suitable for your individual circumstances
- Whether another specialist or service would be more appropriate
Where clinically appropriate, musculoskeletal ultrasound can be incorporated into your assessment to provide real-time imaging of muscles, tendons, joints and other soft tissues.
This can be particularly useful when assessing conditions such as tendon disorders, arthritis, bursitis and other soft-tissue problems.
Advanced Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
The Arthritis Clinic provides specialist MSK ultrasound assessment in Billericay, Essex.
Our portable Esaote MyLab C25 ultrasound system allows dynamic assessment of relevant musculoskeletal structures within the clinical consultation when appropriate.
Ultrasound can help assess structures such as:
- Tendons
- Muscles
- Ligaments
- Joints
- Bursae
- Peripheral nerves
- Soft-tissue abnormalities
- Joint inflammation and effusions
Ultrasound can also be used to support ultrasound-guided procedures, helping the clinician visualise the relevant anatomy during an injection.
Ultrasound-Guided Injections
Where injection treatment is clinically appropriate, we offer ultrasound-guided injections in Essex.
Ultrasound guidance allows the clinician to visualise the target structure and surrounding anatomy during the procedure.
Depending on the diagnosis and individual circumstances, treatment options may include:
- Corticosteroid injections
- Hyaluronic acid injections
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Selected specialist osteoarthritis treatments
- Other clinically appropriate injection therapies
Importantly, we do not believe that one injection is suitable for every patient.
The appropriate treatment depends on factors including your diagnosis, symptoms, previous treatments, medical history and treatment goals.
We will discuss the potential benefits, limitations and alternatives before proceeding.
Treatment Tailored to You
There is rarely a single treatment that works for every musculoskeletal condition.
Our approach is therefore based around individualised treatment planning.
Depending on your presentation, this may include:
- Physiotherapy
- Exercise and rehabilitation
- Strength and conditioning
- Manual therapy where appropriate
- Activity modification
- Shockwave therapy
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound
- Ultrasound-guided injection treatment
- Rehabilitation following injury or surgery
- Advice regarding appropriate onward referral
Our objective is not simply to provide a treatment. It is to help you understand your condition and identify the most appropriate next step.
Evidence-Informed Clinical Care
We believe patients should be given realistic information about their treatment options.
Our approach combines clinical experience with current research and professional guidance wherever possible.
Some treatments may be appropriate for particular patients but not others. Where evidence is limited or uncertain, we aim to explain this rather than making unrealistic promises.
You should leave your consultation understanding:
What is wrong → What can be done → What the options are → What the expected benefits and limitations may be → What happens next.
Specialist Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
Treatment does not always need to involve medication or injections.
For many musculoskeletal conditions, appropriately prescribed exercise and rehabilitation form an important part of recovery and long-term management.
Our specialist physiotherapy approach may include:
- Individualised exercise programmes
- Progressive strengthening
- Mobility and movement rehabilitation
- Tendon rehabilitation
- Joint rehabilitation
- Post-operative rehabilitation
- Return-to-sport programmes
- Functional rehabilitation
- Advice on managing activity and load
The aim is to help you develop the capacity and confidence to return to the activities that matter to you.
We Treat the Person, Not Just the Scan
Imaging can be valuable, but a scan does not tell the whole story.
Many structural changes seen on imaging can occur without causing symptoms, while significant symptoms can sometimes occur despite relatively subtle imaging findings.
For this reason, we combine your history and clinical examination with imaging where appropriate.
We consider:
Your symptoms + clinical examination + functional limitations + relevant imaging + your goals
This helps us develop a treatment plan that is clinically meaningful rather than simply treating an image.
Clear Explanations and Shared Decisions
Musculoskeletal and rheumatological conditions can be confusing, particularly when symptoms have persisted for months or years.
We aim to explain your diagnosis and treatment options in straightforward language.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions and understand why a particular treatment has or has not been recommended.
Where there are several reasonable options, we will discuss them with you so that you can make an informed decision about your care.
When You May Need Another Specialist
Sometimes the most appropriate treatment is not something we provide.
If your symptoms suggest that you require another specialist opinion, further investigation or surgical assessment, we can discuss appropriate onward referral.
Similarly, if symptoms suggest a potentially serious or urgent medical problem, we will advise you to seek appropriate medical attention rather than attempting to manage the problem within the clinic.
Good clinical care includes knowing when to refer on.
Conveniently Located in Billericay, Essex
The Arthritis Clinic is based in Billericay, Essex, providing specialist musculoskeletal and rheumatology services for patients from across the local area.
Patients travel to the clinic from:
- Billericay
- Basildon
- Wickford
- Chelmsford
- Brentwood
- South Essex
- North Essex
- Greater London and surrounding areas
We also provide selected visiting clinics and specialist services outside our Billericay base.
A Private Alternative to Hospital-Based Care
Private healthcare can sometimes involve lengthy processes between consultation, investigation and treatment.
At The Arthritis Clinic, our model is designed to provide specialist assessment within a focused musculoskeletal environment.
Where appropriate, consultation, clinical examination and ultrasound assessment can be brought together within the same episode of care.
Our aim is to make your journey through assessment and treatment as straightforward as possible.
Specialist Care Without Unnecessary Treatment
We do not believe that every patient needs an injection, scan or procedure.
Sometimes the best treatment is exercise.
Sometimes further investigation is required.
Sometimes an injection may be appropriate.
Sometimes the correct decision is referral to another specialist.
Our responsibility is to help determine which approach is most appropriate for you.
Why Patients Choose The Arthritis Clinic
Patients choose The Arthritis Clinic for a combination of:
Specialist Clinical Experience
Consultant-level physiotherapy and extensive experience across musculoskeletal, rheumatology and radiology services.
Advanced Diagnostics
Access to specialist musculoskeletal ultrasound where clinically appropriate.
Ultrasound-Guided Procedures
Image-guided injection procedures for appropriate musculoskeletal and joint conditions.
Personalised Treatment
Treatment plans developed around your diagnosis, symptoms, goals and circumstances.
Evidence-Informed Care
Clinical decisions informed by current evidence, professional guidance and clinical experience.
Rehabilitation-Focused Management
A focus on improving movement, strength, function and confidence rather than simply treating pain.
Honest Advice
Clear explanations about treatment options, expected benefits, limitations and alternatives.
Appropriate Referral
Recognition of when further investigation or another specialist opinion is required.
Local Specialist Care
A specialist musculoskeletal clinic conveniently located in Billericay, serving patients across Essex and beyond.
Meet Your Clinician
The Arthritis Clinic is led by Michael Dare, Consultant Physiotherapist, Musculoskeletal and Rheumatology Sonographer and PhD researcher.
With extensive NHS and private-sector experience, Michael has developed specialist expertise in musculoskeletal and rheumatological conditions, diagnostic ultrasound, interventional procedures and rehabilitation.
His ongoing doctoral research into Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders also contributes to a strong interest in complex and persistent musculoskeletal presentations.
[Meet Michael Dare →]
Take the Next Step
If you have persistent pain, arthritis, a joint problem, tendon injury or another musculoskeletal concern, an appropriate assessment can help clarify what may be happening and what your options are.
The Arthritis Clinic provides specialist musculoskeletal and rheumatology assessment, physiotherapy, MSK ultrasound and ultrasound-guided treatments in Billericay, Essex.
Book a consultation or contact The Arthritis Clinic to discuss your condition and find out how we may be able to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose a specialist musculoskeletal clinic?
A specialist musculoskeletal clinic can provide focused assessment and treatment for conditions affecting the joints, muscles, tendons, nerves and other parts of the musculoskeletal system. At The Arthritis Clinic, assessment, rehabilitation, ultrasound and selected interventional treatments are available within the same specialist service.
Can I have an ultrasound scan during my consultation?
Where clinically appropriate, musculoskeletal ultrasound can be incorporated into your assessment. This will depend on your symptoms and the clinical question being investigated.
Do you offer ultrasound-guided injections?
Yes. The clinic provides ultrasound-guided injection treatments for selected musculoskeletal and joint conditions where an injection is clinically appropriate.
Do I need an injection to get better?
No. Injection treatment is only one potential option. Depending on your diagnosis, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, exercise, activity modification or onward referral may be more appropriate.
Do I need a GP referral?
Referral requirements can vary depending on the service and circumstances. Please contact the clinic to discuss your individual situation.
What areas do you cover?
The clinic is based in Billericay and provides specialist services to patients from across Essex, including Basildon, Wickford, Chelmsford, Brentwood and surrounding areas.
The Arthritis Clinic Ltd
Specialist Musculoskeletal & Rheumatology Care
Billericay, Essex
Physiotherapy | MSK Ultrasound | Ultrasound-Guided Injections | Rehabilitation | Shockwave Therapy