Soft Tissue and Musculoskeletal Medicine in Rheumatology

The book provides a practical resource for clinicians and students seeking to improve their diagnostic accuracy and management of non-articular and soft tissue rheumatic presentations. Readers will learn to distinguish mechanical, degenerative and exercise-related causes of musculoskeletal pain from inflammatory rheumatic conditions, helping ensure that patients receive appropriate investigations and treatment. Through case vignettes, the text demonstrates clinical reasoning in action, from initial presentation and history-taking to clinical examination findings, differential diagnosis and evidence-based management strategies. The inclusion of practical tips, red flags for serious pathology and decision algorithms further supports readers in making confident clinical decisions.

Soft Tissue and Musculoskeletal Medicine in Rheumatology integrates principles from sport and exercise medicine with rehabilitation, exercise and lifestyle approaches to the management of soft tissue conditions. Its objectives are not only to provide up-to-date knowledge, but also to enhance practical clinical skills. After reading this book, clinicians should be better equipped to perform targeted musculoskeletal examinations, request appropriate soft tissue imaging, including ultrasound, MRI and CT where relevant, and understand when interventions such as injections or exercise prescription are likely to be effective. Ultimately, this guide aims to improve patient outcomes by empowering healthcare professionals with a clearer understanding of soft tissue rheumatology and a practical toolkit for managing these challenging clinical presentations.

Dr Raj Amarnani is a Consultant in Sport, Exercise and Musculoskeletal Medicine at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, based in London, United Kingdom. His clinical work spans NHS and elite sport environments, with a specialist focus on complex musculoskeletal presentations, soft tissue disorders, diagnostic ultrasound, ultrasound-guided interventions, bone health and the interface between rheumatology and musculoskeletal medicine.

He is President of the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Section at the Royal Society of Medicine, Chair of the British Society for Rheumatology Physical Activity Specialist Interest Group, and a trustee and medical advisor to the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society. He also contributes to international guideline development through European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology taskforces, including work on physical activity and fatigue in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

Dr Amarnani completed his medical degree with distinction, receiving multiple academic prizes during his training, before undertaking an MSc in Musculoskeletal Sciences at the University of Oxford. He holds Membership of the Royal College of Physicians and Fellowship of the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine. His academic work includes more than 100 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals, including The Lancet Rheumatology and the British Journal of Sports Medicine, with a focus on musculoskeletal medicine, rheumatic disease and the role of physical activity in long-term conditions.

Alongside his clinical and academic work, Dr Amarnani has extensive experience in elite sport, supporting athletes across cricket, football, basketball, tennis and dance, as well as working with national and international teams and at major sporting events. This has given him a broad perspective on soft tissue injury, load-related pain, rehabilitation and return to activity, which complements his work in rheumatology and long-term musculoskeletal conditions.

Through this combination of physician training, specialist musculoskeletal expertise, rheumatology leadership, academic research and elite sport experience, Dr Amarnani is uniquely placed to write a practical guide to soft tissue and musculoskeletal medicine in rheumatology. His work bridges specialties that are often considered separately, helping clinicians approach non-articular and soft tissue presentations with greater confidence, precision and clinical reasoning.