News Oct. 04, 2024 A multidisciplinary approach to pelvic health: Prenatal, acute and postpartum care Nikki J. Ron, P.T., D.P.T., WCS-ABPTS, explains the individualized care provided in the prenatal, acute postpartum and outpatient settings and related research. Oct. 04, 2024 Assessing the long-term risk of mood and anxiety disorders after pediatric TBI Traumatic brain injury before age 10 does not significantly increase the risk of anxiety or mood disorders by age 25, although females may be at increased risk. Oct. 04, 2024 Case report: Allogeneic culture-expanded bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of painful lumbar facet arthropathy Researchers describe their initial report for the first treated patient in a multidisciplinary phase 1 clinical trial. June 04, 2024 Simple tips to help gamers stay healthy Mayo Clinic physiatrist, Jane Konidis, M.D., shares some valuable insights on how to help gamers improve sleep quality, protect their eyes and reduce neck pain. May 30, 2024 Advancing care for childbirth-related pelvic floor disorders Nikki J. Ron, P.T., D.P.T., WCS-ABPTS, explains the evolving role of Mayo Clinic physical therapists in pregnancy and postpartum care. May 30, 2024 Evaluating the efficacy of physical therapy to treat symptomatic thoracic radiculopathy While a systematic review suggests that PT can alleviate symptoms, limited evidence, bias risk and low evidence certainty make these initial data too weak to support a definite conclusion. Feb. 08, 2024 Understanding the role and goals of the cancer rehabilitation team Cancer rehabilitation is a rapidly evolving discipline focused on helping patients maintain and restore function and lead meaningful, fulfilling lives before, during and after cancer treatment. Feb. 08, 2024 The effects of bed rest on cardiac and muscle-pump baroreflexes Fourteen days of bed rest, with or without daily exercise, increases levels of biomarkers for neurodegeneration, many of which correlate with cardiovascular and muscular function decline. Feb. 08, 2024 Got glutes? Part 2 — A practical approach to evaluation Mayo Clinic physiatrist Jane Konidis, M.D., summarizes what to include in an office-based evaluation of core and gluteal musculature strength and lumbo-pelvic stability. Nov. 16, 2023 Health and zombie cells in aging Mayo Clinic researchers shed light on the biology of aging cells known as zombie cells. These zombie cells linger and can contribute to various age-related health problems and diseases. Oct. 10, 2023 Understanding the molecular mechanisms that affect motor unit and muscle health during aging In this Q&A, Nathan J. Hellyer, Ph.D., P.T., describes some of the molecular mechanisms that accompany aging and how these processes may affect motor unit and muscle health. Oct. 10, 2023 Treatment of Achilles tendinopathy In this article, Mayo Clinic physiatrist Marianne T. Luetmer, M.D., provides an overview of available treatments for this common overuse injury. Oct. 10, 2023 Got glutes? Part 1 — The role of the gluteus maximus and healthy activation patterns in core stabilization Mayo Clinic physiatrist Jane Konidis, M.D., reviews core and gluteal musculature anatomy and muscular slings, and normal and pathological activation patterns. Oct. 03, 2023 Insights on pediatric concussion diagnosis and management A pediatric physiatrist offers background as well as tips and suggestions for diagnosis and management of a pediatric concussion, also known as traumatic brain injury. June 09, 2023 Management of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy Joline E. Brandenburg, M.D., a Mayo Clinic pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, answers questions about the management of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. June 09, 2023 Understanding plantar fasciopathy: Risk factors, diagnosis and management Mayo Clinic physiatrist Marianne T. Luetmer, M.D., discusses risk factors and available treatments related to this condition. June 09, 2023 Use of percutaneous pressured hydrotenotomy to treat patients with chronic tendinopathy symptoms This ultrasound-guided approach employs a high-pressure saline stream to selectively debride and aspirate diseased tissue, while preserving healthy surrounding tissue. June 09, 2023 Examining the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias among individuals with traumatic brain injury Using longitudinal follow-up of 1,418 individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), researchers analyzed whether TBI is associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease [...] May 26, 2023 Brachial plexus injuries: Seamless pediatric and adult care Mayo Clinic's integrated approach facilitates rapid evaluation by multiple subspecialized surgeons. A "one-stop shop" provides individualized treatment for all ages. Feb. 10, 2023 Application of 3D-printing technology to the construction of orthoses Casts, braces and splints produced using 3D-printing processes are highly customizable, water-resistant and less bulky than versions constructed from plaster, fiberglass or low-temperature thermoplastic materials. Feb. 10, 2023 Evaluating the safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of low back pain Wenchun Qu, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues hypothesize that degenerative disk disease may respond to intradiscal injections of mesenchymal stem cells. Oct. 11, 2022 Management of patients with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) Experts from the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) summarize the current understanding of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), also called long COVID-19, and associated cardiovas[...] Oct. 11, 2022 The Rise of Esports: Caring for Gamers Team members offer clinical services, research and education to protect and promote the physical and mental health of esports players. Oct. 11, 2022 Examining the role of cellular senescence in skeletal muscle aging Mayo Clinic researchers identified markers of senescence in muscles from old mice, also observed in older humans, and found that a senotherapeutic intervention partially mitigated muscle aging in mice. June 10, 2022 Nonsurgical treatment options for lumbar spinal stenosis Mayo Clinic physiatrist Kimberly L. Seidel-Miller, M.D., discusses lumbar spinal stenosis and how to determine appropriate medical management options for this condition. June 10, 2022 Update on medical management of whiplash-associated disorders Randy A. Shelerud, M.D., discusses literature-supported treatment options for managing whiplash-associated disorders, including exercise, medications, complementary medicine, injections and psychological interventions. Feb. 04, 2022 Researchers identify factors that impact central nervous system injury and repair Mayo Clinic neuroregeneration and neurorehabilitation researchers continue to examine cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to injury and repair processes in the central nervous system. Feb. 04, 2022 Understanding and addressing the rehabilitation needs of patients with cancer Electronic health record-facilitated cancer symptom control trial tests new approaches to identify and assess which patients need rehabilitation services and how to efficiently deliver appropriate care. Feb. 04, 2022 The evolving use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in managing musculoskeletal and neurological diagnoses Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists are using extracorporeal shock wave therapy to treat an evolving list of musculoskeletal and neurological diagnoses. Feb. 04, 2022 Minnesota Regional Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) program designation fuels new research aimed at improving patient outcomes Mayo Clinic and three other Minnesota organizations collaborate in the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) program to enhance spinal cord injury care and research. Oct. 09, 2021 Computerized adaptive testing tool designed to slow or prevent functional losses through improved delivery of rehabilitation services during hospitalization Researchers developed and validated the tool to address the need for an easy method to assess rehabilitation service needs and improve functional abilities in hospitalized patients. Oct. 09, 2021 Impact of epidural spinal electrical stimulation on seated reaching performance of individuals with chronic SCI Researchers studied how electrical stimulation affects seated reaching ability and compared outcomes produced by different active electrode configurations along the lumbosacral spinal segments. Oct. 09, 2021 New approaches to carpal tunnel release and treatment of tendinopathy Mayo Clinic physiatrists discuss incisionless thread ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release and a new approach to treatment of tendinopathy via percutaneous debridement using a high-pressure saline jet. June 09, 2021 Exercise reduces indicators of senescent cells in the body Researchers tracked indicators in 34 volunteers during 12 weeks of exercise that included gradually increasing strength and endurance training. June 04, 2021 Prescribing exercise for children with disabilities: Unique considerations and precautions Sherilyn W. Driscoll, M.D., reviews the role and importance of exercise in the overall health and fitness of children with disabilities and shares disability-specific considerations and precautions. June 04, 2021 Adaptive sports medicine consultations serving adult and pediatric patients Staff use a holistic approach to address specialized needs of physically active adults and children with disabilities. June 04, 2021 Strength training for people with disabilities Physiatrist Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., discusses several special considerations to guide practitioners when designing a strength program for patients with disabilities. Jan. 07, 2021 Performing a virtual musculoskeletal physical examination In two published articles and accompanying videos, Mayo Clinic physiatrists share specific physical examination techniques for virtual evaluation of the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, and cervical and l[...] Jan. 07, 2021 Unique, intensive curriculum helps patients retrain pelvic floor muscles Based at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, this program offers a unique and intensive curriculum to help patients retrain pelvic floor muscles using biofeedback and behavior modification. Jan. 07, 2021 Predicting functional independence and living setting three months after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation Study results show that a measure of a patient's functional performance at discharge from rehabilitation is the strongest predictor of functional independence at three months. Jan. 07, 2021 Researchers explore whether senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) is a potential driver of age-related dysfunction A Mayo Clinic study suggests that senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) proteins could help identify people at risk of functional decline and those who may benefit from preventive intervention. Jan. 05, 2021 Expert insight: Unraveling the complexities of leg and buttock pain Mayo Clinic physiatrist Jonathan T. Finnoff, D.O., explains his approach to the evaluation and treatment of leg and buttock pain in this installment of the Simply PM&R podcast. June 05, 2020 Special considerations for people with physical disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic People with physical disabilities such as spinal cord injury/dysfunction (SCI/D), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy and stroke may be at greater risk of severe illness and pneu[...] Feb. 12, 2020 New progress in development of gene therapy for arthritis Mayo Clinic researcher Christopher H. Evans, Ph.D., discusses the challenges encountered and progress made by investigators as they test this approach in individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee. Nov. 27, 2019 Mayo Clinic researchers share results from first case in phase I safety study of mesenchymal stem cell treatment for spinal cord injury Stem cell intervention, performed after standard surgery and physical and occupational therapy, restored some function in this patient. Nov. 27, 2019 Mayo Clinic research is a step toward hope for spinal cord injuries In a study of mesenchymal stem cell treatment for spinal cord injury, stem cell intervention following surgery plus physical and occupational therapy restored some function in a patient. Oct. 04, 2019 CLUE tool emerges as reliable and valid tool to assess breast cancer-related lymphedema severity Mayo Clinic physiatrist Andrea L. Cheville, M.D., and co-investigators assess the Cancer-Related Lymphedema of the Upper Extremity (CLUE) standardized clinical evaluation tool. Oct. 04, 2019 New facility's patient-driven design fuels collaboration and innovation Carmen M. Terzic, M.D., Ph.D., and Erica Bellamkonda, M.D., explain the benefits associated with combining Mayo Clinic's clinical rehabilitation services and related research in a new setting on the Rochester, Minnesota[...] Aug. 13, 2019 The BeST approach to functional movement disorders Mayo Clinic physiatrist Jeffrey M. Thompson, M.D., discusses the behavioral shaping therapy (BeST) approach to functional movement disorders in this episode of Simply PM&R Podcast. July 30, 2019 What's new in motor recovery research and helping patients stay active with spinal cord injuries Mayo Clinic physiatrist Kristin L. Garlanger, D.O., describes traumatic and nontraumatic spinal cord injuries and research advances and interventions in this Simply PM&R Podcast episode. July 30, 2019 Motor recovery research helps patients with spinal cord injuries Mayo Clinic physiatrist Kristin L. Garlanger, D.O., describes traumatic and nontraumatic spinal cord injuries and new research advances and interventions in this episode of Simply PM&R Podcast. July 13, 2019 BeST program treatment model focuses on motor retraining for functional movement disorders Mayo Clinic physiatrist Jeffrey M. Thompson, M.D., discusses the behavioral shaping therapy (BeST) approach to functional movement disorders in this episode of Simply PM&R Podcast. June 07, 2019 Research data demonstrate positive outcomes associated with novel prosthetic hand With a new level of grasping versatility and control simplicity, the SoftHand Pro is a robust and functional prosthetic hand that minimizes cost and weight. June 07, 2019 Access to telerehabilitation services can improve outcomes in patients with late-stage cancer Mayo Clinic research suggests that telerehabilitation can improve physical function and quality of life, and reduce pain and the need for hospital and nursing home stays for patients with late-stage cancer. Feb. 05, 2019 Evaluating spine pain intervention options Project goals include a patient outcomes database and data collection platform for spine care, and a clinical trial evaluating stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis of lumbar facet joints. Feb. 05, 2019 Examining the role of growth differentiation factors, senescence-related proteins and physical activity intervention in clinical outcomes Mayo researchers are examining proteins known as growth differentiation factors and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype, and how they help predict change and potentially mediate clinical outcomes. Oct. 23, 2018 Screening, intervention and restorative therapy services for injured workers Mayo Clinic's Restorative Therapy Early Intervention Outpatient Program seeks to maintain the injured employee at work or return the employee to work in a timely, cost-effective manner. Oct. 23, 2018 Impact of PAR1 on inflammation and recovery after spinal cord injury Mayo Clinic researchers offer insight into the role of the thrombin receptor, also known as protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1), and its impact on inflammation, astrogliosis and functional decline after neurological in[...] Aug. 21, 2018 Lymphedema: Diagnosis and treatment Although there's no cure for lymphedema, complex decongestive therapy and an advanced microsurgical procedure offered by Mayo Clinic are aimed at reducing swelling and improving quality of life. Aug. 21, 2018 Examining the implications of astrocyte heterogeneity across the brain and spinal cord Mayo Clinic researchers recently examined whether astrocyte heterogeneity across the neuraxis creates differences in how the brain and spinal cord respond to injury and disease. Aug. 21, 2018 Evaluating patients for fall risk Given that 30 to 40 percent of community-dwelling older adults will experience a fall each year, providers should have a good understanding of fall risk factors, how to screen for them and appropriate interventions. April 27, 2018 Clinical trial of stem cell therapy for traumatic spinal cord injury Mayo Clinic is enrolling patients in a clinical trial of adipose stem cell treatment for spinal cord injury caused by trauma. Participants will receive intrathecal injections of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. N[...] April 21, 2018 Case study: Use of platelet-rich plasma and bone marrow aspirate concentrate injections to treat knee osteoarthritis Current scientific literature indicates that between 40 and 70 percent of individuals who receive this treatment find some level of pain relief. April 03, 2018 Examining the role of PAR2 in myelin development and repair In a study published in Glia in 2017, Mayo researchers demonstrate that genetic deletion of protease activated receptor 2 accelerates myelin production and was associated with myelin preservation after traumatic spinal [...] Oct. 24, 2017 Gene therapy for knee osteoarthritis: Q and A with Christopher H. Evans, Ph.D. Christopher H. Evans, Ph.D., answers several questions about a Department of Defense-funded study testing the use of a viral vector to introduce an anti-arthritic gene into the knee joints of patients with osteoarthriti[...] Oct. 24, 2017 Expanded team staffing Mayo's ALS Clinic provides patient-centered care This collaborative care model used in Mayo's ALS Clinic helps providers address the wide array of clinical problems experienced by patients with ALS. Oct. 24, 2017 Culture-expanded, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells tested as treatment for knee osteoarthritis Mayo Clinic researchers will test the effects of multiple and single intra-articular injections in 20 subjects. Oct. 24, 2017 Minnesota Office of Higher Education announces Minnesota Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Grants Three teams of Mayo Clinic researchers earned grants supporting research into innovative treatments and rehabilitative efforts for the functional improvement of people with spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. June 23, 2017 Improving access to rehabilitation services for ICU patients Addressing physical weakness, cognitive impairment and other challenges that ICU patients encounter is the focus of a new care model developed by Mayo PM&R staff. June 23, 2017 Stem cell therapy for degenerative intervertebral disk disease: Q and A with Wenchun Qu, M.D., M.S., Ph.D. Mayo Clinic's Wenchun Qu, M.D., M.S., Ph.D., answers several key questions about the use of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in treating this challenging condition. June 23, 2017 New approach to carpal tunnel release offers promising results Using an innovative surgical device and ultrasound guidance, Mayo physicians are now performing carpal tunnel release through a single 4- to 5-millimeter wrist incision. May 12, 2017 Comprehensive standardized interdisciplinary pathway designed to minimize preoperative and postoperative risk factors for pressure ulcers Care providers from Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Nursing, and Plastic Surgery tested the use of a collaborative care model with patients diagnosed with stages 3 and 4 pressure ulcers with referral for surgical [...] April 10, 2017 Do frail individuals benefit from heart surgery? Researchers comparing health, well-being, and quality of life between frail and nonfrail patients with aortic valve stenosis before and after valve replacement surgery found that individuals deemed frail before surgery [...] Oct. 26, 2016 Mayo researchers prepare to launch clinical trial using gene therapy for knee osteoarthritis Christopher H. Evans, Ph.D., director of Mayo Clinic's Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, outlines the study's primary goals and timeline. Oct. 11, 2016 Analyzing the role of diet and exercise in myelin production Research suggests that consuming high levels of saturated fat in conjunction with a sedentary lifestyle can lead to a reduction in myelin-forming cells, but exercise training can help reverse the process. March 25, 2016 Identifying new targets to help reduce age-related inflammation and frailty A recently published Mayo Clinic study suggests that drugs that inhibit enzymes in the Janus kinase (JAK) family may hold promise for countering age-related dysfunction. March 25, 2016 Sprint, rest, repeat: Exploring the benefits of high-intensity interval training According to Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., co-director of Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center in Rochester, Minnesota, HIIT training can produce significant cardiovascular benefits and also improve metabolic parameters. Jan. 09, 2016 Improving musculoskeletal health in patients with osteoporosis Mayo physiatrists employ a variety of exercise programs, including Rehabilitation of Osteoporosis Program-Exercise (ROPE) and spinal proprioceptive extension exercise dynamic (SPEED), to address osteoporosis-related cha[...] June 26, 2015 Treating cancer-related pain: Exploring the efficacy of physical medicine modalities Heat and cold, desensitization, and gait aids and assistive devices that reduce the load on joints and limbs may be particularly beneficial to patients with cancer who have movement-associated pain. May 12, 2015 Study finds wellness coaching benefits last over time A new study demonstrates that the significant psychosocial benefits of wellness coaching are maintained over time. March 14, 2015 Intraspinal stimulation shows promise for restoring function after spinal cord injury Mayo Clinic researchers are studying the use of electronic devices that can wirelessly transmit signals from the brain to the intact spinal cord circuitry below the injury. May 22, 2014 Treating patients with pelvic floor dysfunction Mayo Clinic gastroenterologists address chronic constipation through an integrated, multidisciplinary approach that can include constipation education classes, intensive pelvic floor retraining exercises, behavior modif[...] April 10, 2014 Slowing or reversing muscle loss Slowing or reversing muscle loss — Researcher Nathan K. LeBrasseur, Ph.D., discusses the discovery that the growth and differentiation factor-8 functions as a potent negative regulator of muscle growth, and whethe[...] Dec. 12, 2013 Complex decongestive therapy may benefit patients seen in the chronic disease and palliative care settings Managing refractory edema in patients receiving palliative care - The goal of complex decongestive therapy is to normalize tissue volume and texture. Mayo Clinic researchers recently examined the benefits associated wit[...] Nov. 15, 2013 Multiple sclerosis long-term health management strategies Managing long-term health for people with multiple sclerosis - Even though managing MS symptoms may overshadow a person's medical concerns, regular preventive health care remains important. Nov. 15, 2013 Ultrasound treatment available for postpartum, pregnancy-related low back pain RUSI helps identify the source of postpartum, pregnancy-related low back pain - Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging can help identify the source of low back pain and help women return safely to physical exercise after pre[...] Nov. 15, 2013 International studies analyze whether feedback about mobility and exercise improves walking outcomes among patients affected by stroke Study results may change delivery of inpatient rehabilitation care for stroke patients affected by stroke - In SIRROWS, patients affected by stroke who received immediate verbal feedback showed clinically significant ga[...] Medical Professionals Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation News