Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Case Series Open Access

Under-recognized Cause of Buttock Pain; Superior Cluneal Neuropathy and Diagnostic Utility of Combined Ultrasonography and Neurostimulation Guidance: Case Series

Eric Jones , Mooyeon Oh-Park , Se Won Lee , Farrah Asaad , Andrew Rivera , Soo Kim

Background: Superior cluneal neuropathy (SCN) is an under-recognized source of unilateral low back and buttock pain, representing approximately 14% of lower back pain cases. The condition is caused by entrapment or irritation of the superior cluneal nerves. Diagnosis is challenging due to symptom overlap with other spinal and pelvic conditions and the absence of gold-standard diagnostic criteria. 

Commentary Open Access

Spinal Cord Injury: Epidemiology, Spontaneous Recovery, and Surgical Reconstruction for the Physiatrist

Jacqueline M Ihnat , Jayme Bertelli , Elspeth JR Hill

The focal article provides hand surgeons with an exploration of the basic principles of spinal cord injury (SCI) as well as the role that hand therapy, nerve transfers, and tendon transfers can play in maximizing the quality of life of these patients. In this commentary, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide for physiatrists, who often meet SCI patients early in their recovery course, on the role that nerve transfer and tendon transfer can play in the treatment of SCI patients, with the aim of optimizing referral patterns between providers in order to best serve SCI patients and improve their quality of life.

Review Article Open Access

Virtual Reality in Chronic Pain Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review 

Paula Amorim , Maria João Sousa , José Eduardo Sousa , Henrique Martins , Sang-Heon Lee

Approximately 19% of adults complain of chronic pain, which poses considerable physical, mental, and economic burdens. Conventional chronic pain management includes physical therapy, analgesic drugs, and the avoidance of pain triggers. Metaverse-related technologies such as virtual reality (VR) are promising complementary approaches. This review aimed to systematically analyse the applications of VR in chronic pain management in the context of rehabilitation. 

Original Research Open Access

Utilizing an Osteopathic Manipulative Technique to Improve Tibio-Fibular Restriction at the Knee

Zachary Burr , Meaghan Barros , Alexander Bennett , Taras Kochno , Thomas J. Fotopoulos

A restricted tibio-fibular joint can result in decreased internal and external rotation of the ankle and feet. This decreased range of motion disrupts musculoskeletal function. The musculoskeletal function of the tibio-fibular joint promotes ankle stability and shock absorption during weight bearing activities. The leg tug technique (LTT) technique will be used to promote restoring the normal range of motion of this tibio-fibular joint.

Case Report Open Access

A Case Report - Outcome of Bracing and Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises in an Adolescent with an Idiopathic Thoracic Scoliosis in Surgical Range

Wanruthai Wimoolchat , Elaine Yin Ling Ng , Shu-yan Ng

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients with a Cobb angle >45° are generally referred for surgery, especially in Asia. Physicians do not typically prescribe braces or physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises for such cases. We described a case of right thoracic scoliosis with a Cobb angle of 51°. The parents refused surgery and opted for conservative treatments. We braced the pre-menarchal patient at the age of 10, with Risser at 0, and coached her on exercises, which include traditional Schroth, the Schroth Best Practice, the dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS), and the Pilates exercises.

Original Research Open Access

New Simplified Approach to Real-Time Ultrasound-Guided  Musculoskeletal and Peripheral Nerve Injections under Non-Draping, Non-Sterile Glove-Wearing Conditions

Dennis Guo , Danqing Guo

Ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal and peripheral nerve block injections are safe and cost-effective procedures that have gained popularity in pain medicine and family practice alike. The traditional injection process includes the use of sterile draping, sterile covering of transducer, and sterile glove wearing which significantly limits its efficiency and efficacy. From June 11, 2014 to January 30, 2025, our senior author, DG, has performed 33,509 musculoskeletal and joint injections, as well as peripheral nerve hydrodissections and block injections using a novel real-time ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal and peripheral nerve injection approach.

Original Research Open Access

Treatment for Central Sensitization and Shoulder Pain Using Systemic Manual Therapy (SMT)

Gustavo T Sato , Adi Halili

Objective: The purpose of this study is to test a hypothesized treatment for the central sensitization component of shoulder pain, which is based on Halili’s proposed temporal model for central sensitization. Design: Cohort retrospective multivariate analysis. Methods: This study uses The Halili physical therapy statistical analysis tool (HPTSAT) to evaluate the average rate of improvement in shoulder pain and overall associated symptoms in 734 patients after provision of 552 protocol combinations of Systemic Manual Therapy.