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Rehabilitation in Musculoskeletal Disease

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Dear Colleagues,

Musculoskeletal disorders are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, often result in functional limitations, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs, and with aging populations and chronic pain conditions contributing to their rising prevalence. This Special Issue focuses on the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal problems encountered both by patients with musculoskeletal disorders and those with neurological disorders, with particular emphasis placed on evidence-based physiotherapy approaches.

The aim is to present the latest research on manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, and pain modulation techniques, and topics of interest include pre- and postoperative rehabilitation, non-surgical interventions, and patient-tailored treatment strategies. We welcome clinical studies, basic science research, and systematic reviews that investigate the role of physical therapy in restoring function, preventing complications, and promoting long-term musculoskeletal health.

Through this Special Issue, we seek to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and contribute to the advancement of musculoskeletal rehabilitation science.

Dr. Youngsook Bae
Guest Editor

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12 pages, 676 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association Between Suboccipital Muscle Tone, Postural Balance, and Head Posture in Healthy Adults

by Jeoungeun Jeon and Youngsook Bae

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(11), 4364; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15114364 - 4 Jun 2026

Viewed by 234

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The suboccipital muscles (SOMs) are rich in muscle spindles and play a critical role in proprioceptive input and postural control. However, the relationship between SOM tone, head posture, and balance performance remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between SOM tone and postural balance, including the craniovertebral angle (CVA), static balance, and dynamic balance, in healthy adults. Methods: A total of 112 healthy adults participated in this study. SOM, cervical extensor muscle (CEM), and upper trapezius muscle (UTM) tones were assessed. Head posture was evaluated by measuring the CVA. Static balance was assessed through the trajectory of the center of pressure (COP), whereas dynamic balance was evaluated using gait parameters. Results: Participants with a higher SOM tone exhibited a significantly smaller CVA, increased COP path length and velocity, and narrower step width during walking than did those with a lower tone. The regression analysis showed that SOM tone was significantly associated with CVA (β = −0.219, p = 0.020), COP path length (β = 0.308, p = 0.001) and velocity (β = 0.296, p = 0.002), and step width (β = −0.242, p = 0.014), whereas CEM and UTM tone were not significantly associated with these variables. Conclusions: These findings suggest that SOM tone may be associated with postural control characteristics among healthy adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation in Musculoskeletal Disease)

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15 pages, 1197 KB

Open AccessArticle

Virtual Physician-Integrated Practice Units Enhance Pain Relief, Function, and Well-Being in Older Adults with Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Single-Arm Pre–Post Study

by Elizabeth Peña, Linda Su, Mary I. O’Connor and Ryan A. Grant

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(10), 3675; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15103675 - 10 May 2026

Viewed by 547

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Age-related musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders lead to pain, reduced function, and diminished quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a virtually delivered MSK care program on pain and function in older adults. Methods: A single-arm pre–post study was conducted analyzing self-reported outcomes of 902 patients aged ≥ 65 years who completed an initial evaluation with both an MSK specialty physician/nurse practitioner and a physical therapist, followed by two or more clinical visits. Outcome measures included pain (NPRS), function (SANE and PROMIS-10 GPH), and mental health (GAD-2, PHQ-2, and PROMIS-10 GMH). Results: Across 891 patients, mean pain intensity decreased from 4.56 ± 0.07 to 2.30 ± 0.07 (49.6%, p < 0.001) with 693 patients (77.8%) experiencing pain relief (63.2%, p < 0.001). In 172 patients with severe baseline pain (NPRS ≥ 7), 91.3% reported decreased pain (60.9%, p < 0.001). Functional gains were clinically meaningful, with SANE scores increasing from 53.85 ± 0.90 to 76.62 ± 0.75 (n = 795, 42.3%, p < 0.001). Pain reduction correlated with functional improvement (ρ = −0.29, p < 0.001) with modest correlations between engagement and improved pain (ρ = −0.09) and function (ρ = 0.23). Mental health outcomes remained stable, with marked improvement among patients with baseline symptoms of anxiety or depression, 44.2% and 57.1%, respectively. Conclusions: The virtual MSK care program produced meaningful improvements in pain and function while maintaining overall health. This highlights the potential for virtual MSK-focused integrated practice units (IPUs) to support holistic well-being and healthy aging in older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation in Musculoskeletal Disease)

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