Neuromusculoskeletal Health and Science Lab

Peripheral entrapment neuropathies such as carpal tunnel syndrome or radiculopathies are common conditions that are caused by compression of nerves as they travel through narrow anatomical spaces. Symptoms include tingling, numbness and weakness, and many patients develop nerve-related (neuropathic) pain.

The first-line treatment for entrapment neuropathies is non-surgical management including physiotherapy and pharmacology. However, the effect of currently available non-surgical management is often modest.

The Neuromusculoskeletal Health and Science Lab led by Annina Schmid is an interdisciplinary research group using deep clinical phenotyping and an exciting bench to bedside approach. We combine clinical methodologies (e.g. psychophysical testing, neurophysiological recordings) with advanced neuroimaging (e.g. diffusion tensor imaging, MR neurography) and cellular and molecular analyses of human bio-samples to gain a detailed understanding of changes associated with nerve injuries and neuropathic pain. We also have a special interest in the physiotherapeutic management of neuropathic pain, entrapment neuropathies and other neuromusculoskeletal conditions with the ambition to develop precision physiotherapy for these patients.

The Neuromusculoskeletal Health and Science Lab is part of the Neural Injury Group and affiliated with the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging. We also work closely with the Genetics and Epidemiology of Common Hand Conditions Group at the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences.