Sports Medicine

OSU Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

The OSU Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) offers a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach to the treatment of patients. Care begins when patients are initially injured and doesn't end until they reach the highest level of independent function possible. The program has specialized, accredited care for brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke and orthopaedic rehabilitation. In addition to the inpatient services at Dodd Hall, a full range of outpatient rehabilitation services is offered with the continued goals of helping patients decrease pain, increase function, and reach their full potential.

Successful rehabilitation is a team effort. As active members of the treatment team, patients and their families learn about their problems and help set comprehensive health and activity goals based on the individual's needs. Rehabilitation physicians (physiatrists), rehabilitation nurses, patient care resource managers, physical and occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, social workers, rehabilitation psychologists, dietitians and other physician specialists may be included on the team. The coordinated, team approach results in better outcomes, quicker recovery times, increased satisfaction and stronger communication among patients, families and the care team.

Through education-based treatment, patients, family members and caregivers learn how to live with a disease or injury, and patients learn strategies to successfully return to their homes, communities, schools, and workplaces with a restored sense of wellness.

Outpatient programs address advanced, adaptive life skills, such as communication, motor and sensory re-education, cognitive training and perceptual and psychosocial adjustment. Programs are designed to regain skills for community participation and often include the community with visits to shopping, dining, or sports, depending upon the goals. Drawing upon the latest and most effective rehabilitation solutions, programs are individually designed to meet the needs of each patient and include both one-on-one therapy sessions as well as group therapy.

PM&R at Dodd receives support from the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research and the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation.

Faculty who answer NetWellness questions in Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation include Brian L. Bowyer, MD and Tammy S. Wadsworth, PT MS. Dr. Bowyer also answers questions in Amputation.

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Last Reviewed: Mar 29, 2007