Pain

Pain, especially chronic pain, remains a significant challenge for millions of individuals, often serving as a major barrier to functional recovery and long-term independence. At the McGovern Medical School Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), we are dedicated to advancing the science of pain management to improve the lives of those we serve. Our research is primarily conducted at the nationally acclaimed TIRR Memorial Hermann, consistently ranked as a top rehabilitation hospital, where we address the complex pain conditions associated with spinal cord injury, stroke, brain injury, limb loss, and musculoskeletal disorders.

By leveraging our unique clinical environment, we translate cutting-edge findings from the laboratory directly to the bedside. Our research efforts focus on pioneering non-pharmacological interventions to reduce opioid reliance and treat the root causes of chronic pain, such as neuromodulation and robotic-assisted therapies. New interventions are being developed, for example, breathing-controlled electrical stimulation (BreEStim). From acute care through lifelong outpatient support, our mission is to develop personalized, evidence-based strategies that alleviate suffering, restore function, and enhance the overall quality of life for our patient community.