Can exercise play a role in the link between the gut and the brain?
USC researchers are looking at the connection between gut microbiome dysregulation and Parkinson’s disease to better understand how exercise could improve outcomes.
USC celebrates inaugural class of Doctor of Physical Therapy students on the hybrid pathway
Students on the hybrid pathway take the same courses as their residential counterparts, but through a mix of synchronous and asynchronous content.
Inspired by her Trojan mentor, first-gen student pursues physical therapy dream
Stephanie Contreras will be the first person in her family to attend college — and the leap doesn’t look so formidable, thanks to the mentorship of USC student Natalia Barajas.
Combining two walking therapies to help stroke survivors
USC researchers study how combining two rehabilitation approaches might improve outcomes for survivors of stroke who are having trouble getting around.
Physical therapy program launches comprehensive anti-racism plan
The goal of the plan, which will be revised every academic year, is to create a welcoming, inclusive educational environment for everyone.
In cases where amputation seems likely, USC experts suggest an additional consideration
How well a patient will be able to get around in the world after the amputation also should be considered, a USC multidisciplinary health care team argues.
Telemedicine platform teaches parents how to play with their preterm babies
Premature babies get lots of attention in the neonatal ICU. USC’s Stacey Dusing, a pediatric physical therapist, is conducting research on the best ways to help them thrive at home — starting with play.
How reaching for toys could change cerebral palsy therapy
A USC researcher is hoping to change the way physical therapists treat infants at risk of cerebral palsy by combining cognitive and physical activity.
Grant supports research on chronic, debilitating condition in women
USC researchers have been awarded a $1.8 million grant to investigate whether transcranial magnetic stimulation could reduce pelvic floor pain.
Physical therapy alums offer free treatment for injured protesters
A nonprofit started by recent USC grads gives back to anyone who is hurt while protesting against racial injustice.
Faculty member on team developing PT-focused clinical practice guidelines for breast cancer-related lymphedema
The guidelines evaluate existing research and treatment options for clinicians and patients to maximize lymphedema volume-reducing treatment.
How mental math helps a lower back
A new study finds that a brain distracted by math problems makes a body move with less pain.
Low Back Pain? There Might Be Options Besides Surgery
Chances are you’ve had an aching back. Sometimes it takes expert detective work and an open mind to figure out why — and fix it for good.
Physical therapy alum aims to launch nonprofit for black and brown girls with disabilities
The organization, Girls Overcoming Obstacles Daily, will focus on students facing health and resource disparities in South Los Angeles.
Physical therapists turn to telehealth to deliver critical care
In response to COVID-19, USC’s physical therapists are coming up with creative at-home solutions to maintain treatment for patients sheltering in place.
Get Faster, Stronger and Fitter Through the Power of Data
Wearable devices track athletes’ every move, helping them train smarter and recover from injury faster.
Stand-up comedian bounces back from six bedbound years, thanks to USC team
Eddie Barojas was confined to a bed for years after developing a severe lymphedema. Today — thanks to a team of physical therapists, occupational therapists, urologists and wound-care specialists — he’s back on his feet and ready to return to comedy.
Physical therapy restores some control lost to prostate cancer treatment
Patient Richard Johannesen shares how USC physical therapist Daniel Kirages helped him deal with the effects of cancer therapy.
For USC hybrid physical therapy students, immersion is everything
The university’s unique program requires students to spend nearly 60 days in on-campus immersions, giving them the opportunity to refine their skills and solidify everything they’ve learned online.
Sports Medicine Innovations That Help Weekend Warriors Stay in the Game
Experts in physical therapy, orthopaedics, ophthalmology and more help people stay active for longer.
Through tactical physical therapy, USC alum treats those who serve
Sarah Greytak learned to think outside of the box at USC. Now she’s putting her physical therapy skills to much-needed use within the Denver police and sheriff’s departments.
Play ball! As season begins, USC researchers work to prevent elbow injuries
USC physical therapy researcher Lori Michener and her team hope to make Tommy John surgery a thing of the past.
Training physical therapists to be advocates, too
USC Doctor of Physical Therapy students are first-line defenders of pain management policy, doing everything from writing letters to meeting lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Novel partnership helps students deal with physical stress caused by dentistry
A collaboration between the university’s physical therapy and dentistry programs leads to more work with less pain.