Institute for Musculoskeletal Advancement

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Institute for Musculoskeletal Advancement

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The Institute for Musculoskeletal Advancement (iMSKA) was created to engage in scientific research to determine the causes of injuries, disorders, and diseases of the musculoskeletal system; to inform, improve, and advance the diagnosis, treatment.

12/19/2025

How we measure shoulder range of motion in throwing athletes matters.

In this study, published in Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery International the researchers examined glenohumeral rotation within the context of humeral retrotorsion in collegiate baseball players with and without MUCL injuries. When osseous adaptations were accounted for, rotational motion did not differ between injured and uninjured athletes and external rotation deficits were more common than internal rotation deficits in both groups.

These findings challenge long-held assumptions about GIRD and reinforce the need for osseous-informed interpretation of shoulder ROM in overhead athletes.

If you work with throwers, this paper is worth your time.

Congratulations to our Director of Research, Natalie Myers and the research team on these impactful contributions.

12/19/2025

Please join us in celebrating the outstanding contributions of Brocha Stern, an esteemed iMSKA Advisory Board member, whose 2025 publications continue to advance musculoskeletal research and elevate the quality of patient care.

This year, she has contributed impactful work across key areas of rehabilitation science, including ACL reconstruction outcomes, osteoarthritis, and prehabilitation utilization in older adults. See a few of her recent publications below.

We are grateful for her leadership, expertise, and continued impact on the field.

Thank you, Brocha, for your dedication to research that drives meaningful change and being part of our advisory board!

12/11/2025

For Tanaya Mehta, being a Research Fellow has been more than just a role, it’s been a chance to advance as an ATI Physical Therapy clinician, by strengthening her research expertise, and collaborating with leaders across the field.

At iMSKA, we’re proud to see how being a research fellow empowers clinicians with the skills and knowledge to drive meaningful impact.

Interested in becoming a Research Fellow? Learn more at i-mska.org

12/10/2025

This month, in collaboration with ATI Physical Therapy and iMSKA, we’re highlighting UE Fellowship graduate Justin Hahn, now working with the Kansas City RoyalsLeague medical staff, where he supports the active roster and players on the injured list.

Justin credits the ATI Fellowship with helping him get his foot in the door and gain invaluable experience during a full summer at the Royals’ spring training complex.

Since completing the program, he’s grown entirely within the organization advancing from Minor League Rehab Coordinator to Assistant Major League Physical Therapist.

A great example of how specialized training and a strong mentorship can open doors in professional sport.

12/04/2025

Recently Joseph Sharaya, Research Fellow, presented his poster at the Indiana Occupational Therapy Association 2025 conference, showcasing the incredible clinical impact of evidence-based care.

His case highlights a 69-year-old patient with stage IV trigger finger and a fixed 90° flexion contracture. By integrating dry needling targeted at the A1 pulley, heat, IASTM, joint mobilization, tendon gliding, and custom orthotics, the patient improved from a 90° to 25° contracture, restoring function and independence with everyday tasks.

We’re proud of Joseph’s dedication to advancing upper-extremity care and representing iMSKA on a national platform.

11/18/2025

We’re proud to share our latest research will be published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine highlighting the impact of a stepped physical therapy model with work conditioning for individuals in physically demanding roles.

Access here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41214483/

This retrospective cohort study found that workers who received both acute physical therapy and a structured work conditioning phase achieved higher functional capacity and better patient-reported outcomes — supporting the value of a stepped rehabilitation model for physically demanding jobs.

Congratulations to the authors!

11/04/2025

A groundbreaking study from ATI Physical Therapy and the Duke Clinical Research shows that removing copays for physical therapy can dramatically reduce the use of costly downstream services including imaging, injections, and surgery.

Key Takeaways compared to traditional care pathways.
7% lower imaging and inpatient care
16% fewer surgeries/injections
57% fewer physician services

This study published in the PTJournal is more than just data. It’s proof of concept that innovative payment models can improve access, promote early conservative care, and meaningfully reduce healthcare costs.

These findings strengthen the case for policy and reimbursement reform that puts patients first and values early, evidence-based MSK care.

Congrats to the authors after many years of work on this publication.

Read the full release and explore the study: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/no-copay-physical-therapy-program-associated-with-lower-downstream-imaging-injection-and-surgery-for-musculoskeletal-conditions-according-to-a-new-joint-study-from-ati-physical-therapy-and-duke-clinical-research-institute-302600251.html

10/20/2025

What really happens to a pitcher’s shoulder over the grind of a season?

A new study that iMSKA's Director of Research, Myers was part of was recently published in International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. The publication tracked healthy Division I baseball players across fall, preseason, midseason, and postseason to determine whether or not shoulder strength would differ over a competitive season.

Key findings:
- Significant changes in shoulder strength occurred over the season, many changes exceeded the minimal detectable thresholds
- No differences were found between pitchers and position players
- Athletes’ self-reported shoulder and elbow function stayed consistent despite strength fluctuations
- Data provided reliable benchmarks for clinicians and researchers monitoring shoulder function

Access the full article here: https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.144772

09/30/2025

Big congratulations to the ATI Physical Therapy Sports & Orthopedic Residency graduates!

Completing residency is no small feat was a year of dedication, long hours, and a relentless drive to elevate clinical expertise. This milestone represents a major step for thiese PTs in advancing their career, care and shaping the future of our profession.

We’re proud of your hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence. Here’s to the next chapter in your careers. Continuing to raise the bar in patient care and evidence-based practice!

Interested in taking your career to the next level? Applications for ATI’s Sports & Orthopedic Residencies open October 1st. Email residency@atipt.com to learn more.

09/18/2025

ATI Worksite Solutions (a division of ATI Physical Therapy) and iMSKA are partnering with Indiana State University to launch a Workplace Injury Prevention Certificate Program, the first of its kind through Indiana State’s Master of Athletic Training Program.

This program equips future health professionals with proactive care strategies to reduce workplace risks, improve employee well-being, and build a healthier workforce.

Why it matters:
- MSK disorders are a leading cause of lost workdays and disability.
- Students will learn to identify biomechanical, ergonomic, and behavioral risk factors.
- Graduates will be prepared to lead in workplace wellness, occupational health, and injury prevention.

This is just the start iMSKA plans expand the program nationwide with additional university partners.
Learn more about partnership and research opportunities

09/11/2025

Collaborating with Evidence In Motion (EIM), ATI Physical Therapy clinicians participated in a Manual Therapy of the Nervous System course showcasing the power of clinical education rooted in research and evidence-based practice. Clinicians gained hands-on skills while connecting pain science to practice, advancing knowledge and elevating patient care.

09/03/2025

Join iMSKA and ATI Physical Therapy for a 1-hour Journal Club on Return-to-Sport After ACL Injury: Surgery vs. Rehab – What the Evidence Really Says

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at 8 PM EST with Garrett Bullock

Explore evidence from 15 studies, biases favoring surgery, and how research can guide ACL rehab, counseling, and return-to-sport decisions. Interactive Q&A included.

Seats are limited, use the QR code below to register now!

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Downers Grove, IL

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https://i-mska.org/

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