Annina Schmid

I head the Neuromusculoskeletal Health and Science Lab (https://www.ndcn.ox.ac.uk/research/neuromusculoskeletal-health-and-science-lab) at the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences at Oxford University. Our research focusses on advancing our understanding of the pathophysiology of entrapment neuropathies with the ultimate aim to develop precision physiotherapy and improve management for these patients. My group uses entrapment neuropathies as unique model systems that allow the prospective evaluation of nerve injury and repair in the context of neuropathic pain. We use a range of methodologies including deep clinical phenotyping with quantitative sensory testing and neurophysiological methods. I have also been at the forefront in developing advanced neuroimaging methods to visualise peripheral nerves at ultra-high field strength (MR neurography). In addition, we use a range of technologies (e.g., RNA sequencing, qPCR, specialised histology) to study the cellular and molecular aspects of entrapment neuropathies. This multimodal and innovative approach allows a detailed understanding of the mechanisms underlying entrapment neuropathies and neuropathic pain in general. 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.