Centre for Rehabilitation Research in Oxford
We carry out important applied research improving the lives of patients through musculoskeletal rehabilitation. We are leading research into how exercise and physiotherapy can be used to support the rehabilitation of patients with acute musculoskeletal injures such as a fracture or sprain, and patients with chronic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or persistent back pain. We look at how structured physical activity can be offered as an effective method of rehabilitation for patients either alongside, or as an alternative to, standard medication.
Founded in 2012
PATIENT FOCUSED research
International IMPACT on healthcare
TEAM

A multidisciplinary team including physiotherapists, hand therapists, CBT practitioners, clinical academics and clinical trials management staff
RESEARCH

We conduct a number of clinical trials and studies across a range of specialties and themes. Read more about our work, and link to trial-specific pages
THERAPIST RESOURCES

Our work focuses on the development of effective interventions for implementation in the NHS. Find out more and access the materials
Latest News
Pioneering study sets out to answer and address why osteoarthritis impacts patients differently
3 June 2026
Researchers from NDORMS are playing leading roles in a major new UK-wide research consortium aiming to improve treatment and outcomes for people living with osteoarthritis.
Our impact story: building physiotherapy research capacity in India
6 February 2026
Two short videos from partner institutions in India capture how an IndOx Grant helped turn a research visit into lasting physiotherapy research capacity and international collaboration.
Study finds tailored exercise programme feasible for adults over 80 with osteoarthritis
9 October 2025
A new NDORMS study has found that a tailored exercise programme for people aged 80 years and older with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis and other long term health conditions is both practical and acceptable, paving the way for a large clinical trial.
OCTRU - delivering answers to important clinical questions
7 March 2023
The Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit (OCTRU) has received NIHR benchmarking results and offers excellent value for money according to the report
Celebrating Clinical Trials Day at NDORMS
20 May 2022
To mark Clinical Trials Day we take a look at some of the recent developments at NDORMS and celebrate the teams that make this important area of our research programme possible.
