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Chad E. Cook

Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgery, Physical Therapy
DUMC 104002, 2200 W. Main St. Ste. B230, Durham, NC 27710
311 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Dr. Cook is a clinical researcher, physical therapist, and profession advocate with a long-term history of clinical care excellence and service. His passions include refining and improving the patient examination process and validating tools used in day-to-day physical therapist practice. Dr. Cook has authored or co-authored 3 textbooks, has published over 315 peer reviewed manuscripts and lectures internationally on orthopedic examination and treatment.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery · 2016 - Present Orthopaedic Surgery, Physical Therapy, Orthopaedic Surgery
Professor in Population Health Sciences · 2020 - Present Population Health Sciences, Basic Science Departments
Member in the Duke Clinical Research Institute · 2016 - Present Duke Clinical Research Institute, Institutes and Centers

In the News


Published September 28, 2018
Hidden Health Problems Can Appear Up to Two Years After Elective Hip Surgeries

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Recent Publications


Self-reported disability trajectories and their predictors among patients receiving care by physical therapists for musculoskeletal conditions: a retrospective analysis of registry data.

Journal Article BMJ Open · June 20, 2025 OBJECTIVES: To identify clustered trajectories of self-reported disability following the initiation of care by a physical therapist in outpatient orthopaedic settings and to determine baseline factors that distinguish between different trajectories. DESIGN ... Full text Link to item Cite

Understanding degenerative cervical myelopathy in musculoskeletal practice.

Journal Article J Man Manip Ther · June 2025 BACKGROUND: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a clinical syndrome characterized by a progressive compression of the spinal cord. DCM often looks like common symptoms of aging or bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome in its early stages, requiring carefu ... Full text Link to item Cite

Reporting and incorporation of social risks in low back pain and exercise studies: A scoping review.

Journal Article Musculoskelet Sci Pract · June 2025 BACKGROUND: Exercise is a common intervention for low back pain, but its effect sizes are small to modest. Social risk factors significantly influence health outcomes, yet their consideration in randomized controlled trials on exercise for low back pain is ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Outcomes of Faculty Residencies: A multi-site mixed-methods investigation of key interested parties

ResearchConsultant · Awarded by Foundation for Physical Therapy · 2025 - 2026

Force-Based Manipulations Research Network

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of Alabama at Birmingham · 2022 - 2026

Specific and Shared Mechanisms Associated With Treatment for Chronic Neck Pain

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Foundation for Physical Therapy · 2023 - 2026

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Education, Training & Certifications


Texas Tech University of Health Science, School of Nursing · 2003 Ph.D.
Maryville College · 1990 B.S.