Ryan Stephenson, DO
Associate Professor of Clinical Practice, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

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Medical School:
  • DO, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (2005)
Internship:
  • St Vincent Hospital Program (2006)
Residencies:
  • Baylor College of Medicine Program, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2009)
  • University of Texas at Houston Program, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2009)
Languages: English
Department: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Professional Titles

  • Staff Physician

Recognition & Awards

  • Chief Editor, PM&R Section, Medscape.com (2017)
  • President’s Research Initiative Award, American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (2015)
  • Golden Goniometer Teaching Award, University of Colorado PM&R Residency Program (2014)
  • Best Clinical Practice Award, New Horizons in Rehabilitation Conference (2012)

Research Interests

Prosthetic Function, Biomechanics of Low Back Pain, Moral Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Concussion

Teaching

  • Associate Clinical Professor (2009)
    School of Medicine, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
  • Clinical Attending (2009)
    School of Medicine, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
    Musculoskeletal Medicine, Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Amputee Clinic, Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Stroke Rehabilitation; Electrodiagnostic Medicine Didactic Series

Publications

  • Kinney AR, Stephenson RO, Cogan AM, Forster JE, Gerber HR, Brenner LA. Participation Mediates the Relationship Between Postconcussive Symptoms and Suicidal Ideation Among Veterans. Am J Occup Ther. 2022 May 1;76(3):7603205020. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2022.048561. PMID: 35486717.
  • Kinney AR, Gerber HR, Hostetter TA, Brenner LA, Forster JE, Stephenson RO. Morally injurious combat events as an indirect risk factor for postconcussive symptoms among veterans: The mediating role of posttraumatic stress. Psychol Trauma. 2022 Jan 27. doi: 10.1037/tra0001213. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35084915.
  • Christiansen CL, Miller MJ, Murray AM, Stephenson RO, Stevens-Lapsley JE, Hiatt WR, Schenkman ML. Behavior-Change Intervention Targeting Physical Function, Walking, and Disability After Dysvascular Amputation: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2018 Nov;99(11):2160-2167. PubMed PMID: 29746823
  • Loyd BJ, Fields TT, Stephenson RO, Stevens-Lapsley J, Christiansen CL. Explaining modified 2-min walk test outcomes in male Veterans with traumatic or nontraumatic lower-limb amputation. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2016;53(6):1035-1044. PubMed PMID: 28355035
  • Christiansen CL, Fields T, Lev G, Stephenson RO, Stevens-Lapsley JE. Functional Outcomes After the Prosthetic Training Phase of Rehabilitation After Dysvascular Lower Extremity Amputation. PM R. 2015 Nov;7(11):1118-1126. PubMed PMID: 25978948

Practice Locations

Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Administration Medical Center
1700 Wheeling St
Aurora, CO 80045
303-399-8020

Hospital Affiliation
  • University of Colorado Hospital
  • Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Specialty Information

Specialties
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Board Certification (2009)
  • Certified Life Care Planner, Certificate (2024)
  • Brain Injury Medicine, Board Certification (2022)
  • Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Board Certification (2012)
Conditions & Treatments
  • Brain and Nervous System
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles
  • Spine
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Arthritis
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Back Pain
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Hip Injuries and Disorders
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Knee Injuries and Disorders
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Leg Injuries and Disorders
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Neck Disorders and Injuries
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Shoulder Injuries and Disorders
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Spine Injuries
  • Bones, Joints and Muscles - Sprains and Strains
  • Brain and Nervous System - Stroke
  • Brain and Nervous System - Traumatic and Acquired Brain Injuries
  • Brain and Nervous System - Trauma / Nerve Injuries
  • Brain and Nervous System - Spine Diseases and Conditions
  • Spine - Cervical disc herniation
  • Spine - Cervical spinal stenosis
  • Spine - Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Spine - Degenerative Scoliosis
  • Spine - Lumbar disc herniation
  • Spine - Lumbar spinal stenosis
  • Spine - Myelopathy
  • Spine - Radiculopathy
  • Spine - Sciatica
  • Spine - Spondylolisthesis
Clinical Interests
Dr. Stephenson is an Associate Professor of Clinical Practice in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He has served as Medical Director of Orthobiologics, Medical Director of Brain Injury, Medical Director of the Regional Amputation Center, and Medical Director of the Inpatient Consultation Service. He is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Brain Injury Medicine, and Electrodiagnostic Medicine. He also is a Certified Life Care Planner, helping understand future needs for individuals with disability. Clinically he treats patients with many forms of disability, pain, brain injury, amputation, acute and chronic injury. He has been recognized for his outstanding contributions as an educator within the PM&R Residency Program and lectures regularly for residents and medical students at the University of Colorado.

General Information

Medical Schools:
  • DO, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (2005)
Internships:
  • St Vincent Hospital Program (2006)
Residency Programs:
  • Baylor College of Medicine Program, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2009)
  • University of Texas at Houston Program, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2009)
Languages: English
Department: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
SOM Resources
CU Resources
Contact Us
CU Anschutz
Fitzsimons Building
13001 East 17th Place
Campus Box C290
Aurora, CO 80045

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