Prof. Dr. med. Petra Schweinhardt

Area of Research

Description of Research Interest

Professor Schweinhardt's research centers on the mechanisms underlying musculoskeletal pain, with particular emphasis on sensitization along the neuraxis, the role of danger and safety signaling in pain modulation, and the clinical implications of pain chronicity and hypersensitivity. Her work aims to advance assessment strategies and develop targeted interventions for musculoskeletal pain, bridging neurophysiological insights with clinical practice.

Special Expertise

• Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST)
  
• Functional Magnet Resonance Imaging (fMRI) of the brain and spinal cord
  
• Experimental models of central sensitization
  
• Experimental paradigms of cognitive-emotional pain modulation
  

Member of Collaborative/interdisciplinary Research Consortia

• Clinical Research Priority Program (CRPP) Pain
  
• SNF Sinergia Grant