1-Hour Tethered Cord Screening
Tethered Cord Screening
We also provide a 1-hour self-pay tethered cord screening. Tethered cord is a neurological condition that is more prevalent in the EDS community and can significantly affect daily function and limit progress in physical therapy.
If a tethered cord is suspected, we will prepare a comprehensive clinical letter to your primary care provider outlining our findings and formally requesting the appropriate diagnostic tests and/or specialist referrals needed for further evaluation.
Our goal is to provide expert evaluation, individualized care, and clear guidance helping you understand your body, address pain at its source, and move forward with confidence.
This service is available at our North Smithfield location only.
Tethered Cord Screening with Kathleen Muldowney
For more than a decade, Kathleen Muldowney has been a trusted leader in screening patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) for tethered cord, a neurological condition that occurs at higher rates within the EDS community and is often overlooked.
Kathleen has developed a comprehensive and highly detailed screening process that combines an in-depth patient history, targeted clinical questions, and specialized physical assessments to determine whether a tethered cord is a likely concern. When sufficient clinical evidence is identified, Kathleen guides patients step-by-step through the next phase of care, explaining which diagnostic tests are needed, what referrals are required and which neurosurgical specialists are most appropriate.
To support timely and effective care, Kathleen prepares a thorough clinical summary and recommendation letter for your primary care provider, clearly outlining her findings and the medical necessity for further neurosurgical evaluation and what tests or referrals will be needed.
Navigating a possible tethered cord diagnosis can feel overwhelming and complex. Kathleen’s role is to simplify the process, provide clarity, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks, helping patients move forward confidently and efficiently.
Upon request, Kathleen is also available to educate and answer questions for family members or friends during physical therapy appointments, including discussions about the pre- and post-operative course, surgery considerations and rehabilitation expectations.
Tethered Cord Buddy Program
Kathleen is also the creator of the Tethered Cord Buddy Program. Once a patient has been formally diagnosed by a neurosurgeon and scheduled for surgery, Kathleen can pair them with a “buddy,” a fellow patient who has already been through the experience and can offer firsthand insight, encouragement, and support from someone who truly understands the journey.
In addition, Kathleen provides a customized physical therapy plan for both pre- and post-surgical care, designed to optimize recovery and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Through her deep clinical knowledge, compassionate guidance, and built-in support systems, Kathleen ensures patients receive not only expert screening and education but also the confidence, preparation, and support needed for a successful recovery.
