Performance Medicine Institute published a peer-reviewed study involving 32 men with hard flaccid syndrome. Participants reported significant improvements in sexual function, satisfaction, and overall health following multimodal rehabilitation. Researchers emphasize the need for larger, controlled studies.
— Performance Medicine Institute has announced publication of a peer-reviewed study examining outcomes from its multimodal rehabilitation program for hard flaccid syndrome. Published September 29 in Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, the retrospective case series describes changes in sexual function, satisfaction, and overall health among 32 men treated at the Phoenix clinic. This study was also recently presented at the 27th Annual Fall Scientific Meeting of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America.
The paper, “Multimodal rehabilitation for hard flaccid syndrome in a retrospective case series,” was authored by Christopher L. Mendias, PhD, ATC, Rehabilitation Director, and Tariq M. Awan, DO, Medical Director. To the authors’ knowledge, it is the largest treatment-focused study of hard flaccid syndrome to date.
According to the institute, for men experiencing unfamiliar changes in penile firmness or sensation, finding a name for their symptoms can be an important step toward seeking care. Hard flaccid syndrome involves unusual firmness of the penis when it is not erect and may be accompanied by altered sensation, erection difficulties, or pelvic pain. Limited awareness can leave patients uncertain about what they are experiencing and where to turn for reliable information. The effects may also reach into relationships, confidence, and daily life.
Performance Medicine Institute’s hard flaccid treatment program combines medical care with rehabilitation, exercise, patient education, and behavioral support. These components form an individualized, coordinated plan within the clinic’s men’s pelvic health services. The study examines outcomes associated with completing that comprehensive approach.
At the start of treatment, eight of the 32 men reported erections firm enough for intercourse. At completion, all 32 reported that level of firmness. Satisfaction with penile function also improved: 28 participants were very satisfied and four were satisfied at completion, whereas none had been satisfied before treatment. Participants additionally reported significant improvements in sexual interest and overall physical and mental health.
“Men experiencing these symptoms often struggle to find reliable information or even a clear description of the condition,” says Mendias. “Greater awareness can help patients recognize when to seek evaluation and give healthcare professionals a clearer starting point for discussing care.”
The findings offer a basis for further investigation into hard flaccid rehabilitation and penile rehabilitation. Because the research is a retrospective case series, it describes observed changes rather than establishing that the program caused those changes. It does not determine which treatment components contributed most to improvement or establish lasting benefits. Larger, controlled studies are needed to evaluate effectiveness and durability.
“The improvements reported by these patients are encouraging, particularly because the condition can affect more than sexual function,” states Awan. “They support further study of coordinated care while reminding us that treatment decisions must account for each patient’s symptoms and circumstances.”
The clinic is sharing the research to help patients, partners, and referring healthcare professionals better understand an underrecognized condition. Men experiencing persistent symptoms can seek an evaluation to discuss their concerns and possible next steps.
The full study is available at https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/rehabilitation-sciences/articles/10.3389/fresc.2026.1970062/full. For more information about Performance Medicine Institute, please go to https://www.performancemedinst.com/.
About Performance Medicine Institute
Performance Medicine Institute is a rehabilitation clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, providing integrated care for musculoskeletal conditions, men’s pelvic health, and athletic performance and recovery. Its clinical approach combines individualized care, rehabilitation, and patient education with published research. The clinic is located at 3330 N 2nd St, Suite 401, Phoenix, AZ 85012.
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