Massachusetts House Speaker Ron Mariano has been cleared by a doctor to return to “usual activities” after suffering minor injuries sustained in a fall down a flight of stairs at his home earlier this month.

Mariano’s office released a statement Wednesday updating the status of the longtime Democratic state lawmaker, who has been absent from the State House while recovering at home.

“Speaker Mariano tripped while carrying boxes up the stairs to his home in early January and sustained minor injuries to his shoulder and the right side of his body. He has been cleared by his doctor to continue his usual activities and has been referred to physical therapy,” Mariano spokesperson Ana Vivas said in a statement.

“He has been working remotely and was at the State House today for in-person meetings, and he looks forward to participating in Member meetings next week regarding energy affordability legislation. His schedule will continue to allow for remote work as needed,” she said.

The 79-year old Mariano has held office in the State House for over 30 years, first being elected as state rep. in 1991, moving on to replace longtime House Speaker Robert DeLeo in 2020.