
Overview
Background
Julia is a Lecturer and Researcher at the University of Queensland. She has been researching whiplash and neck pain since 2000 and in 2004 completed her PhD focusing on the necks influence on sensorimotor control. She has continued her research in this area in idiopathic neck pain, headache, the elderly and post concussion. She has over 100 publications in this area, written several book chapters and is one of the authors of the book “Management of neck disorders- an evidenced based approach”. Julia works part-time as a physiotherapist in a private practice managing patients such as those with, whiplash, cervicogenic dizziness and post concussion syndrome and been involved as a clinician on several whiplash RCTs. Julia is also an assessor at the Whiplash Physical Diagnostic Clinic. Julia has been an invited speaker at many national and international conferences and workshops in the area of neck pain, whiplash, concussion and dizziness.
Availability
- Associate Professor Julia Treleaven is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Research Interests
I am a co-leader of the Neck and Head research unit (NAHRU) which was formerly the Cervical spine and whiplash research unit. We have developed NAHRU in an effort to expand the scope of this group as well as make this inclusive of other domains of physiotherapy such as vestibular and head and neck cancer. This has allowed us to expand our group as well as fit with the expanding areas of research with respect to headache, concussion, temporomandibular disorders (TMD) etc. My role in the NAHRU involves organising of monthly meetings to assist mentoring and progression of our students as well as foster collaborations and research between members of the team. I also run the laboratory that research is conducted in this area ensuring all personnel are adequately trained, that risk assessments and occupational health considerations are adhered to. The major theme of my research to date has been in the role of the cervical spine in producing symptoms other than pain such as dizziness and visual disturbances and the cervical spine’s role in head and eye movement control and postural stability. More recently this has also extended into the areas of headache, TMD and concussion. I am particularly interested in differential diagnosis and investigating clinical tests that can help physiotherapists identify when the cervical spine is implicated in these symptoms and signs. This research has led me to consider populations with neck pain, headache (migraine, tension type headache and cervicogenic), concussion, visual, TMD and vestibular impairments.
Research impacts
My research and its translation to clinical practice have gained the attention of clinicians and researchers internationally and has had a significant impact on, and uptake in, clinical practice internationally. This is evidenced by:
- Keynote and invited conference presentations (USA, Europe, UK, South Africa and New Zealand, Australia)
- Convenor of 3 focused symposiums for the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapists conferences in 2012 and 2016, 2020 accepted but postponed due to Covid-19
- Invitations to present professional development courses to clinicians nationally and internationally (Europe, UK, Thailand, Korea, Australia and New Zealand)
- Uptake of our text: Jull, G., Sterling, M., Falla, D., Treleaven, J., & O'Leary, S. C. (2008). Whiplash, Headache and Neck Pain. London: Elsevier. It has approximately 6,000 sales, has been translated into 4 languages and has been cited 92 times. The text has been updated was released in October 2018. Jull, G., M., Falla, D., Treleaven J., & O'Leary, S. Management of neck Pain Disorders: a research informed approach. Elsevier UK 2018
Works
Search Professor Julia Treleaven’s works on UQ eSpace
2025
Journal Article
Cervical musculoskeletal impairments in migraine and tension-type headache and relationship to pain related factors: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Pensri, Chalomjai, Liang, Zhiqi, Treleaven, Julia, Jull, Gwendolen and Thomas, Lucy (2025). Cervical musculoskeletal impairments in migraine and tension-type headache and relationship to pain related factors: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 76 103251, 103251-76. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.103251
2025
Journal Article
Serious adverse events associated with conservative physical procedures directed towards the cervical spine: a systematic review
Leung, Bryden, Treleaven, Julia, Dinsdale, Alana, Marsh, Linda and Thomas, Lucy (2025). Serious adverse events associated with conservative physical procedures directed towards the cervical spine: a systematic review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 41, 56-77. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.10.018
2025
Journal Article
Sensorimotor control and neurocognitive performance in musculoskeletal disease and injury control
Treleaven, Julia and Clark, Nicholas (2025). Sensorimotor control and neurocognitive performance in musculoskeletal disease and injury control. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 75 103237, 103237. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.103237
2024
Journal Article
Clinical recognition of the role of the cervical spine in signs and symptoms of altered sensorimotor control
Treleaven, Julia (2024). Clinical recognition of the role of the cervical spine in signs and symptoms of altered sensorimotor control. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 74 103187, 103187. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.103187
2024
Journal Article
The influence of ‘labels’ for neck pain on recovery expectations following a motor vehicle crash: an online-randomised vignette-based experiment
Xie, Yanfei, Costa, Nathalia, Söderlund, Anne, Zadro, Joshua, Malmström, Eva-Maj, Grant, Genevieve, Jull, Gwendolen, Westergren, Hans, Kasch, Helge, MacDermid, Joy, Treleaven, Julia, Curatolo, Michele, Ravn, Sophie Lykkegaard, Andersen, Tonny, Rebbeck, Trudy and Sterling, Michele (2024). The influence of ‘labels’ for neck pain on recovery expectations following a motor vehicle crash: an online-randomised vignette-based experiment. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 54 (11), 711-720. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2024.12590
2024
Journal Article
Factors associated with patient-reported mouth opening activity limitations in individuals with persistent intra-articular temporomandibular disorders: a cross-sectional study exploring physical and self-reported outcomes
Dinsdale, Alana, Thomas, Lucy, Forbes, Roma and Treleaven, Julia (2024). Factors associated with patient-reported mouth opening activity limitations in individuals with persistent intra-articular temporomandibular disorders: a cross-sectional study exploring physical and self-reported outcomes. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 73 103166, 103166-73. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.103166
2024
Journal Article
The role of the cervical spine in dizziness
Treleaven, Julia (2024). The role of the cervical spine in dizziness. Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, 48 (4), 1-10. doi: 10.1097/npt.0000000000000491
2024
Conference Publication
Management experiences and expectations of individuals seeking care for intra-articular TMDs
Dinsdale, Alana, Forbes, Roma, Thomas, Lucy and Treleaven, Julia (2024). Management experiences and expectations of individuals seeking care for intra-articular TMDs. Australian and New Zealand Academy of Orofacial Pain, Sydney, NSW Australia, 13-14 September 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
More than just opening: myriad of local musculoskeletal impairments associated with temporomandibular disorders
Dinsdale, Alana, Thomas, Lucy, Forbes, Roma and Treleaven, Julia (2024). More than just opening: myriad of local musculoskeletal impairments associated with temporomandibular disorders. Australian and New Zealand Academy of Orofacial Pain, Sydney, NSW Australia, 13-14 September 2024.
2024
Journal Article
Validation of the cervical torsion test and head neck differentiation test in patients with peripheral vestibular hypofunction
Nüesch, Andrea, Treleaven, Julia and Ernst, Markus J (2024). Validation of the cervical torsion test and head neck differentiation test in patients with peripheral vestibular hypofunction. Physical Therapy, 104 (7) pzae057, 1-8. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzae057
2024
Journal Article
Pain-free bite force in a healthy population: within-session test-retest reliability in different sitting positions
Mitchell, Andrew, Heales, Luke, Treleaven, Julia, Too, Brendan, Tyrrell, Ryan and Dinsdale, Alana (2024). Pain-free bite force in a healthy population: within-session test-retest reliability in different sitting positions. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 51 (8), 1440-1449. doi: 10.1111/joor.13720
2024
Journal Article
Changes in multiple aspects of pain outcomes after rehabilitation: analysis of pain data in a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of adding sensorimotor training to manual therapy and exercise for chronic neck pain
Uthaikhup, Sureeporn, Sremakaew, Munlika, Treleaven, Julia, Jull, Gwendolen, Barbero, Marco, Falla, Deborah and Cescon, Corrado (2024). Changes in multiple aspects of pain outcomes after rehabilitation: analysis of pain data in a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of adding sensorimotor training to manual therapy and exercise for chronic neck pain. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 40 (4), 212-220. doi: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001194
2024
Journal Article
Global, regional, and national burden of neck pain, 1990-2020, and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
GBD 2021 Neck Pain Collaborators and Treleaven, Julia M. (2024). Global, regional, and national burden of neck pain, 1990-2020, and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet Rheumatology, 6 (3), e142-e155. doi: 10.1016/S2665-9913(23)00321-1
2024
Journal Article
Is proprioception affected in those with persistent intra-articular temporomandibular disorders? A cross-sectional study exploring joint position sense and force sense of the jaw
Dinsdale, Alana, Thomas, Lucy, Forbes, Roma and Treleaven, Julia (2024). Is proprioception affected in those with persistent intra-articular temporomandibular disorders? A cross-sectional study exploring joint position sense and force sense of the jaw. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 69 102904, 102904. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2023.102904
2024
Journal Article
Validation of a modified-composite autonomic symptom score (COMPASS-31) as an outcome measure for persistent autonomic symptoms post-concussion: an observational pilot study
Hammerle, Matt H., Lu, Lisa H., Thomas, Lucy C., Swan, Alicia A. and Treleaven, Julia M. (2024). Validation of a modified-composite autonomic symptom score (COMPASS-31) as an outcome measure for persistent autonomic symptoms post-concussion: an observational pilot study. Brain Injury, 38 (11), 1-6. doi: 10.1080/02699052.2024.2355588
2023
Conference Publication
Management experiences, needs and preferences of adults with persistent intra-articular temporomandibular disorders
Dinsdale, Alana, Forbes, Roma, Thomas, Lucy and Treleaven, Julia (2023). Management experiences, needs and preferences of adults with persistent intra-articular temporomandibular disorders. IGNITE: Australian Physiotherapy Association conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 5-7 October 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
“What if it doesn't unlock?”: a qualitative study into the lived experiences of adults with persistent intra-articular temporomandibular disorders
Dinsdale, Alana, Forbes, Roma, Thomas, Lucy and Treleaven, Julia (2023). “What if it doesn't unlock?”: a qualitative study into the lived experiences of adults with persistent intra-articular temporomandibular disorders. IGNITE: Australian Physiotherapy Association conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 5-7 October 2023.
2023
Journal Article
Individual perceptions on the relationship between migraine and neck pain
Schulz, Michael, Xu, Wenrui, Treleaven, Julia, Thomas, Lucy and Liang, Zhiqi (2023). Individual perceptions on the relationship between migraine and neck pain. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 66 102812, 1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2023.102812
2023
Journal Article
Subgrouping individuals with migraine associated neck pain for targeted management
Liang, Zhiqi, Thomas, Lucy, Jull, Gwendolen and Treleaven, Julia (2023). Subgrouping individuals with migraine associated neck pain for targeted management. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 66 102801, 1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2023.102801
2023
Journal Article
Application of biomechanical principles to upper cervical spine anatomy to alleviate symptoms of intermittent cranial nerve IX irritation. Directions for successful self-management of headache post-concussion? A case series
Hammerle, Matt H and Treleaven, Julia M. (2023). Application of biomechanical principles to upper cervical spine anatomy to alleviate symptoms of intermittent cranial nerve IX irritation. Directions for successful self-management of headache post-concussion? A case series. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, 31 (6), 457-465. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2023.2233723
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Julia Treleaven is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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Possible topics
Neck and arm pain in workers
Cervicogenic dizziness - differential diagnosis
Post traumatic/ concussional headache
Vestibular migraine
Relevance of the myodural bridge of the upper cervical spine post truama
Temporomandibular disorders
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Clinical features (self-reported and cervical spine musculoskeletal (MSK) impairments) in patients with suspected upper cervical hypermobility.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Lucy Thomas
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Master Philosophy
Serious adverse events associated with conservative physical procedures directed towards the cervical spine
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Lucy Thomas
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Doctor Philosophy
Neck pain in tension type headache and exploring cervical musculoskeletal and sensory features
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Gwendolen Jull, Dr Lucy Thomas
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Master Philosophy
Recognizing clinical features which may lead to adverse clinical outcomes in Cervical musculoskeletal (MSK) management
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Lucy Thomas
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Master Philosophy
Relationship between sleep and cervical spine disorders
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Lucy Thomas
Completed supervision
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
The Nature of Neck Pain in Migraine
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Gwendolen Jull, Dr Lucy Thomas
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Driving Difficulty and Performance in People with Chronic Whiplash
Joint Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Gwendolen Jull
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring disability and management in adults with persistent mechanical temporomandibular disorders
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Roma Forbes, Dr Lucy Thomas
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Do impairments exist beyond expected recovery time following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and what is their relationship with self-reported symptoms?
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Shaun O'Leary
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring Technology for Clinical Applications and Analysis of Factors Associated with Postural Control in Older Adults with Idiopathic Neck Pain
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sandy Brauer
Media
Enquiries
Contact Associate Professor Julia Treleaven directly for media enquiries about:
- Neck pain
- Whiplash
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