Overview
Background
Michele Sterling is a NHMRC Leadership Fellow (leadership level 2), Professor in the Recover Injury Research Centre, Program Lead of the Musculoskeletal Injury research program and Director of the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Better Health Outcomes for Compensable Injury. She is a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and a Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists. She is internationally recognised for her research on whiplash-associated disorders. Michele’s research focusses on the mechanisms underlying the development of chronic pain after injury, predictive algorithms for outcomes and developing effective interventions for musculoskeletal injury and pain. She has received over $50M in research funding from the NHMRC, MRFF, ARC and industry partners, including 7 NHMRC project grants, and 2 Centres of Research Excellence. Michele holds editorial roles with several leading journals and textbooks, including being a Section Editor of PAIN and co-editors of the 4th and 5th editions of the seminal physiotherapy textbook 'Grieve's Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy). Michele has published over 325 scientific works and has received numerous awards for her research including the Research Australia Research Translation award in 2023. Examples of recognition as a national and international leader in the field include:
2024- Secretary of the Executive Council - International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP)
2022-2024 Chair Scientific Program Committee World Pain Congress, Amsterdam 2024
2023-2027 NHMRC Leadership Fellow (Level 2) for research of road traffic injury.
2023 Research Australia Research Translation award
2016-2022 Council member International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP)
Availability
- Professor Michele Sterling is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Postgraduate Diploma, Curtin University of Technology
- Masters (Coursework), The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy of Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland
Research impacts
Professor Sterling’s research program on the discovery of novel prognostic indicators and treatments to improve recovery led transformational change in clinical practice and compensation systems. Based on seminal research on the phenotyping of whiplash over many years, CI Sterling developed and tested the StressModex intervention for acute whiplash. StressModex is recommended by Australian Guidelines for management of Acute Whiplash (2024), is included in the physiotherapy curriculum at Australian universities and has been adapted for use internationally (e.g. Denmark). It has been taken up by insurance stakeholders (Suncorp, Allianz) resulting in improve health outcomes for injured people. To enhance translation of research, CI Sterling, in partnership with MAIC, SIRA and Allianz, co-led the establishment of MyWhiplashNavigator, a one-stop on-line resource for people with whiplash injury, training opportunities for health care providers and insurers. Sterling’s strong collaboration with key industry and government regulators in 5 states, peak professional bodies and consumers informed 2 NHMRC CRE’s [CIA] which have translated prognostic and RCT data into practice and policy via education (>2000 participants, >25 countries). CI Sterling’s research has improved management of musculoskeletal injury worldwide, cited in Clinical & Medico-legal Guidelines that are endorsed by > 10 international peak bodies and was used by the UK House of Commons Recommendations to avert escalating costs associated with fraudulent whiplash claims. Subsequently, the UK govt. established an on-line educational platform based on CI Sterling’s research to accredit medical examiners in evidence-based assessment.
Works
Search Professor Michele Sterling’s works on UQ eSpace
2011
Book
Whiplash injury recovery: a self help guide
Jull, Gwendolen and Sterling, Michele (2011). Whiplash injury recovery: a self help guide. 2nd ed. Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2011
Book Chapter
Case descriptions
Sterling, Michele, Rebbeck, Trudy and Kenardy, Justin (2011). Case descriptions. Whiplash: Evidence base for clinical practice. (pp. 180-186) edited by Michele Sterling and Justin Kenardy. Chatswood, NSW, Australia: Elsevier Australia. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-7295-3946-3.10017-x
2010
Journal Article
A randomised controlled study examining the short-term effects of Strain-Counterstrain treatment on quantitative sensory measures at digitally tender points in the low back
Lewis, Cynan, Khan, Asad, Souvlis, Tina and Sterling, Michele (2010). A randomised controlled study examining the short-term effects of Strain-Counterstrain treatment on quantitative sensory measures at digitally tender points in the low back. Manual Therapy, 15 (6), 536-541. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2010.05.011
2010
Journal Article
The development of sensory hypoesthesia after whiplash injury
Chien, Andy, Eliav, Eli and Sterling, Michele (2010). The development of sensory hypoesthesia after whiplash injury. Clinical Journal of Pain, 26 (8), 722-728. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e3181f096ac
2010
Journal Article
Sensory characteristics of tender points in the lower back
Lewis, Cynan, Souvlis, Tina and Sterling, Michele (2010). Sensory characteristics of tender points in the lower back. Manual Therapy, 15 (5), 451-456. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2010.03.006
2010
Journal Article
Differential development of sensory hypersensitivity and a measure of spinal cord hyperexcitability following whiplash injury
Sterling, Michele (2010). Differential development of sensory hypersensitivity and a measure of spinal cord hyperexcitability following whiplash injury. Pain, 150 (3), 501-506. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2010.06.003
2010
Journal Article
Psychologic Processes in Daily Life With Chronic Whiplash: Relations of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Fear-of-pain to Hourly Pain and Uptime
Sterling, Michele and Chadwick, Benjamin J. (2010). Psychologic Processes in Daily Life With Chronic Whiplash: Relations of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Fear-of-pain to Hourly Pain and Uptime. Clinical Journal of Pain, 26 (7), 573-582. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e3181e5c25e
2010
Journal Article
Compensation claim lodgement and health outcome developmental trajectories following whiplash injury: A prospective study
Sterling, Michele, Hendrikz, Joan and Kenardy, Justin (2010). Compensation claim lodgement and health outcome developmental trajectories following whiplash injury: A prospective study. Pain, 150 (1), 22-28. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2010.02.013
2010
Journal Article
Depression may contribute to the sensory changes in whiplash patients? Re: Chien, A, Sterling, M. Sensory hypoaesthesia is a feature of chronic whiplash but not chronic idiopathic neck pain - Authors reply
Sterling, Michele (2010). Depression may contribute to the sensory changes in whiplash patients? Re: Chien, A, Sterling, M. Sensory hypoaesthesia is a feature of chronic whiplash but not chronic idiopathic neck pain - Authors reply. Manual Therapy, 15 (3), e2. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2010.01.002
2010
Journal Article
Magnetic resonance imaging findings of fatty infiltrate in the cervical flexors in chronic whiplash
Elliott, James M., O'Leary, Shaun, Sterling, Michele, Hendrikz, Joan, Pedler, Ashley and Jull, Gwen (2010). Magnetic resonance imaging findings of fatty infiltrate in the cervical flexors in chronic whiplash. Spine, 35 (9), 948-954. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181bb0e55
2010
Journal Article
Cervical lateral glide increases nociceptive flexion reflex threshold but not pressure or thermal pain thresholds in chronic whiplash associated disorders: A pilot randomised controlled trial
Sterling, Michele, Pedler, Ashley, Chan, Cliffton, Puglisi, Madonna, Vuvan, Viana and Vicenzino, Bill (2010). Cervical lateral glide increases nociceptive flexion reflex threshold but not pressure or thermal pain thresholds in chronic whiplash associated disorders: A pilot randomised controlled trial. Manual Therapy, 15 (2), 149-153. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2009.09.004
2010
Journal Article
Relationships between pain thresholds, catastrophizing and gender in acute whiplash injury
Rivest, Karine, Cote, Julie N., Dumas, Jean-Pierre, Sterling, Michele and De Serres, Sophie J. (2010). Relationships between pain thresholds, catastrophizing and gender in acute whiplash injury. Manual Therapy, 15 (2), 154-159. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2009.10.001
2010
Conference Publication
Whiplash injury and posttraumatic stress: A analysis of the impact of compensation on recovery trajectories
Kenardy, Justin and Sterling, Michele (2010). Whiplash injury and posttraumatic stress: A analysis of the impact of compensation on recovery trajectories. ICBM 2010: 11th International Congress of Behavioral Medicine, Washington, DC, U.S.A., 4-7 August 2010. Mahwah, NJ, U.S.A.: Lawrence Erlbaum. doi: 10.1007/s12529-010-9106-9
2009
Journal Article
Dry needling and exercise for chronic whiplash - a randomised controlled trial
Sterling, M., Valentin, S, Vicenzino, B., Souvlis, T. and Connelly, L.B. (2009). Dry needling and exercise for chronic whiplash - a randomised controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 10 (12) 160, xx-xx. doi: 10.1186/1471-2474-10-160
2009
Journal Article
Cervical musculoskeletal impairment is common in elders with headache
Uthaikhup, S., Sterling, M. and Jull, G. (2009). Cervical musculoskeletal impairment is common in elders with headache. Manual Therapy, 14 (6), 636-641. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2008.12.008
2009
Journal Article
A randomised clinical trial of a comprehensive exercise program for chronic whiplash: trial protocol
Michaleff, Z. A,, Maher, C. G., Jull, G., Latimer, J., Connelly, L. B., Lin, C. W. C., Rebbeck, T. and Sterling, M. (2009). A randomised clinical trial of a comprehensive exercise program for chronic whiplash: trial protocol. Bmc Musculoskeletal Disorders, 10 (1) 149, online-online. doi: 10.1186/1471-2474-10-149
2009
Journal Article
Exploration of the extent of somato-sensory impairment in patients with unilateral lateral epicondylalgia
Fernandez-Carnero, J., Fernandez-de-las-Penas, C., Sterling, M., Souvlis, T., Arendt-Nielsen, L. and Vicenzino, B. (2009). Exploration of the extent of somato-sensory impairment in patients with unilateral lateral epicondylalgia. Journal of Pain, 10 (11), 1179-1185. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2009.04.015
2009
Journal Article
Widespread sensory hypersensitivity is not a feature of chronic headache in elders
Uthaikhup, S., Sterling, M. and Jull, G. (2009). Widespread sensory hypersensitivity is not a feature of chronic headache in elders. Clinical Journal of Pain, 25 (8), 699-704. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e3181a38f88
2009
Journal Article
Psychological, cognitive and quality of life features in the elderly with chronic headache
Uthaikhup, S., Sterling, M. and Jull, G. (2009). Psychological, cognitive and quality of life features in the elderly with chronic headache. Gerontology, 55 (6), 683-693. doi: 10.1159/000235655
2009
Journal Article
The clinical presentation of chronic whiplash and the relationship to findings of MRI fatty infiltrates in the cervical extensor musculature: a preliminary investigation
Elliott, J., Sterling, M., Noteboom, J. T., Treleaven, J., Galloway, G. and Jull, G. (2009). The clinical presentation of chronic whiplash and the relationship to findings of MRI fatty infiltrates in the cervical extensor musculature: a preliminary investigation. European Spine Journal, 18 (9), 1371-1378. doi: 10.1007/s00586-009-1130-6
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Michele Sterling is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Neurological factors underlying chronic pain after road traffic injury
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Scott Farrell
-
Doctor Philosophy
Early biopsychosocial intervention for people experiencing traumatic injuries
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Shaun O'Leary, Dr Nigel Armfield
-
Doctor Philosophy
Multidimensional recovery after road traffic injury.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nigel Armfield
-
Doctor Philosophy
Psychologically informed physiotherapy for chronic pain after trauma.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Rachel Elphinston
-
Doctor Philosophy
Early interventions to prevent chronic pain after road traffic injury
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Scott Farrell
-
Doctor Philosophy
Quantifying the public health burden of road traffic injury.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nigel Armfield
-
Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing engagement in digital psychological interventions for patients with chronic non-cancer pain
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Rachel Elphinston
Completed supervision
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
The Effectiveness and Nature of Psychological Interventions Delivered by Physiotherapists for Musculoskeletal Conditions
Principal Advisor
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Whiplash Associated Disorders: A Prospective Investigation of the Effects of Cervical Medial Branch Radiofrequency Neurotomy on Sensory, Motor and Psychological Features
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Gwendolen Jull
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Whiplash-associated disorders: a cross-cultural comparison between Australia and Singapore
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino
-
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
Somatosensory disturbances following whiplash injury: Relationship with signs and symptoms in both acute and chronic whiplash associated disorders (WAD)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Gwendolen Jull
-
2018
Master Philosophy
Are mechanical pain thresholds useful in defining symptoms of advanced knee osteoarthritis and predicting patient satisfaction following total knee replacement?
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Shaun O'Leary
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
Towards a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying lateral epicondylalgia and its management
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino
-
2011
Doctor Philosophy
An Investigation of the Relationship between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Chronic Pain due to Whiplash Injury.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Justin Kenardy
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
Headache in the elderly: cervical musculoskeletal, sensory and psychological features
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Gwendolen Jull
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Michele Sterling directly for media enquiries about:
- musculoskeletal pain
- phyiotherapy
- road traffic injury
- whiplash injury
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