Dr Lucy Thomas
Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
+61 7 336 51644
Researcher biography
Lucy Thomas is a Senior Lecturer and researcher in the Discipline of Physiotherapy at the University of Queensland. She is also a registered practicing Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with postgraduate qualifications (Grad Dip App Sc (Manipulative Physiotherapy) from the University of Sydney and holds an honorary physiotherapy position at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.
Particular research interests include:
- The safety of manual treatment of the neck and recognition of red flag conditions in patients presenting with headache and neck pain.
- Evaluation of the role of the neck in disorders such as headache and dizziness.
- Validating simple screening tools for the cervical region for use in clinical practice.
- Optimising the management of cervical spine disorders.
Lucy completed her Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Newcastle in 2013, with thesis entitled ' Minimising risk factors for cervical spine manipulation'. She holds a Master of Medical Science from the University of Newcastle 'Validity of the Doppler velocimeter as a pre-manipulative screening tool for vertebral artery flow'. Her doctoral research focussed on investigating risk factors and clinical presentation of patients presenting with craniocervical arterial dissection, as well as examining blood flow changes in the cervical arteries with head movement.
Lucy has been an invited speaker at international and national conferences and invited to deliver webinars, lectures and workshops both nationally and internationally to present her research findings in the areas of safe practice, evaluation and management of the cervical spine. She has published her research in peer reviewed journals and contributed chapters to two textbooks on cervical spine management. She teaches extensively into the undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy programs and supervises several doctoral students.
Journal Articles
Leung, Bryden, Treleaven, Julia, Dinsdale, Alana, Marsh, Linda and Thomas, Lucy (2024). 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
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. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.103166
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
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
Thomas, Lucy Caroline, Holliday, Elizabeth, Attia, John R. and Levi, Christopher (2023). Development of a diagnostic support tool for predicting cervical arterial dissection in primary care. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, 32 (2), 173-181. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2023.2250164
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
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
Treleaven, Julia, Thomas, Lucy, Jull, Gwendolen and Liang, Zhiqi (2023). Letter to the Editor. Clinical Rehabilitation, 37 (12), 026921552311807-1718. doi: 10.1177/02692155231180718
Dinsdale, Alana, Thomas, Lucy, Forbes, Roma and Treleaven, Julia (2023). Do intra-articular temporomandibular disorders show an association between physical bite function, self-perceived bite limitation and kinesiophobia? A case-control study. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, 65 102756, 1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2023.102756
Xie, Yanfei, Thomas, Lucy, Johnston, Venerina and Coombes, Brooke K. (2023). Cervical and axioscapular muscle stiffness measured with shear wave elastography: a comparison between different levels of work-related neck disability. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 69 102754, 1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2023.102754
Russek, Leslie N., Block, Nancy P., Byrne, Elaine, Chalela, Susan, Chan, Cliffton, Comerford, Mark, Frost, Nicole, Hennessy, Sharon, McCarthy, Ann, Nicholson, Leslie L., Parry, Jason, Simmonds, Jane, Stott, Patricia J., Thomas, Lucy, Treleaven, Julia, Wagner, Wendy and Hakim, Alan (2023). Presentation and physical therapy management of upper cervical instability in patients with symptomatic generalized joint hypermobility: International expert consensus recommendations. Frontiers in Medicine, 9 1072764, 1-15. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1072764
Cummins, Damien, Rivett, Darren A., Thomas, Lucy C. and Osmotherly, Peter G. (2023). Reproduction and resolution of familiar head pain with upper cervical spine sustained joint mobilization may help identify cervicogenic headaches: a case–control study. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, 31 (3), 198-205. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2022.2099181
Hammerle, Matt H., Thomas, Lucy C., Swan, Alicia A., Lu, Lisa H. and Treleaven, Julia M. (2022). Sub-occipital muscle pressure pain thresholds correlate to direction of symptomatic active comfortable sustained neck rotation testing in post-concussive headache: a retrospective observational cross-sectional study. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, 31 (2), 1-6. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2022.2122370
Hammerle, Matt H., Lu, Lisa H., Thomas, Lucy C., Swan, Alicia A., Hoppes, Carrie W., Nelson, Jeremy T. and Treleaven, Julia M. (2022). Possible autonomic or cranial nerve symptoms triggered during sustained neck rotation in persistent headache post-concussion: a retrospective observational cross-sectional study. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 31 (2), 1-11. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2022.2085850
Xie, Yanfei, Coombes, Brooke K., Thomas, Lucy and Johnston, Venerina (2022). Time course and risk profile of work-related neck disability: a longitudinal latent class growth analysis. Physical Therapy, 102 (6) pzac050, 1-9. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzac050
Liang, Zhiqi, Thomas, Lucy, Jull, Gwendolen and Treleaven, Julia (2022). The temporal behaviour of migraine related neck pain does not inform on the origin of neck pain: an observational study. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 58 102522, 102522. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102522
Liang, Zhiqi, Thomas, Lucy, Jull, Gwendolen and Treleaven, Julia (2022). The Neck Disability Index reflects allodynia and headache disability but not cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction in migraine. Physical Therapy, 102 (5) pzac027. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzac027
Thomas, Lucy C., Seth, Trent, Der, Andrew, Ho, Ken, Eide, Lene, Roenaas, Stine and Treleaven, Julia (2022). Improving the recognition of cervical arterial dissection in clinical practice: investigation of a five criteria diagnostic support tool. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 39 (6), 1-8. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2022.2035033
Liang, Zhiqi, Thomas, Lucy, Jull, Gwendolen and Treleaven, Julia (2021). Cervical musculoskeletal impairments in migraine. Archives of Physiotherapy, 11 (1) 27, 27. doi: 10.1186/s40945-021-00123-0
Dinsdale, Alana, Forbes, Roma, Thomas, Lucy and Treleaven, Julia (2021). The management experiences, needs and preferences of individuals seeking care for persistent intra‐articular temporomandibular disorders: a qualitative study. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 49 (1), 10-21. doi: 10.1111/joor.13267
Dinsdale, Alana, Forbes, Roma, Thomas, Lucy and Treleaven, Julia (2021). “What if it doesn't unlock?”: a qualitative study into the lived experiences of adults with persistent intra-articular temporomandibular disorders. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 54 102401, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102401
Liang, Zhiqi, Thomas, Lucy, Jull, Gwendolen, Minto, Joanne, Zareie, Hossein and Treleaven, Julia (2021). Neck pain associated with migraine does not necessarily reflect cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 61 (6), 882-894. doi: 10.1111/head.14136
Dinsdale, Alana, Liang, Zhiqi, Thomas, Lucy and Treleaven, Julia (2021). Is jaw muscle activity impaired in adults with persistent temporomandibular disorders? A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 48 (4), 487-516. doi: 10.1111/joor.13139
Xie, Yanfei, Thomas, Lucy, Barbero, Marco, Falla, Deborah, Johnston, Venerina and Coombes, Brooke K. (2021). Heightened pain facilitation rather than impaired pain inhibition distinguishes those with moderate/severe disability in work-related neck pain. Pain, Publish Ahead of Print (8), 2225-2236. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002213
Xie, Yanfei, Jun, Deokhoon, Thomas, Lucy, Coombes, Brooke and Johnston, Venerina (2020). Comparing central pain processing in individuals with non-traumatic neck pain and healthy individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Pain, 21 (11-12), 1101-1124. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2020.02.007
Dinsdale, Alana, Liang, Zhiqi, Thomas, Lucy and Treleaven, Julia (2020). Are jaw range of motion, muscle function and proprioception impaired in adults with persistent temporomandibular disorders? A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 47 (11), 1448-1478. doi: 10.1111/joor.13090
Alhusuny, Ameer, Cook, Margaret, Khalil, Akram, Thomas, Lucy and Johnston, Venerina (2020). Characteristics of headaches among surgeons and associated factors: A cross-sectional study. The Surgeon, 19 (5), e79-e87. doi: 10.1016/j.surge.2020.07.012
Xie, Yanfei, Coombes, Brooke K., Thomas, Lucy and Johnston, Venerina (2020). Musculoskeletal pain and disability in sonographers: more than an ergonomic issue. Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography, 33 (12), 1526-1527. doi: 10.1016/j.echo.2020.07.005
Thomas, Lucy and Treleaven, Julia (2020). Should we abandon positional testing for vertebrobasilar insufficiency?. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 46 102095, 102095. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2019.102095
Thomas, Lucy C. and Treleaven, Julia (2020). Response to the letter to the editor regarding the continued use of the “vertebrobasilar insufficiency” test. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 45 102101, 102101. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2019.102101
Avijgan, Mahtab, Thomas, Lucy C., Osmotherly, Peter G. and Bolton, Philip S. (2020). A systematic review of the diagnostic criteria used to select participants in randomised controlled trials of interventions used to treat cervicogenic headache. Headache, 60 (1) head.13719, 15-27. doi: 10.1111/head.13719
Thomas, Lucy Caroline, Chan, Kalos and Durbridge, Gail (2019). Changes in internal carotid and vertebral arterial wall stiffness with head movement can be detected with shear wave elastography. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 28 (2), 1-8. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2019.1686210
Xie, Yanfei, Thomas, Lucy, Hug, François, Johnston, Venerina and Coombes, Brooke K. (2019). Quantifying cervical and axioscapular muscle stiffness using shear wave elastography. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 48, 94-102. doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2019.06.009
Liang, Zhiqi, Galea, Olivia, Thomas, Lucy, Jull, Gwendolen and Treleaven, Julia (2019). Cervical musculoskeletal impairments in migraine and tension type headache: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 42, 67-83. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2019.04.007
Thomas, Lucy, Allen, Michelle, Shirley, Debra and Rivett, Darren (2019). Australian musculoskeletal physiotherapist's perceptions, attitudes and opinions towards pre-manipulative screening of the cervical spine prior to manual therapy: report from the focus groups. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 39, 123-129. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2018.12.005
Thomas, Lucy, Low, Juanita, Chan, Kalos and Durbridge, Gail (2018). Shear wave elastography of the cervical arteries: a novel approach to the assessment of cervical arterial wall stiffness. An investigation of psychometric properties and intra-rater reliability. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 40, 96-100. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2018.09.008
Daly, Laura, Giffard, Phoebe, Thomas, Lucy and Treleaven, Julia (2017). Validity of clinical measures of smooth pursuit eye movement control in patients with idiopathic neck pain. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, 33, 18-23. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.10.007
Thomas, Lucy C., Makaroff, Andrew P., Oldmeadow, Chris, Attia, John R. and Levi, Christopher R. (2017). Seasonal variation in cervical artery dissection in the Hunter New England region, New South Wales, Australia: a retrospective cohort study. Manual Therapy, 27, 106-111. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2016.10.007
Thomas, Lucy C., Hall, Lesley Ann, Attia, John R., Holliday, Elizabeth G., Markus, Hugh S. and Levi, Christopher R. (2016). Seasonal variation in spontaneous cervical artery dissection: comparing between UK and Australian sites. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 26 (1), 177-185. doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2016.09.006
Thomas, Lucy C. (2015). Cervical arterial dissection: an overview and implications for manipulative therapy practice. Manual Therapy, 21, 2-9. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2015.07.008
Thomas, Lucy C., McLeod, Lucy R., Osmotherly, Peter G. and Rivett, Darren A. (2015). The effect of end-range cervical rotation on vertebral and internal carotid arterial blood flow and cerebral inflow: a sub analysis of an MRI study. Manual Therapy, 20 (3), 475-480. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2014.11.012
Thomas, Lucy C., Rivett, Darren A., Attia, John R. and Levi, Christopher (2015). Risk factors and clinical presentation of cervical arterial dissection: preliminary results of a prospective case-control study. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 45 (7), 503-511. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2015.5877
Thomas, Lucy Caroline, Rivett, Darren A., Parsons, Mark and Levi, Christopher (2014). Risk factors, radiological features, and infarct topography of craniocervical arterial dissection. International Journal of Stroke, 9 (8), 1073-1082. doi: 10.1111/j.1747-4949.2012.00912.x
Thomas L.C., Rivett D.A., Bateman G., Stanwell P. and Levi C.R. (2013). Effect of selected manual therapy interventions for mechanical neck pain on vertebral and internal carotid arterial blood flow and cerebral inflow. Physical Therapy, 93 (11), 1563-1574. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20120477
Thomas, Lucy C., Rivett, Darren A., Attia, John R. and Levi, Christopher R. (2012). Risk factors and clinical presentation of craniocervical arterial dissection: A prospective study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 13 (Article 164) 164, 503-511. doi: 10.1186/1471-2474-13-164
Thomas, Lucy C., Rivett, Darren A., Attia, John R., Parsons, Mark and Levi, Christopher (2011). Risk factors and clinical features of craniocervical arterial dissection. Manual Therapy, 16 (4), 351-356. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2010.12.008
Thomas, Lucy C., Rivett, Darren A. and Bolton, Philip S. (2009). Comments in response to letter to the editor by Karl et al. Manual Therapy 2009;14(6):e17. Manual Therapy, 14 (6), e18. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2009.07.006
Thomas, Lucy C., Rivett, Darren A. and Bolton, Philip S. (2009). Comments in response to letter to the editor. Manual Therapy, 14 (5), e7-e8. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2009.04.005
Thomas, Lucy C., Rivett, Darren A. and Bolton, Philip S. (2009). Validity of the Doppler velocimeter in examination of vertebral artery blood flow and its use in pre-manipulative screening of the neck. Manual Therapy, 14 (5), 544-549. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2008.08.007
Thomas, Lucy C., Rivett, Darren A. and Bolton, Philip S. (2008). Comments in response to letters to editor regarding article: Thomas LC, et al. Premanipulative testing and the velocimeter. Manual Therapy (2007) doi:10.1016/j.math.2006.11.003. Manual Therapy, 13 (1), e5-e6. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2007.09.010
Thomas, Lucy C., Rivett, Darren A. and Bolton, Philip S. (2008). Pre-manipulative testing and the use of the velocimeter. Manual Therapy, 13 (1), 29-36. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2006.11.003
Conference Papers
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dinsdale, Alana, Forbes, Roma, Thomas, Lucy and Treleaven, Julia (2021). “What if it doesn't unlock?”: a qualitative study into the lived experiences of adults with persistent intra-articular temporomandibular disorders. UQ Postgraduate Research Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 2 December 2021.
Dinsdale, Alana, Forbes, Roma, Thomas, Lucy and Treleaven, Julia (2021). Management experiences, needs and preferences of adults with persistent intra-articular temporomandibular disorders. UQ Postgraduate Research Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 2 December 2021.
Dinsdale, Alana, Liang, Zhiqi, Thomas, Lucy and Treleaven, Julia (2020). Are jaw range of motion, muscle function and proprioception impaired in adults with persistent temporomandibular disorders?. UQ Postgraduate Research Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 4 December 2020.
Dinsdale, Alana, Liang, Zhiqi, Thomas, Lucy and Treleaven, Julia (2020). Is jaw muscle activity impaired in adults with persistent temporomandibular disorders?. UQ Postgraduate Research Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 4 December 2020.
Thomas, L. H., Rivett, D., Parsons, M. W. and Levi, C. R. (2012). Radiological features of craniocervical arterial dissection and topography of the resultant infarct: Relation with risk factors. Stroke 2012 Conference, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 29 -31 August 2012. Richmond, VIC Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/j.1747-4930.2012.00907.x
Data Collection
Xie, Yanfei, Johnston, Venerina, Thomas, Lucy and Coombes, Brooke (2023). Data of time course and risk profile of work-related neck disability. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/67e0858