Research Team: Dr Tina Souvlis, Dr Michele Sterling, Dr Lorimer Moseley, Dr Michel Coppieters, Venerina Johnston, Ali Alshami, Cynan Lewis, Susan Salisbury

Collaborations:
Prof Maria-Adele Giamberardino – Gabrielle D’Annunzio University - Chieti, Italy
Dr Greg Harper – CSIRO
Dr Peter Cabot – School of Pharmacy – University of Queensland
Assoc Prof Justin Kenardy – School of Psychology - University of Queensland
Dr John Quintner – Rheumatologist – Wylie Arthritis Centre, Shenton Park, Perth
Dr Irene Tracey – Centre for fMRI of the Brain, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
Dr Claudine Lamoth – Free University Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The main research focus of the Pain Sciences Research Unit is to investigate the mechanisms involved in the development of various musculoskeletal pain states. The team has a special interest in the mechanisms involved in the transition from acute to chronic pain. A number of models including experimental pain models, animal models and clinical pain states are utilized to investigate the sensory and motor effects of pain on impairment and function. The aim of the research unit is to achieve a greater understanding of the mechanisms involved in musculoskeletal pain in order to develop improved management strategies for pain and its sequelae.

Current research projects:

»	Investigations of mechanisms of chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions using quantitative sensory testing
»	Investigation of mechanisms of physiotherapeutic interventions for chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions
»	Genetic influences in the development of chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions
»	Investigations of the mechanisms in the transition from acute to chronic pain using quantitative sensory testing, measures of motor and psychosocial function
»	Investigations of the mechanisms in the transition from acute to chronic pain using quantitative sensory testing, measures of motor and psychosocial function
»	Investigation of neuropathic components of musculoskeletal pain conditions
»	Use of animal models to investigate pain characteristics and intervention strategies
»	Incidence and characteristics of neck and upper limb pain in the workforce
»	Development and treatment of trigger points in musculoskeletal pain states
»	Use of experimental pain models to investigate the influence of pain on sensorimotor function in the cervical spine and upper limb
»	Development of upper limb pain following spinal injury
»	Mechanisms, prevention and management of Complex regional pain syndrome (1)
»	Functional MRI of the Brain in pain disorders
»	Presenting pain physiology information to patients in healthy subjects.