Stephen May
Reader In Physiotherapy
Summary
Stephen May worked for many years as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist in the NHS, and in 2002 became a Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at Sheffield Hallam University, UK. He has authored numerous books, book chapters, and scientific articles. He was awarded a Fellowship from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (UK) in 2006, and attained a PhD, 'Development of Aspects of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy', in 2008. He became a Reader in Physiotherapy in 2013.
About
Stephen May is currently a Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at Sheffield Hallam University. A respected and extensively published practioner, Stephen is a Fellow of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists. He joined Sheffield Hallam in 2002 with 12 years clinical experience gained working as a physiotherapist with Chesterfield PCT. Whilst there he helped expand the physiotherapy service into primary care, introduced evidence-based guidelines and routine use of outcome measures, created an orthopaedic screening service and conducted audit and research.
Stephen later specialised in the McKenzie approach of mechanical diagnosis and therapy, and continues his involvement with McKenzie Institute International. He also co-authored Robin McKenzie's textbooks on this approach to musculoskeletal problems.
His current research is focussed on aspects of musculoskeletal physiotherapy, especially relating to mechanical diagnosis and therapy. In particular, Stephen's current work includes reliability studies on the use of mechanical diagnosis and therapy in extremity musculoskeletal problems.
Stephen is particularly interested in supporting students' transition into post-graduate study, encouraging students to gain the most from their studies, in preparation for their future careers saying 'it has been great to see students progressing through the MSc and then supervising their dissertations when they put all they learnt into practice in real world settings.'
Specialist areas of interest
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy
Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy
Research methodologies
Patient perspectives
Teaching
College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy
Research methodologies
Research
The reliability of physical examination procedures used in the physical examination of the knee.
The reliability of the Shoulder Symptom Modification procedure.
Cervical (neck pain) patients seen in private clinics in Italy.
Publications
Journal articles
Mastromarchi, P., Mclean, S., Ali, N., & May, S. (2023). Effects of matched vs. unmatched physical therapy interventions on pain or disability in patients with neck pain - a systematic review and meta-analysis. Physiotherapy theory and practice. http://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2023.2285892
Runge, N., Aina, A., & May, S. (2023). Response to the Letter to the Editor-in-Chief Regarding the Paper "The Benefits of Adding Manual Therapy to Exercise Therapy for Improving Pain and Function in Patients with Knee or Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis". The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 53 (1), 50-51. http://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2023.0201-r
Runge, N., Aina, A., & May, S. (2022). The Benefits of Adding Manual Therapy to Exercise Therapy for Improving Pain and Function in Patients With Knee or Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 52 (10), 675-A13. http://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2022.11062
May, S., & Aina, A. (2022). Letter to the editor. Musculoskeletal science & practice, 59, 102459. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102459
Mastromarchi, P., & May, S. (2021). First rib dysfunction in patients with neck and shoulder pain: a Delphi investigation. The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy, 29 (3), 181-188. http://doi.org/10.1080/10669817.2020.1824470
Supp, G., Schoch, W., Baumstark, M.W., & May, S. (2020). Do patients with low back pain remember physiotherapists' advice? A mixed-methods study on patient-therapist communication. Physiotherapy research international : the journal for researchers and clinicians in physical therapy, 25 (4), e1868. http://doi.org/10.1002/pri.1868
Knight Lozano, R., May, S., Clarkson, C., & Sarjeant, R. (2020). Caregiver experiences of paediatric inpatient cardiac services: A qualitative systematic review. European journal of cardiovascular nursing : journal of the Working Group on Cardiovascular Nursing of the European Society of Cardiology, 1474515120951974. http://doi.org/10.1177/1474515120951974
Hughes, C., & May, S. (2020). A directional preference approach for chronic pelvic pain, bladder dysfunction and concurrent musculoskeletal symptoms: a case series. The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy, 28 (3), 170-180. http://doi.org/10.1080/10669817.2019.1668994
Runge, N., Aina, A., & May, S. (2020). Are within and/or between session improvements in pain and function prognostic of medium and long-term improvements in musculoskeletal problems? A systematic review. Musculoskeletal science & practice, 45, 102102. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2019.102102
May, S., & Rosedale, R. (2019). An international survey of the comprehensiveness of the McKenzie classification system and the proportions of classifications and directional preferences in patients with spinal pain. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 39, 10-15. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2018.06.006
May, S., Runge, N., & Aina, A. (2018). Centralization and directional preference: an updated systematic review with synthesis of previous evidence. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 38, 53-62. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2018.09.006
Takasaki, H., & May, S. (2018). Are improvements in symptoms associated with changes in lumbopelvic posture in patients with posterior derangement using Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy? Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. http://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-181263
Takasaki, H., Aoki, S., & May, S. (2018). No increase in 6-week treatment effect of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy with the use of the LUMBOback in people with non-acute non-specific low back pain and a directional preference of extension: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Physiotherapy, 104 (3), 347-353. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2018.06.001
Luetchford, S., Declich, M., Tavella, R., Zaninelli, D., & May, S. (2018). Diagnosis of cervical and thoracic musculoskeletal spinal pain receptive to mechanical movement strategies: a multicenter observational study. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 26 (5), 292-300. http://doi.org/10.1080/10669817.2018.1505328
Meakins, A., May, S., & Littlewood, C. (2018). Reliability of the shoulder symptom modification procedure and association of within-session and between-session changes with functional outcomes. BMJ open sport & exercise medicine, 4 (1), e000342. http://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000342
Takasaki, H., & May, S. (2018). Concerns related to the accurate identification ofanterior derangement syndrome in mechanicaldiagnosis and therapy for low back pain: A casereport. Physiotherapy Theory & Practice, 1-9. http://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2018.1488906
Mclean, S., Charlesworth, L., May, S., & Pollard, N. (2018). Healthcare students’ perceptions about their role, confidence and competence to deliver brief public health interventions and advice. BMC Medical Education, 18 (114). http://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-018-1224-0
Ali, N., Grafton, K., & May, S. (2018). Systematic review of grounded theory studies in physiotherapy. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. http://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2018.1474403
Okwera, A., & May, S. (2018). Views of general practitioners toward physiotherapy management of osteoarthritis—a qualitative study. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. http://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2018.1459987
Dobbs, R., May, S., & Hope, P. (2016). The validity of a clinical test for the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis. Manual therapy, 25, 27-34. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2016.05.332
Maccio, J.R., Fink, S., Yarznbowicz, R., & May, S. (2016). The application of mechanical diagnosis and therapy in lateral epicondylalgia. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, 24 (3), 158-165. http://doi.org/10.1080/10669817.2015.1110303
Ali, N., & May, S. (2015). A qualitative study into Egyptian patients' satisfaction with physiotherapy management of low back pain. Physiotherapy research international, 22 (2). http://doi.org/10.1002/pri.1647
Al-Enezi, L., & May, S. (2015). Why do physiotherapists do what they do? A study of Kuwaiti physiotherapists. Physiotherapy Research International, 22 (1). http://doi.org/10.1002/pri.1640
Littlewood, C., Bateman, M., Brown, K., Bury, J., Mawson, S., May, S., & Walters, S. (2015). A self-managed single exercise programme versus usual physiotherapy treatment for rotator cuff tendinopathy: a randomised controlled trial (the SELF study). Clinical Rehabilitation, 30 (7), 686-696. http://doi.org/10.1177/0269215515593784
Takasaki, H., Iwasada, Y., & May, S. (2015). Attitude towards the use of mechanical diagnosis and therapy and reliability of classification extremity problems by credentialed therapists. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 14 (1), 32-38. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2014.12.002
Littlewood, C., Walters, S., Mawson, S., & May, S. (2015). Understanding the barriers and enablers to implementation of a self-managed exercise intervention: a qualitative study. Physiotherapy, 101 (3), 279-285. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2015.01.001
Parr, S., & May, S. (2014). Do musculoskeletal physiotherapists believe the NICE guidelines for the management of non-specific LBP are practical and relevant to their practice? : a cross sectional survey. Physiotherapy, 100 (3), 235-241. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2013.09.004
Burn, D., May, S., & Edwards, L. (2014). General Practitioners' views about an orthopaedic clinical assessment service. Physiotherapy Research International, 19 (3), 176-185. http://doi.org/10.1002/pri.1581
Smith, B.E., Littlewood, C., & May, S. (2014). An update of stabilisation exercises for low back pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 15, 416. http://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-15-416
Oppong-Yeboah, B., & May, S. (2014). Management of low back pain in Ghana : a survey of self-reported practice. Physiotherapy Research International, 19 (4), 222-230. http://doi.org/10.1002/pri.1586
Takasaki, H., & May, S. (2014). Mechanical diagnosis and therapy has similar effects on pain and disability as ‘wait and see’ and other approaches in people with neck pain: a systematic review. Journal of Physiotherapy, 60 (2), 78-84. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2014.05.006
Littlewood, C., Malliaras, P., Mawson, S., May, S., & Walters, S.J. (2014). Self-managed loaded exercise versus usual physiotherapy treatment for rotator cuff tendinopathy: a pilot randomised controlled trial. Physiotherapy, 100 (1), 54-60. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2013.06.001
Littlewood, C., Malliaras, P., Mawson, S., May, S., & Walters, S. (2014). Patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy can successfully self-manage, but with certain caveats: a qualitative study. Physiotherapy, 100 (1), 80-85. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2013.08.003
Rosedale, R., Rastogi, R., May, S., Chesworth, B.M., Filice, F., Willis, S., ... Robbins, S.M. (2014). Efficacy of exercise intervention as determined by the McKenzie system of mechanical diagnosis and therapy for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 44 (3), 173-A6. http://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2014.4791
May, S., & Comer, C. (2013). Is surgery more effective than non-surgical treatment for spinal stenosis and which non-surgical treatment is more effective? a systematic review. Physiotherapy, 99 (1), 12-20. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2011.12.004
Nováková, E., May, S., Říha, M., & Král, P. (2013). Exercise according to directional preference exercise of stabilization recise in patients with chronic low back pain: A randomized, controlled trial study design. Rehabilitace a Fyzikalni Lekarstvi, 20 (2), 51-57.
Littlewood, C., Malliaras, P., Mawson, S., May, S., & Walters, S. (2013). Development of a self-managed loaded exercise programme for rotator cuff tendinopathy. Physiotherapy, 99 (4), 358-362. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2012.12.002
Spanos, G., Zounis, M., Natsika, M., & May, S. (2013). The application of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy and changes on MRI findings in a patient with cervical radiculopathy. Manual therapy, 18 (6), 606-610. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2012.09.011
Littlewood, C., Malliaras, P., Bateman, M., Stace, R., May, S., & Walters, S. (2013). The central nervous system--an additional consideration in 'rotator cuff tendinopathy' and a potential basis for understanding response to loaded therapeutic exercise. Manual therapy, 18 (6), 468-472. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2013.07.005
Littlewood, C., May, S., & Walters, S. (2013). Epidemiology of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review. Shoulder & Elbow, 5 (4), 256-265. http://doi.org/10.1111/sae.12028
Menon, A., & May, S. (2013). Shoulder pain: differential diagnosis with mechanical diagnosis and therapy extremity assessment - a case report. Manual therapy, 18 (4), 354-357. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2012.06.011
May, S. (2013). Obituary: Robin McKenzie 1931–2013. Manual Therapy, 18 (4), 272-273. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2013.05.012
Littlewood, C., May, S., & Walters, S. (2013). A Review of Systematic Reviews of the Effectiveness of Conservative Interventions for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy. Shoulder & Elbow, 5 (3), 151-167. http://doi.org/10.1111/sae.12009
Littlewood, C., Ahston, J., Scott, E., Mawson, S., May, S., & Walters, S. (2013). Developing the SELF study: A focus group with patients and the public. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 20 (4), 200-206. http://doi.org/10.12968/ijtr.2013.20.4.200
May, S., & Potia, T.A. (2013). An evaluation of cultural competency training on perceived patient adherence. European Journal of Physiotherapy, 15 (1), 2-10. http://doi.org/10.3109/14038196.2012.760647
Lynch, G., & May, S. (2013). Directional preference at the knee: a case report using mechanical diagnosis and therapy. The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy, 21 (1), 60-66. http://doi.org/10.1179/2042618612y.0000000019
May, S., & Aina, A. (2012). A centralization and directional preference : a systematic review. Manual Therapy, 17 (6), 497-506. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2012.05.003
May, S., & Rosedale, R. (2012). A survey of the McKenzie Classification System in the Extremities : prevalence of mechanical syndromes and preferred loading strategies. Physical Therapy, 92 (9), 1175-1186. http://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20110371
Alnahhal, A., & May, S. (2012). Validation of the Arabic version of the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale. Spine, 37 (26), E1645-E1650. http://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0b013e3182765a3f
Krog, C., & May, S. (2012). Derangement of the temporomandibular joint; a case study using Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy. Manual therapy, 17 (5), 483-486. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2011.12.002
May, S.J., & Rosedale, R. (2012). A survey of the McKenzie Classification System in the Extremities: prevalence of mechanical syndromes and preferred loading strategies. Physical therapy, 92 (9), 1175-1186. http://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20110371
Deore, M., & May, S. (2012). The inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of passive physiological accessory movement assessment of lumbar spine in novice manual therapists. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 16 (3), 289-293. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2011.12.006
Littlewood, C., Ashton, J., Chance-Larsen, K., May, S., & Sturrock, B. (2012). Exercise for rotator cuff tendinopathy : a systematic review. Physiotherapy, 98 (2), 101-109. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2011.08.002
Littlewood, C., Ashton, J., Mawson, S., May, S., & Walters, S. (2012). A mixed methods study to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a self-managed exercise programme versus usual physiotherapy for chronic rotator cuff disorders: protocol for the SELF study. BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 13, 62. http://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-13-62
May, S., Nanche, G., & Pingle, S. (2011). High frequency of McKenzie's posturalsyndrome in young population of non-care seeking individuals. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, 19 (1), 48-54. http://doi.org/10.1179/2042618610Y.0000000004
Littlewood, C., Ashton, J., Chance-Larsen, K., May, S., & Sturrock, B. (2011). The quality of reporting might not reflect the quality of the study: implications for undertaking and appraising a systematic review. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. http://doi.org/10.1179/2042618611Y.0000000013
May, S. (2010). Self-management of chronic low back pain and osteoarthritis. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 6 (4), 199-209. http://doi.org/10.1038/nrrheum.2010.26
Mclean, S., May, S., Klaber-Moffett, J., Sharp, D.M., & Gardiner, E. (2010). Risk factors for the onset of non-specific neck pain: a systematic review. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 64 (7), 565-572. http://doi.org/10.1136/jech.2009.090720
May, S., Chance-Larsen, K., Littlewood, C., Lomas, D., & Saad, M. (2010). Reliability of physical examination tests used in the assessment of patients with shoulder problems: a systematic review. Physiotherapy, 96 (3), 179-190. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2009.12.002
May, S., Withers, S., Reeve, S., & Greasley, A. (2010). Limited clinical reasoning skills used by novice physiotherapists when involved in the assessment and management of patients with shoulder problems: a qualitative study. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, 18 (2), 84-88. http://doi.org/10.1179/106698110X12640740712770
Fidvi, N., & May, S. (2010). Physiotherapy management of low back pain in India : a survey of self-reported practice. Physiotherapy research international, 15 (3), 150-159. http://doi.org/10.1002/pri.458
Takasaki, H., May, S., Fazey, P.J., & Hall, T. (2010). Nucleus pulposus deformation following application of mechanical diagnosis and therapy: a single case report with magnetic resonance imaging. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 18 (3), 153-158. http://doi.org/10.1179/106698110x12640740712455
Kaneko, S., Takasaki, H., & May, S. (2009). Application of mechanical diagnosis and therapy to a patient diagnosed with de Quervain's disease: a case study. Journal of Hand Therapy, 22 (3), 278-284. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jht.2009.03.002
Newsome, R.J., May, S., Chiverton, N., & Cole, A.A. (2009). A prospective, randomised trial of immediate exercise following lumbar microdiscectomy: a preliminary study. Physiotherapy, 95 (4), 273-279. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2009.06.004
Reeve, S., & May, S. (2009). Exploration of patients' perspectives of quality within an extended scope physiotherapists' spinal screening service. Physiotherapy Theory & Practice, 25 (8), 533-543. http://doi.org/10.3109/09593980802664869
May, S., & Ross, J. (2009). The McKenzie classification system in the extremities: a reliability study using McKenzie assessment forms and experienced clinicians. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 32 (7), 556-563. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2009.08.007
Cook, C., Brismée, J.-.M., Courtney, C., Hancock, M., & May, S. (2009). Clinimetrics Corner: Publishing a Scientific Manuscript on Manual Therapy. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 17 (3), 141-147. http://doi.org/10.1179/jmt.2009.17.3.141
May, S. (2009). Invited commentary. The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy, 17 (2), 124. http://doi.org/10.1179/106698109790824668
Long, A., & May, S. (2009). Did authors draw the right conclusion? The Australian journal of physiotherapy, 55 (3), 220. http://doi.org/10.1016/s0004-9514(09)70093-5
May, S. (2009). Interrater reliability of a new classification system for patients with neural low back-related leg pain and classification of low back-related leg pain: do subgroups differ in disability and psychosocial factors? Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, 17 (2), 124. http://doi.org/10.1179/106698109790824668
May, S., & Rosedale, R. (2009). Prescriptive Clinical Prediction Rules in Back Pain Research: A Systematic Review. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 17 (1), 36-45. http://doi.org/10.1179/106698109790818214
Long, A., May, S., & Fung, T. (2008). The Comparative Prognostic Value of Directional Preference and Centralization: A Useful Tool for Front-Line Clinicians? Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 16 (4), 248-254. http://doi.org/10.1179/106698108790818332
May, S., & Johnson, R. (2008). Stabilisation exercises for low back pain: a systematic review. Physiotherapy, 94 (3), 179-189. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2007.08.010
Hettinga, D.M., Hurley, D.A., Jackson, A., May, S., Mercer, C., & Roberts, L. (2008). Assessing the effect of sample size, methodological quality and statistical rigour on outcomes of randomised controlled trials on mobilisation, manipulation and massage for low back pain of at least 6 weeks duration. Physiotherapy, 94 (2), 97-104. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2007.10.008
May, S., & Donelson, R. (2008). Evidence-informed management of chronic low back pain with the McKenzie method. The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society, 8 (1), 134-141. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2007.10.017
May, S., Greasley, A., Reeve, S., & Withers, S. (2008). Expert therapists use specific clinical reasoning processes in the assessment and management of patients with shoulder pain: a qualitative study. The Australian journal of physiotherapy, 54 (4), 261-266. http://doi.org/10.1016/s0004-9514(08)70005-9
May, S., Gardiner, E., Young, S., & Klaber-Moffett, J. (2008). Predictor Variables for a Positive Long-Term Functional Outcome in Patients with Acute and Chronic Neck and Back Pain Treated with a McKenzie Approach: A Secondary Analysis. The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy, 16 (3), 155-160. http://doi.org/10.1179/jmt.2008.16.3.155
May, S. (2007). Patients' attitudes and beliefs about back pain and its management after physiotherapy for low back pain. Physiotherapy research international : the journal for researchers and clinicians in physical therapy, 12 (3), 126-135. http://doi.org/10.1002/pri.367
May, S., & Rosedale, R. (2007). A case of a potential manipulation responder whose back pain resolved with flexion exercises. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 30 (7), 539-542. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2007.07.010
McLean, S.M., May, S., Moffett, J.K., Sharp, D.M., & Gardiner, E. (2007). Prognostic factors for progressive non-specific neck pain: a systematic review. Physical Therapy Reviews, 12 (3), 207-220. http://doi.org/10.1179/108331907x222967
Hettinga, D.M., Jackson, A., Moffett, J.K., May, S., Mercer, C., & Woby, S.R. (2007). A systematic review and synthesis of higher quality evidence of the effectiveness of exercise interventions for non-specific low back pain of at least 6 weeks' duration. Physical Therapy Reviews, 12 (3), 221-232. http://doi.org/10.1179/108331907x222958
Littlewood, C., & May, S. (2007). Measurement of range of movement in the lumbar spine—what methods are valid? A systematic review. Physiotherapy, 93 (3), 201-211. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2006.10.006
Littlewood, C., & May, S. (2007). A contractile dysfunction of the shoulder. Manual therapy, 12 (1), 80-83. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2005.11.002
Klaber Moffett, J., Jackson, D.A., Gardiner, E.D., Torgerson, D.J., Coulton, S., Eaton, S., ... Young, S. (2006). Randomized trial of two physiotherapy interventions for primary care neck and back pain patients: 'McKenzie' vs brief physiotherapy pain management. RHEUMATOLOGY, 45 (12), 1514-1521. http://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/kel339
Moffett, J.K., Jackson, D.A., Gardiner, E.D., Torgerson, D.J., Coulton, S., Eaton, S., ... Young, S. (2006). Randomized trial of two physiotherapy interventions for primary care neck and back pain patients: 'McKenzie' vs brief physiotherapy pain management. Rheumatology (Oxford, England), 45 (12), 1514-1521. http://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/kel339
May, S. (2006). Classification by McKenzie mechanical syndromes: a survey of McKenzie-trained faculty. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 29 (8), 637-642. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2006.08.003
Womersley, L., & May, S. (2006). Sitting posture of subjects with postural backache. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 29 (3), 213-218. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2006.01.002
May, S., Littlewood, C., & Bishop, A. (2006). Reliability of procedures used in the physical examination of non-specific low back pain: a systematic review. The Australian journal of physiotherapy, 52 (2), 91-102. http://doi.org/10.1016/s0004-9514(06)70044-7
Supp, G., & May, S. (2006). Commentary on "A prospective trial of mechanical physiotherapy for lumbar disk prolapse" by D. Broetz et al. in J Neurol (2003) 250 : 746-749. Journal of neurology, 253 (1), 116-117. http://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-005-0903-z
Werneke, M., & May, S. (2005). The centralization phenomenon and fear-avoidance beliefs as prognostic factors for acute low back pain. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 35 (12), 844-845. http://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2005.0203
Skytte, L., May, S., & Petersen, P. (2005). Centralization: its prognostic value in patients with referred symptoms and sciatica. Spine, 30 (11), E293-E299. http://doi.org/10.1097/01.brs.0000164119.78463.0c
Aina, A., & May, S. (2005). A shoulder derangement. Manual therapy, 10 (2), 159-163. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2005.01.001
Rankin, G. (2005). What can be learnt from the BMJ back pain study and where do we go from here? Physiotherapy, 91 (1), 4-5. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2005.01.006
Aina, A., May, S., & Clare, H. (2004). The centralization phenomenon of spinal symptoms--a systematic review. Manual therapy, 9 (3), 134-143. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2004.03.004
May, S. (2003). An outcome audit for musculoskeletal patients in primary care. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 19 (4), 189-198. http://doi.org/10.1080/09593980390246724
Adams, M.A., May, S., Freeman, B.J., Morrison, H.P., & Dolan, P. (2000). Effects of backward bending on lumbar intervertebral discs. Relevance to physical therapy treatments for low back pain. Spine, 25 (4), 431-438. http://doi.org/10.1097/00007632-200002150-00007
Clare, H., & May, S. (n.d.). Mit der Zentralisation besser diagnostizieren und prognostizieren. manuelletherapie, 19 (01), 18-22. http://doi.org/10.1055/s-0035-1545384
Conference papers
Littlewood, C., Malliaras, P., May, S., & Walters, S. (2013). A model to explain pain associated with rotator cuff tendinopathy and a rationale for response to therapeutic exercise. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY, 94 (4), A8.
Book chapters
Clare, H., May, S., & Rivett, D.A. (2019). Cervical Radiculopathy With Neurological Deficit. In Clinical Reasoning in Musculoskeletal Practice. (pp. 373-384). Elsevier: http://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-7020-5976-6.00025-5
May, S. (2012). Chronic Low Back Pain. In Moore, R.J. (Ed.) Handbook of Pain and Palliative Care. Springer: http://www.springer.com/medicine/book/978-1-4419-1650-1
May, S., & Donelson, R. (2011). McKenzie Method. In Dagenais, S., & Haldeman, S. (Eds.) Evidence-based management of low back pain. (pp. 122-133). Missouri: Elsevier Mosby: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/bookdescription.cws_home/724427/description#description
May, S., & Donelson, R. (2011). Mechanical assessment of axial lumbosacral pain. In DePalma, M. (Ed.) iSpine : evidence-based interventional spine care. New York: Demosmedical: http://www.demosmedpub.com/prod.aspx?prod_id=9781933864716
Theses / Dissertations
Chettyar, S.S. (2018). Patient-Physiotherapist Relationships inSouth Indian Outpatient Settings:An Ethnographic Discourse Study. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by May, S. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00224
Adem, A. (2017). Exploring self-management of chronic low back pain in Saudi Arabia. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by May, S. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00014
Postgraduate supervision
Nancy Ali - A doctor or not - the conflict between physiotherapists and medical doctors in Egypt?
Ahmed Adem - self-management of low back pain in Saudi Arabia.
Soumya Chettyar - An observational study of patient-physiotherapist inter-action in India.
Chris Littlewood - management of rotator cuff problems at the shoulder