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 Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, 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 Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. 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
Ï㽶ÊÓƵ methodologies
Patient perspectives
Teaching
College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy
Ï㽶ÊÓƵ methodologies
Ï㽶ÊÓƵ
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). . Physiotherapy theory and practice.
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.
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.
May, S., & Aina, A. (2022). Letter to the editor. Musculoskeletal science & practice, 59, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
May, S., & Rosedale, R. (2019). . Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 39, 10-15.
May, S., Runge, N., & Aina, A. (2018). . Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 38, 53-62.
Takasaki, H., & May, S. (2018). Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
Takasaki, H., Aoki, S., & May, S. (2018). . Physiotherapy, 104 (3), 347-353.
Luetchford, S., Declich, M., Tavella, R., Zaninelli, D., & May, S. (2018). . Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 26 (5), 292-300.
Meakins, A., May, S., & Littlewood, C. (2018). . BMJ open sport & exercise medicine, 4 (1), e000342.
Takasaki, H., & May, S. (2018). . Physiotherapy Theory & Practice, 1-9.
Mclean, S., Charlesworth, L., May, S., & Pollard, N. (2018). . BMC Medical Education, 18 (114).
Ali, N., Grafton, K., & May, S. (2018). . Physiotherapy Theory and Practice.
Okwera, A., & May, S. (2018). . Physiotherapy Theory and Practice.
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.
Maccio, J.R., Fink, S., Yarznbowicz, R., & May, S. (2016). . Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, 24 (3), 158-165.
Ali, N., & May, S. (2015). . Physiotherapy research international, 22 (2).
Al-Enezi, L., & May, S. (2015). . Physiotherapy Ï㽶ÊÓƵ International, 22 (1).
Littlewood, C., Bateman, M., Brown, K., Bury, J., Mawson, S., May, S., & Walters, S. (2015). . Clinical Rehabilitation, 30 (7), 686-696.
Takasaki, H., Iwasada, Y., & May, S. (2015). . Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 14 (1), 32-38.
Littlewood, C., Walters, S., Mawson, S., & May, S. (2015). . Physiotherapy, 101 (3), 279-285.
Parr, S., & May, S. (2014). . Physiotherapy, 100 (3), 235-241.
Burn, D., May, S., & Edwards, L. (2014). . Physiotherapy Ï㽶ÊÓƵ International, 19 (3), 176-185.
Smith, B.E., Littlewood, C., & May, S. (2014). . BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 15, 416.
Oppong-Yeboah, B., & May, S. (2014). . Physiotherapy Ï㽶ÊÓƵ International, 19 (4), 222-230.
Takasaki, H., & May, S. (2014). . Journal of Physiotherapy, 60 (2), 78-84.
Littlewood, C., Malliaras, P., Mawson, S., May, S., & Walters, S.J. (2014). . Physiotherapy, 100 (1), 54-60.
Littlewood, C., Malliaras, P., Mawson, S., May, S., & Walters, S. (2014). . Physiotherapy, 100 (1), 80-85.
Rosedale, R., Rastogi, R., May, S., Chesworth, B.M., Filice, F., Willis, S., ... Robbins, S.M. (2014). . Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 44 (3), 173-A6.
May, S., & Comer, C. (2013). . Physiotherapy, 99 (1), 12-20.
Nováková, E., May, S., ŘÃha, 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.
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.
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.
Littlewood, C., May, S., & Walters, S. (2013). Epidemiology of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review. Shoulder & Elbow, 5 (4), 256-265.
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.
May, S. (2013). Obituary: Robin McKenzie 1931–2013. Manual Therapy, 18 (4), 272-273.
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.
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.
May, S., & Potia, T.A. (2013). An evaluation of cultural competency training on perceived patient adherence. European Journal of Physiotherapy, 15 (1), 2-10.
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.
May, S., & Aina, A. (2012). . Manual Therapy, 17 (6), 497-506.
May, S., & Rosedale, R. (2012). . Physical Therapy, 92 (9), 1175-1186.
Alnahhal, A., & May, S. (2012). . Spine, 37 (26), E1645-E1650.
Krog, C., & May, S. (2012). Derangement of the temporomandibular joint; a case study using Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy. Manual therapy, 17 (5), 483-486.
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.
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.
Littlewood, C., Ashton, J., Chance-Larsen, K., May, S., & Sturrock, B. (2012). . Physiotherapy, 98 (2), 101-109.
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.
May, S., Nanche, G., & Pingle, S. (2011). . Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, 19 (1), 48-54.
Littlewood, C., Ashton, J., Chance-Larsen, K., May, S., & Sturrock, B. (2011). . Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy.
May, S. (2010). . Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 6 (4), 199-209.
Mclean, S., May, S., Klaber-Moffett, J., Sharp, D.M., & Gardiner, E. (2010). . Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 64 (7), 565-572.
May, S., Chance-Larsen, K., Littlewood, C., Lomas, D., & Saad, M. (2010). . Physiotherapy, 96 (3), 179-190.
May, S., Withers, S., Reeve, S., & Greasley, A. (2010). . Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, 18 (2), 84-88.
Fidvi, N., & May, S. (2010). . Physiotherapy research international, 15 (3), 150-159.
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.
Kaneko, S., Takasaki, H., & May, S. (2009). . Journal of Hand Therapy, 22 (3), 278-284.
Newsome, R.J., May, S., Chiverton, N., & Cole, A.A. (2009). . Physiotherapy, 95 (4), 273-279.
Reeve, S., & May, S. (2009). . Physiotherapy Theory & Practice, 25 (8), 533-543.
May, S., & Ross, J. (2009). . Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 32 (7), 556-563.
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.
May, S. (2009). Invited commentary. The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy, 17 (2), 124.
Long, A., & May, S. (2009). Did authors draw the right conclusion? The Australian journal of physiotherapy, 55 (3), 220.
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.
May, S., & Rosedale, R. (2009). Prescriptive Clinical Prediction Rules in Back Pain Ï㽶ÊÓƵ: A Systematic Review. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 17 (1), 36-45.
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.
May, S., & Johnson, R. (2008). Stabilisation exercises for low back pain: a systematic review. Physiotherapy, 94 (3), 179-189.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Littlewood, C., & May, S. (2007). A contractile dysfunction of the shoulder. Manual therapy, 12 (1), 80-83.
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.
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.
May, S. (2006). Classification by McKenzie mechanical syndromes: a survey of McKenzie-trained faculty. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 29 (8), 637-642.
Womersley, L., & May, S. (2006). Sitting posture of subjects with postural backache. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 29 (3), 213-218.
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.
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.
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.
Skytte, L., May, S., & Petersen, P. (2005). Centralization: its prognostic value in patients with referred symptoms and sciatica. Spine, 30 (11), E293-E299.
Aina, A., & May, S. (2005). A shoulder derangement. Manual therapy, 10 (2), 159-163.
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.
Aina, A., May, S., & Clare, H. (2004). The centralization phenomenon of spinal symptoms--a systematic review. Manual therapy, 9 (3), 134-143.
May, S. (2003). An outcome audit for musculoskeletal patients in primary care. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 19 (4), 189-198.
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.
Clare, H., & May, S. (n.d.). Mit der Zentralisation besser diagnostizieren und prognostizieren. manuelletherapie, 19 (01), 18-22.
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:
May, S. (2012). . In Moore, R.J. (Ed.) Handbook of Pain and Palliative Care. Springer:
May, S., & Donelson, R. (2011). . In Dagenais, S., & Haldeman, S. (Eds.) Evidence-based management of low back pain. (pp. 122-133). Missouri: Elsevier Mosby:
May, S., & Donelson, R. (2011). . In DePalma, M. (Ed.) iSpine : evidence-based interventional spine care. New York: Demosmedical:
Theses / Dissertations
Chettyar, S.S. (2018). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by May, S.
Adem, A. (2017). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by May, S.
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