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Contact Details

Email
gerard.farrell@otago.ac.nz

University Links

Position
Lecturer
Qualifications
PhD MPhty
Research summary
Understanding the neuro-endo-immune mechanisms of non pharmacological interventions
Teaching
I teach on the postgraduate Clinical Practice (PHTY561) and Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapy (PHTY543) papers, along with the undergraduate Rehabilitation papers (PHTY354 and 254). In addition, I work as a lead tutor for the Certificate of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy NZMMP courses.
Memberships
  • Physiotherapy New Zealand
  • Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy Association
  • ForceNET
  • The Ehlers-Danlos Society
Clinical
I work in the School of Physiotherapy Clinics for two half‑days per week. My clinical interests lie in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and dysautonomia (along with its related manifestations such as hypermobility spectrum disorders, myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome, and Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, among others)

Research

My research focuses on understanding the neuro-endo-immune and pain mechanisms underlying non-pharmacological interventions in populations with chronic conditions.

This work began with investigating the neuroendocrine mechanisms of cervical spine manual therapy in people with persistent post concussion symptoms. This led to a clinical trial examining both clinical outcomes and physiological pain mechanisms (via saliva samples) in people with chronic low back pain following three different types of lumbar spine manipulation.

Visit Mechanisms of non-pharmacological interventions: Linking research with clinical practice

In future work, I will analyse the same saliva samples to investigate autonomic, immune, and endocrine system mechanisms associated with these interventions.

Currently, I am supervising an honors student investigating autonomic nervous system mechanisms related to cold water exposure.

Publications

Delion, T., Noyer, A., Gonzalès-Bandrès, M., Treffel, L., Farrell, G., Cassoudesalle, H., & Menard, M. (2025). Exploring the use of manual therapy in the management of traumatic brain injury: A scoping review. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 33, 42. doi: 10.1186/s12998-025-00606-y Journal - Research Other

Blyth, R., Farrell, G., Zoellner, A., Ahmed, O., Bussey, M., Galea, O., & Sole, G. (2025). What factors influence head acceleration during a purposeful header in soccer players? A systematic review. Sports Medicine. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1007/s40279-025-02209-2 Journal - Research Other

Kovanur Sampath, K., Smith, T., Belcher, S., Farrell, G., Fryer, G., Vaughan, B., & Moran, R. (2025). Diagnosing and treating upper back pain: Insights from New Zealand’s manipulative physiotherapists and osteopaths. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 33(2), 149-157. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2024.2438196 Journal - Research Article

Rogan, S., Taymans, J., Farrell, G., Kovanur Sampath, K., & Clijsen, R. (2024, July). Impact of six thoracic spine mobilizations on autonomic nervous system in health persons: A feasibility study. Poster session presented at the 12th World Conference of the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT): Crossing Bridges, Basel, Switzerland. Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)

Farrell, G., Chapple, C., Kennedy, E., Sampath, K., Spontelli Gisselman, A., Cook, C., Reily-Bell, M., Katare, R., & Tumilty, S. (2024, July). Autonomic nervous system and endocrine system response to upper or lower cervical spine mobilisation in males with persistent post-concussion symptoms: A proof-of-concept trial. Poster session presented at the 12th World Conference of the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT): Crossing Bridges, Basel, Switzerland. Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)

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