Dr Susan Coulson
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Qualifications: PhD (Physio) MAppSc (Ex & Sport Sc.) BAppSc (Physio) Positions held:
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Biography
Dr Susan Coulson is a lecturer in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Prior to joining the University of Sydney, she worked in the area of rehabilitation following facial nerve disorders for 20 years. Susan's research and clinical work has focussed on improving facial movement dysfunction so as to attenuate the profound impact that facial disorders can have on the social, emotional and physical function of the patient. To achieve this goal, she established a Facial Nerve Laboratory based at the Faculty of Health Sciences, and is conducting studies to investigate treatments specifically designed to improve control and quality of the smile after long-term facial nerve injury. The brain's capacity for neuroplasticity following acute injury is a key concept that is also being investigated in this work.
Susan is a teaching / research academic in the Discipline of Physiotherapy and has been associated with the University of Sydney since 1980, when she began her undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy. Whilst working as a clinical physiotherapist in the 1990's she completed a research Masters Degree in Exercise & Sports Science using motion analysis system to quantify the displacement of facial movements. From 2000 she conducted further research into facial nerve rehabilitation and undertook a PhD in Physiotherapy supported by an Australian Postgraduate Award.
Teaching and Service Responsibilities
Lectures and tutorials in:
- Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy of the Cervical and Thoracic Spine and Common Conditions of the Head and Face region
- Electrophysical Agents
- Physiotherapy in the Community
- Rural Health
Memberships:
- Alumni Council USyd Executive Member
- Health Sciences Alumni Association Co-Chair
- Australian Physiotherapy Association
- Australian Federation of Graduate Women Fellowships Convenor
Selected Publications
- Chiu HC, Ada L, Butler J, Coulson SE. Relative contribution of motor impairments to activity and participation in people with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Clinical Rehabilitation, 2010 24: 454-462.
- Coulson SE, Croxson GR, Oey V Herpes Zoster oticus: treatment and outcomes. Journal of International Advanced Otology, 2009, 5, 2, 32
- Makeham TP, Croxson GR, Coulson SE. Infective causes of facial nerve paralysis. Otology & Neurotology, 2007; 28:100-103.
- Coulson SE, Adams R, O'Dwyer N, Croxson GR 2006, ‘Physiotherapy rehabilitation of the smile after long term facial nerve palsy using Video Self-Modeling and Implementation Intentions', Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, vol. 134, pp 48-55.
- Coulson SE, O'Dwyer N, Adams R, Croxson GR, 2006, ‘Bilateral conjugacy of movement initiation is retained at the eye but not at the mouth following long-term unilateral facial nerve palsy', Experimental Brain Research, vol. 173, pp. 153-158.
- Coulson SE, Croxson GR., Adams R, O'Dwyer N 2005, ‘Reliability of the "Sydney," "Sunnybrook" and "House Brackmann" facial grading systems to assess voluntary movement and synkinesis following facial nerve paralysis' Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, vol. 132, pp. 543-549.
- Coulson SE, O'Dwyer N, Adams R, Croxson GR, 2004, Expression of emotion and quality of life following facial nerve paralysis . Otology & Neurotology vol. 25, pp. 1014-1019.
- Coulson SE, Croxson GR, Gilleard WL, 2002, Quantification of the three dimensional symmetry of normal facial movement. Otology & Neurotology, vol. 23, pp. 999-1002.
Selected Grants
- 2007-2008
University of Sydney Research and Development Grant, Early Career Researcher
A randomised controlled trial of physiotherapy rehabilitation for the smile after long term facial nerve palsy using Video Self-Modeling and Implementation Intentions. $43,674
- 2007
Cumberland Research Grants Scheme Category B Grant
Bilateral Effects On Eye Closure Following Unilateral Facial Nerve Paralysis: Implications For Neural Control Of Eyelid Movements. $19,769
- 2006
NH&MRC Equipment Grant
High speed video system for capturing and analysing real-time human movement. $66,925
- 2006
Tempe Mann Award. Australian Federation of University Women.
For visiting international colleagues in The Netherlands for professional collaboration and research in physiotherapy management of facial nerve disorders. $7000
- 2004 - 2005
Australian Postgraduate Award. The University of Sydney.
For 3 years full time study of a Doctor of Philosophy, School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences. $63,530