Associate Professor Danilo De Oliveira Silva has dedicated his research career to improving outcomes for people with chronic knee pain.
“Chronic knee pain can substantially reduce quality of life and wellbeing. It also increases the risk of osteoarthritis and other long-term health problems,” he says. “My goal is to improve both long-term joint health and real-world clinical care for people with knee pain.”
His research combines clinical trials, biomechanics, psychology and digital health to help develop evidence-based, scalable interventions.
“Traditionally, research has focused on the physical causes of long-term knee pain, overlooking the important role of psychological and behavioural factors,” he says.
“For example, my studies were among the first to demonstrate that fear of movement is closely linked to pain, disability and quality of life in young people with knee pain.”
This research has helped shape international policy documents, clinical guidelines and a more patient-centred approach to chronic knee pain.
Associate Professor De Oliveira Silva’s current research is focused on managing chronic knee pain through interventions such as exercise, anti-inflammatory medication, footwear and knee bracing.
“I am also expanding into emerging areas such as bone health, nutrition, and lifestyle factors, with the broader goal of developing more targeted and preventative approaches to knee health across the lifespan.”
