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Graham Curlewis

BSc(Physio) MManipTher MSc(ManTher) MMACP MCSP
Consultant Chartered Physiotherapist
Chronic Pain Specialist / PRT (TMS) Practitioner

I absolutely love science and believe that physiotherapy is a fantastic profession to work in. One can never know enough, and with so many subjects feeding into physio there is no danger of getting bored with learning.

Qualifications

BSc (Physio) – Queen Margaret College, Edinburgh – 1990 
MMACP – Glasgow Caledonian University – 1997
MManipTher – Curtin University, Perth Western Australia – 2001
MSc(ManTher) – Glasgow Caledonian University 2005 
TMS / SIRPA-informed Professional (2019) 
Pain Reprocessing Practitioner (2022) 
Buteyko Breathing Method Practitioner (2023)

Professional Experience

Stirling Royal Infirmary

Senior Physiotherapist BUPA Murrayfield

Physis Physiotherapy

Lecturer Glasgow Caledonian University – MSc in Musculoskeletal Management / MACP tutor

Sports Experience

Scottish Rugby Union Physiotherapist- (1993-2000)

  • Scotland – South Africa Tour (1997)
  • Scotland 7’s (1999)
  • Scotland A (1996-2000)
  • Scotland U19 & U18 – (1993-1996)

Scottish Claymores Physiotherapist (1995)

Edinburgh Rugby Lead Physiotherapist (2007-2010)

Champions of Tennis Physiotherapist (2014)

Special Interests

Cognitive Functional Therapy

Chronic / Persistent pain disorders

TMS / Mind Body conditions / Psychophysiological disorders / Primary Pain Disorders

Buteyko Breathing Technique /Dysfunctional Breathing / Respiratory

Spinal pain

Occupational Health Physiotherapy

Sports Physiotherapy

Running Injuries

Personal statement

I suppose I am most comfortable when I understand things well. It has been a major driver for me – to understand how people ‘work’. I have spent a long time studying and trying to make sense of all the information (and the misinformation, and there is a lot of that out there!). I think it is only recently that as a profession and as a scientific community we are beginning to piece things together. Recent advances in pain science and evidence based classifications of lower back and neck problems make this a very exciting time to be practicing physiotherapy.

I absolutely love science and believe that physiotherapy is a fantastic profession to work in. It incorporates so many different areas of science; anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pathology, psychology, sociology, exercise physiology and ergonomics, to name a few. One can never know enough, and with so many subjects feeding into physio there is no danger of getting bored with learning.

I left the NHS to move into the private sector to improve the quality of my care. Having the time to spend with patients, getting their story, and working with people to resolve their problems. It is so rewarding to be involved in resolving someone’s pain that has caused unnecessary suffering. Especially with the complicated problems. Understanding of what drives a disorder is essential to preventing the problem from recurring.

I’ve spent a lot of my career treating physical pathologies, and still really enjoy seeing the progressions that come with this, but my later interest in chronic pain and the requirement for a more broad skill set and an open mind, has really kept me fascinated and interested in my work. Truly understanding the role of the brain in the production of ongoing pain and other distressing symptoms is like taking the blue pill in the matrix. I now feel as though I have a much deeper understanding of the wide variety of factors contributing to chronic pain and other stress related disorders (Migraine, IBS, TMJ etc). 

What Our Patients say about Graham

I was recommended Graham Curlewis of Physis after many years of failed attempts at getting my lower back pain and sciatica treated. I was initially sceptical after these failed attempts, but Graham gained my trust and introduced me to the power of pain managment in addition to physio. His support post surgery was exceptional and I now feel better than I have for years. I would highly recommend the Physis approach under the exceptional leadership of Graham.

John Collington

I suffered with low back pain on a daily basis for 3 years before I went to Physis. Because it has been more than a year since I visited Physis and physio Graham Curlewis helped me kickstart my real recovery, I have spent some time reflecting on the last 12 months. By no means it has been a straightforward journey.

I am going to try to keep it concise, but wanted to share some of the highlights from my recovery

– traveling countless times in long car journeys
– multiple plane journeys
– long hours of standing, bending and working with clients
– going on hikes (e.g. Arthurs seat, 7 hills walk in Edinburgh)
– training for 10k run
– getting back to lifting weights
– bending my back with less fear

…..All things I was horribly afraid of, felt impossible before and could not imagine I would’ve been able to do that 12 months ago!

And last but not least, these days I can sit on the couch as long as I want to watch TV and enjoy spending time with my family & friends. I have essentially reclaimed my life back, or more accurately I have now better quality life and appreciation of it even compared to before back pain.

Thank you, Graham!

Kat

I had an excellent consultation with Graham, he took a thorough history and conducted a physical examination. He gave me some very good advice and it completely changed the way I managed my symptoms. Graham also gave me excellent resources to help me understand and manage my pain. It is fair to say that I have excellent response and I’ve achieved remission. Overall, I strongly recommend Physis as a business. The reception staff and communication has been professional and prompt. Thank you.

Hadil Abu Arqoub