Graham Curlewis

DipHypCS BSc(Physio) MManipTher MSc(ManTher) MHS MMACP MCSP
Consultant Chartered Physiotherapist
Chronic Pain Specialist: SIRPA & 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)
Pain Reprocessing Practitioner (2022) 
Buteyko Breathing Method Practitioner (2023)
Diploma Hypnotherapy and Introduction to Counselling Skills (2024)

SIRPA Practitioner (2025)

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

Neuroplastic Symptom Disorders  (TMS / Mindbody / Psychophysiological / Primary Pain)

Buteyko Breathing Technique /Dysfunctional Breathing / Respiratory

Spinal pain

Occupational Health Physiotherapy

Sports Physiotherapy

Running Injuries

Personal statement

I’ve always felt most at ease when I truly understand something—and that drive to understand how people ‘work’ has shaped my career. Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to studying the human body and mind, navigating both reliable information and the vast amount of misinformation out there. It’s only recently that the physiotherapy profession and scientific community have begun to connect the dots. Advances in pain science and evidence-based classifications for lower back and neck conditions make this an incredibly exciting time to be practicing.

I’m passionate about science and believe physiotherapy is a brilliant profession. It draws from a wide range of disciplines—anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pathology, psychology, sociology, exercise physiology, and ergonomics, to name just a few. With so many fields feeding into physiotherapy, there’s always more to learn, and never a risk of stagnation.

I transitioned from the NHS to the private sector to improve the quality of care I could offer. Having more time with patients allows me to hear their full story and work collaboratively to resolve their issues. It’s deeply rewarding to help someone overcome pain that has caused unnecessary suffering—especially when the problem is complex. Understanding the root cause of a condition is key to preventing its recurrence.

While I’ve spent much of my career treating physical pathologies—and still enjoy seeing the progress that comes with that—my growing interest in chronic pain has expanded my skill set and perspective. Exploring the role of the brain in persistent pain and other distressing symptoms has been transformative. It’s like taking the “blue pill” in The Matrix—a shift that opens up a deeper understanding of the many factors contributing to chronic pain and stress-related disorders such as migraines, IBS, and TMJ.

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