With over 35 years of experience, Graham is a highly respected clinician known for his expertise in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, the treatment of chronic pain & neuroplastic symptoms, using a pain recovery approach. His approach integrates physiotherapy based on a cognitive functional therapy foundation, as well as pain reprocessing therapy and SIRPA principles. He is a qualified hypnotherapist, and uses modern pain science to help patients overcome persistent pain and regain confidence in their bodies. Graham is trusted by individuals, athletes, and professionals seeking advanced solutions for complex pain conditions.
1990 BSc (Physiotherapy) – Queen Margaret College, Edinburgh
2024 Diploma in Hypnotherapy & Counselling Skills
1997 MMACP – Glasgow Caledonian University
2001 MManipTher – Curtin University, Perth, Australia
2005 MSc (Manual Therapy) – Glasgow Caledonian University
2022 Pain Reprocessing Therapy Practitioner – advanced application
2023 Buteyko Breathing Method Practitioner
2025 SIRPA Practitioner
Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (MCSP)(CSP 049946)
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC – PH 42208)
National Hypnotherapy Society (Hyp24-00011)
Manipulation Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP)
Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS)
Physiotherapy Pain Association (PPA)
Stress Illness Recovery Practitioners Association (SIRPA)
Beuteyko Breathing Association (BBA)
Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice (OCPP)
2002 to date Director and Consultant Physiotherapist
Physis Physiotherapy
Private Practice
Edinburgh.
1995 to 2000 Senior Physiotherapist
Musculoskeletal Outpatients
BUPA Murrayfield Hospital
Edinburgh
1993 to 1995 Senior Physiotherapist
Musculoskeletal Outpatients
Stirling Royal Infirmary
1990-1993 Physiotherapist
Rotational Post
Stirling Royal Infirmary
2014 Champions of Tennis, Edinburgh
2007-2010 Clinical Lead Physiotherapist Edinburgh Rugby
2003-2010 Lecturer MSc Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
Scottish Rugby Union Physiotherapist- (1993-2000)
1995 Scottish Claymores Physiotherapist
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
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.
I have been to many physios over the years and was expecting to be given exercises to go away and do and that would be it, Instead Graham questioned so much of what I was saying and challenged so much on my thinking. He re-educated me on my pain and how big a part the brain plays. He gave me confidence to do movements I have been told over the years are not good. He gave me confidence that although I’m older I can still achieve a great level of fitness and overcome injuries just like I have in the past. Doctors have been dismissive of my injuries by just looking at my age and blaming them on arthritis which made me think perhaps my body just can’t do what it used to. That’s is not the case! After my sessions with Graham I managed to get myself to a point where I could compete in my sport to the level I had years previously and that was not only down to the exercises but a mind set change that nothing was stopping me. Graham is very easy to talk to, very knowledgeable and able to articulate his points well. He also gave me some great book recommendations on some of the areas around the brain I was asking him about! It was not at all the experience I expected, it was so much more and for that I am very grateful. I hope not to have to visit a physio again but if I do I would definitely go back to Graham at Physis.
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!
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.
