Acuphysio

05/06/2026

💚SCOLIOSIS AWARENESS MONTH💚
Thinking of all the families, the brave scoliosis warriers and trying to raise awareness so that curves are detected early.

Scoliosis Support & Research Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

01/06/2026

💚June is Scoliosis Awareness Month 💚

une: Scoliosis Awareness Month
Every year, the month of June is observed globally as Scoliosis Awareness Month. The primary objective of this campaign is to enhance public understanding of this condition, highlight the critical importance of early diagnosis, and bring together patients, families, healthcare professionals, and communities to support those affected.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, which frequently takes the form of an "S" or "C" shape. It is most commonly diagnosed during adolescence, in the period of rapid growth just before puberty, although it can also affect adults and be present in infants or even at birth (congenital). The most frequent type is idiopathic scoliosis, the cause of which is unknown.

Importance of Awareness and Early Detection

Early detection is fundamental. Most cases are mild and do not require invasive treatment, but regular medical monitoring is crucial to ensure the curve does not worsen. If left untreated and the curvature progresses significantly, scoliosis can lead to more serious health problems, such as chronic back pain, breathing difficulties, and an impact on physical appearance.

Goals of the Month

To Educate: Inform the public about the signs and symptoms of scoliosis (such as uneven shoulders, a protruding shoulder blade, an uneven waist, or a visible curve when bending forward).

To Encourage Screening: Promote routine check-ups by pediatricians, school doctors, and physical therapists to detect potential cases early.

To Reduce Stigma: Create a supportive and understanding environment for people living with scoliosis, eliminating false myths and prejudices.

To Advocate: Drive research into the causes and best treatments for scoliosis.

To Celebrate Resilience: Honor the strength and spirit of the millions of people who manage this condition daily.

22/04/2026

Wishing all runners taking part in Sunday’s London Marathon the very best of luck! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️
I hugely admire your months of dedication in tough weather conditions and relentless hard work, especially when overcoming injury.
Whether you're chasing a PB, running for a cause close to your heart, or simply aiming to cross that finish line—every step is an incredible achievement.
Trust your training and rehab, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy every mile. You’ve earned it.
Good luck to all past, present, and future patients—I'll be cheering you on every step of the way! 👏

13/04/2026

Read.....then jump!

Typically, when I write a long-form article like this, I put it behind a paywall. However, I felt that this topic needed to be exposed to a broader audience. The statistics regarding disability, morbidity, and mortality around osteoporosis-related fractures are too hard to ignore.

The full article is here: https://howardluksmd.substack.com/p/osteoporosis-prevention-and-treatment

10/04/2026

20/03/2026

As always, very sound advice from the excellent Dr. Howard Luks, orthopaedic surgeon, who is a huge supporter of exercise and physical rehab. Worth following for information on musculoskeletal health as we age.

Soft tissues are designed to adapt to load. They grow stronger, more resilient, and more capable of supporting your daily life when they are used consistently. Avoidance might calm discomfort temporarily but over time, it leads to stiffness, weakness, slower recovery, and even higher risk of injury.

Why movement matters?
1. Tendons respond to stress. Controlled loading signals your body to rebuild collagen, strengthen tissue, and improve elasticity.

2. Muscles that aren’t used lose mass and power, making everyday activities like standing from a chair or climbing stairs harder.

3. Joints that aren’t moved regularly become stiff, reducing range of motion and making balance and coordination more difficult.

Ways to build soft tissue resilience...

1. Daily gentle movement: Walk, reach, or do light mobility exercises to maintain circulation and flexibility.

2. Strength exercises: Bodyweight squats, step-ups, heel raises, or resistance band exercises help build tendon and muscle strength.

3. Progressive loading: Start small, increase gradually, and stay consistent. Your tissues thrive on repetition, not extremes.

Over weeks and months, these small efforts add up to stronger joints.

05/03/2026

🩺 Not all pain is “just muscular.”

In the past year alone I assessed patients where:
• Rib & back pain turned out to be pneumonia requiring hospital admission
• Shoulder & hip pain was polymyalgia rheumatica needing urgent steroids
• Back pain was shingles requiring antiviral medication
• Mid-back pain was a spinal tumour and needed urgent imaging and oncology referral
• Calf weakness was a complete Achilles rupture requiring surgical opinion

Pain is common.
Serious pathology is less common.
But missing it isn’t an option.

This is why seeing an HCPC registered clinician protects the public.

HCPC registrants are highly qualified, trained to screen for serious pathology, and regulated to maintain strict professional standards.

Experience matters. Regulation matters. Proper assessment matters.

At Acuphysio, every patient receives a thorough assessment to ensure the right diagnosis, the right treatment, and the right referral — at the right time.
Your health deserves more than guesswork.

📍 Usk
📩 Message to book 07931 890 133

01/03/2026

Learning never stops at Acuphysio, even after almost 30 years in the profession! 💙

This week is CPD week.

As an HCPC registered Physiotherapist, staying up to date with the latest evidence and best practice is essential — it ensures you always receive the highest standard of care.

To make sure this doesn’t impact patient appointments, all learning is happening during lunchtimes this week.

Investing in knowledge so I can continue investing in your health 🙌 🙌

15/02/2026

Acuphysio turns 6 this week 🎉

Six years ago I opened the clinic doors in Usk with one goal — to create a space where patients felt listened to, properly assessed, and genuinely cared for.

What started as a vision to combine physiotherapy and acupuncture in a calm environment has grown into something I’m incredibly proud of.

Since then I've helped hundreds of people across Usk, Monmouthshire and beyond with:
• Back & neck pain
• Sports injuries
• Shoulder & knee problems
• Pre and post operative rehab
• Acupuncture for pain relief
• And so much more

To every patient who has trusted me with their recovery…
To every referral, recommendation and kind word…
To the families who keep coming back…
Thank you 💛
Running a clinic in Usk and serving the wider community has been such a privilege.

Here’s to continued growth, good health, and many more years of helping you move well.

Kate

11/02/2026

Particularly difficult during these continually gloomy, wet winter days but even a little indoor workout is a great mind and body booster.

A little reminder 🙌