Graham Dawson

Physiotherapist

Graham graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2004 with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy. After spending a winter season playing cricket in New Zealand, he returned to the UK and began working part-time in private practice in 2005. Alongside this, he gained valuable early career experience in an occupational health department and within the medical team at Barrow Raiders Rugby League.

As his clinical responsibilities expanded, Graham progressed to the role of Occupational Health Clinical Lead. In this position, he developed extensive expertise in the early management of a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and gained a deep understanding of the role physiotherapy plays in reducing employee sickness absence. He also became a highly competent DSE and workplace assessor, with significant experience in supporting individuals across varied occupational settings.

Graham has continued his long-standing involvement with Barrow Raiders Rugby League, providing training cover and physiotherapy support throughout the season. Over nine years in this environment, he has built strong skills in managing athletes from acute injury through to safe and effective return to play.

In 2014, Graham moved on from his occupational health role to establish his own practice, driven by his commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare to the residents of South Cumbria. He has undertaken extensive postgraduate training in orthopaedic medicine and acupuncture, as well as attending courses delivered by many of the UK’s leading clinicians. Graham has significant expertise in manual therapy and has developed special clinical interests in shoulder, spinal conditions, tendinopathy management, the use of acupuncture in soft tissue injury management, and exercise-based rehabilitation to restore optimal function.

To further enhance his diagnostic capabilities, Graham completed the internationally recognised SMUG mentorship in Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in 2020. This advanced qualification enables him to provide accurate, evidence-based diagnoses and to tailor treatment plans with greater precision. Since completing the programme, he has been invited to teach and act as an independent assessor on SMUG courses in London, has supported clinics across the county by delivering advanced assessments, and has mentored clinicians nationally in the use of diagnostic ultrasound.

In 2025, Graham completed the esteemed Ultrasound Guided Interventions module at Brunel University. This has enabled him to provide the option of ultrasound-guided steroid or hyaluronic injections for those patients who require them as part of their condition management. This further expands the services that can be delivered by the clinic, putting it at the forefront of specialised care within Cumbria.

The use of diagnostic ultrasound in lower limb pathology

Coming soon…