GD Health - Physiotherapy and Well-being Clinic

GD Health - Physiotherapy and Well-being Clinic Physiotherapist based in Millom specialising in diagnostic ultrasound imaging, acupuncture, sports i

Graham Dawson is a physiotherapist who is registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, the Health and Care Professionals Council, and the Acupuncture Association of Charted Physiotherapists. He has significant experience in occupational health and the care of musculoskeletal conditions in both industry and the private sector. Through working in these areas, he has developed a reputation for producing positive outcomes for patients that are both effective,efficient and cost effective for the customer. Whilst having extensive experience in occupational health, he also has special interest the early in intervention of spinal injuries, and returning patients to full function as soon as possible who suffer from upper limb problems. To enhance his knowledge and effectiveness on this area he has attended many courses from leaders in the field. Since 2006, Graham has been a part of Barrow Raiders Rugby League medical team. He has provided match day cover, on the field medical management, and has extensive experience in the management of the acutely injured athlete and rehabilitation of the athlete to allow return to play. He ensures that his practice is based upon current research and ensures that this is up to date by regularly attending courses and reading recently published literature. In 2020, Graham undertook the internationally renowned SMUG mentorship in Diagnostic Ultrasound scanning, which allows him to scan and diagnose multiple soft tissue injuries involving the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle. This greater level of diagnostic skill has greatly enhanced his patient's outcomes, as they get treatment in the knowledge that they have a pin point diagnosis of their problem. Physiotherapists are trained in human anatomy and dysfunction, making us qualified to assess and diagnose your injury. We can then advise you on treatments or further investigations that may be required. Prevention of injury is also a very important part of physiotherapy, therefore we teach our patients how to avoid recurring problems. Treatments used by Graham to treat his patients include:

Manual therapy (including joint mobilisations and manipulation)
Soft tissue techniques
Acupuncture
Exercise therapy
Postural and lifestyle advice
Taping and strapping techniques

Graham will discuss treatment techniques with you during your appointments and agree a plan that will be most effective for each individual patient. Graham has experience in treating a wide variety of conditions in people from all walks of life. Common causes for treatment include:

Neck and back pain
Joint pain and arthritis
Sports injuries
Repetitive strain injuries
Work related injuries
Post surgery rehabilitation
Post fracture rehabilitation


For appointments, please call 07849617337, send direct message through this page or email gdphysio@outlook.com

Ever wondered how to keep playing golf without the worry of back pain? Strengthening your hips, thoracic spine, and cor...
05/03/2026

Ever wondered how to keep playing golf without the worry of back pain?
Strengthening your hips, thoracic spine, and core can make a world of difference.
Improving your swing technique to be smooth and rhythmic helps distribute force evenly, reducing strain.
✅ Simple changes like using dual straps for your golf bag
✅ Pushing rather than pulling trolleys can also help
Learn how these small adjustments can prevent injuries and enhance your game.
You can find all the details in this quick, practical guide

03/03/2026

🔥 Still stuck with shoulder pain despite rehab?
This 40-year-old lifter had 6 months of shoulder pain after increasing her training load. Imaging showed supraspinatus tendinopathy + subdeltoid bursitis.
Her tendon improved with conservative management — but persistent bursal inflammation was still blocking her from lifting overhead pain-free.
🎯 The solution: Ultrasound-guided subdeltoid bursa injection
In this video:
• Needle placed longitudinal in-plane
• Positioned transverse to the supraspinatus tendon
• Real-time visualisation of the bursa distending over the tendon — confirming precise placement
The subdeltoid bursa is a small space. Accuracy matters.
Ultrasound guidance allows:
✔️ Exact needle placement
✔️ Avoidance of the supraspinatus tendon
✔️ Confirmation of correct delivery
✔️ Safer, more effective treatment
💉 Why corticosteroid?
Bursitis is inflammatory. Corticosteroid reduces inflammatory mediators, decreases swelling, and rapidly settles pain — allowing patients to reload the shoulder properly and continue rehab.
💪 Result?
After having a rest period of 2 weeks, the patient was able to lift overhead without pain post-injection — and perform a pull-up for the first time in months.
Steroid injections aren’t a shortcut.
They’re a strategic tool when inflammation is the barrier to progress.

03/03/2026

🎯 Did you know that your grip on the golf club can be a silent contributor to wrist and elbow injuries? 🏌️‍♂️
Many golfers focus on swing mechanics, but the way you hold the club is equally important. An overly tight grip can lead to unnecessary tension, especially around the wrists and forearms, which may result in conditions like golfer's elbow or tendonitis.
Take a moment to assess your grip pressure. A good rule of thumb is to hold the club just tight enough that it doesn’t slip during your swing. Imagine you’re gently holding a small bird—firm enough to keep it safe, but not so hard that you harm it.
✅ Small adjustments can make a big difference in your game and your health.
✅ Keep an eye on your grip to find a more fluid swing.
✅ A relaxed grip can be less taxing on your joints.
With these simple changes, you might just discover improved performance and comfort on the course.

Appointments that are available this week:We have space for patients old and new on:Wednesday 4th March between 11.30am ...
02/03/2026

Appointments that are available this week:

We have space for patients old and new on:

Wednesday 4th March between 11.30am - 2.00pm with Lee in Millom

Thursday 5th March at 2.00pm and Friday 6th March at 9.30am with Graham

To make an appointment, please email gdphysio@outlook.com, phone 07849617337, or the easiest way is to book online at https://gdhealthclinic.org

Yours in health

Graham

⛳️ Golfers, did you know? One of the lesser-known culprits of golf injuries is poor hydration! 💧 When you're out on the ...
01/03/2026

⛳️ Golfers, did you know? One of the lesser-known culprits of golf injuries is poor hydration! 💧
When you're out on the course, you might not realise how much energy you're exerting, especially in warm weather. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and fatigue, increasing the risk of mish*ts and potential injuries.
So next time you're teeing off, keep an eye on your water intake. Staying hydrated is not just about quenching your thirst, it's a simple way to support your overall performance and reduce injury risks.
✅ Helps maintain muscle function
✅ Increases focus and concentration
✅ Boosts endurance throughout your round
Remember, a well-hydrated body is a resilient one! Enjoy your game safely and swing your best 🏌️‍♂️🏌️‍♀️

24/02/2026

🎯 Ultrasound-Guided Knee Injection – Precision in Action

In this clip, you’ll see an ultrasound-guided medial knee injection with the patella and femur clearly visualised, and the needle tracked longitudinally in-plane for optimal accuracy. The injectate can be seen flowing smoothly away from the needle tip and dispersing directly into the joint space — exactly where it’s needed.

This patient previously underwent meniscal repair surgery and recently experienced a flare-up just 5 weeks before a busy period of HYROX competition. With high training loads and competition demands approaching, the goal was to reduce joint irritation, improve lubrication, and restore shock-absorbing capacity — enabling him to compete at his best.

💉 Why Sinogel?
For this case, we used Sinogel, a high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid viscosupplement designed to improve joint biomechanics.

🧪 The Evidence & Benefits:

✔ Restores Lubrication
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of synovial fluid. In irritated or degenerative joints, both the concentration and molecular weight reduce. Viscosupplementation helps restore the viscoelastic properties of synovial fluid.
✔ Shock Absorption
Improves the mechanical buffering capacity of the knee — particularly valuable in high-impact, high-load sports like HYROX.
✔ Reduces Pain & Irritation
Evidence suggests hyaluronic acid injections can reduce inflammatory mediators within the joint and improve pain scores in mild–moderate degenerative or post-surgical knees.
✔ Supports Function & Performance
Clinical studies show improvements in joint function and patient-reported outcome measures, often lasting several months.
✔ Favourable Safety Profile

Well-tolerated, with minimal downtime — ideal when athletes are close to competition.

Ultrasound guidance ensures accurate intra-articular placement, maximising effectiveness while minimising discomfort and risk.
Precision. Performance. Longevity. 🏃‍♂️

If you're managing joint pain ahead of competition, get assessed properly — the right intervention at the right time makes all the difference.

Appointments that are available this week:We have space for patients old and new on:Wednesday 24th February between 12.0...
24/02/2026

Appointments that are available this week:

We have space for patients old and new on:

Wednesday 24th February between 12.00 - 3.00pm with Lee in Millom

Wednesday 24th February between 2.00 - 5.00pm with Phoebe in Barrow.

To make an appointment, please email gdphysio@outlook.com, phone 07849617337, or the easiest way is to book online at https://gdhealthclinic.org

Yours in health

Graham

Here's something you might not have considered when thinking about keeping safe on the slopes: never underestimate the p...
21/02/2026

Here's something you might not have considered when thinking about keeping safe on the slopes: never underestimate the power of a good warm-up.
It’s easy to overlook in the excitement of fresh snow, but spending just 10 minutes getting your body warm and flexible can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
Think of it like preparing your muscles and joints for the twists, turns, and tumbles that are all part of the fun.
A simple routine combining dynamic stretches is a great start.
✅ Leg swings can help loosen up your hips.
✅ Arm circles will get your shoulders ready for action.
✅ Torso twists help improve your balance and agility.
This not only increases blood flow to your muscles but also enhances your range of motion, making you more agile and responsive on the slopes.
Remember, giving your body the proper prep time isn’t just for elite athletes. It’s a valuable strategy for everyone looking to enjoy their time on the snow without interruptions.
Warm up, stay safe, and enjoy the ride!

19/02/2026

Here's a novel way to think about preventing snow sport injuries: consider cross-training during the off-season.
Many people don't realise that the muscles, tendons, and ligaments involved in skiing or snowboarding greatly benefit from consistent conditioning throughout the year.
✅ Activities like cycling and swimming can strengthen your core.
✅ Pilates is excellent for improving balance.
✅ Overall endurance is boosted, which is essential for maintaining control on the slopes.
The beauty of this approach is that it not only builds your physical resilience but also enhances your proprioception—your body's ability to sense movement within joints and their position.
This can significantly reduce your risk of injury by improving your reaction time and coordination when navigating unexpected terrains or sudden changes in speed.
As you eagerly await your next snowy adventure, consider how off-season training might make your time on the slopes smoother and safer.
With the right preparation, you can maximise both your performance and enjoyment in your snow sports escapades

17/02/2026

💉 Ultrasound guided injection for frozen shoulder 💉

Frozen shoulder can be incredibly debilitating — especially when it starts affecting your sleep.

This 47-year-old patient came to see me with a 6-month history of gradually worsening shoulder pain, followed by significant stiffness. She couldn’t lie on that side in bed due to pain, and it was severely disturbing her sleep.

On assessment:

👨‍⚕️Elevation: 120°
🧑‍⚕️ External rotation: 10°
🧑‍⚕️ Ultrasound showed fluid within the long head of biceps tendon sheath — a classic sign of capsulitis

Diagnosis: Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

We performed an ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection into the shoulder joint.

💉 Why steroid injections help in frozen shoulder:
Frozen shoulder is primarily an inflammatory capsular condition. A corticosteroid injection:
✔️ Reduces inflammation within the joint capsule
✔️ Decreases pain
✔️ Allows improved participation in physiotherapy
✔️ Can shorten the painful phase of the condition
✔️ Improves sleep by reducing night pain

📡 Why ultrasound guidance matters:
Ultrasound-guided injections:
✔️ Ensure accurate placement into the joint
✔️ Improve effectiveness
✔️ Reduce the risk of missing the target
✔️ Minimise trauma to surrounding structures
✔️ Allow real-time visualisation of anatomy

You can see on the video that the yellow arrow is pointing to the posterior capsule of the shoulder joint. The little white dot is the needle tip. You can see as the steroid and local anaesthetic is injected, it distends the shoulder joint capsule. We know we’re in the correct position when this happens.

The result?

On review post-injection:

✅ Full range of movement restored
✅ Able to lie on the shoulder comfortably
✅ Sleep no longer disturbed

Frozen shoulder doesn’t always have to mean months of suffering. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment can make a significant difference.

If you’re struggling with shoulder pain and stiffness — especially night pain — please get in contact so that we can discuss the best way of getting you better

Heading to the slopes soon? Avoiding injuries while enjoying snow sports is all about preparation and awareness. Did y...
17/02/2026

Heading to the slopes soon?
Avoiding injuries while enjoying snow sports is all about preparation and awareness.
Did you know that exercises like planks and one-legged squats can significantly improve your balance and stability on the snow?
Taking the time to strengthen your leg and core muscles can help you maintain proper form and avoid fatigue.
✅ Improve your balance with targeted exercises.
✅ Strengthen core and leg muscles for better stability.
✅ Stay aware of your body and surroundings while on the slopes.
For comprehensive insights and strategies, check out our practical guide for safe winter sports adventures.
You can find all the details in this quick, practical guide Power Exercises for Snowboarders [Exercise Handout] (https://co-ki.info/hsCFnDg)

Appointments that are available this week:We have space for patients old and new on:Wednesday 18th February at various t...
16/02/2026

Appointments that are available this week:

We have space for patients old and new on:

Wednesday 18th February at various times through the day with Lee in Millom

To make an appointment, please email gdphysio@outlook.com, phone 07849617337, or the easiest way is to book online at https://gdhealthclinic.org

Yours in health

Graham

Address

14 Street Georges Terrace
Millom
LA184DB

Opening Hours

Monday 3pm - 9pm
Wednesday 9am - 1pm
Friday 9am - 3pm

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