Anna Cherry Acupuncture & Physiotherapy

10/11/2025

I’ve been having some conversations with clients recently about post-operative brain fog (aka post operative cognitive dysfunction or POCD). General anaesthetic procedures can have an impact on concentration and memory sometimes for months after surgery. I certainly noticed an impact on my ability to focus in university lectures after knee surgery in my 20s, and due to this opted for a spinal anesthetic and mild sedation for my second surgery many years later.
Interestingly, studies have shown that acupuncture before or after surgery can help to reduce the negative cognitive effects of anaesthetic drugs. Reasons suggested are that acupuncture reduces inflammation and increases blood flow to the brain, which protects neurons from cellular death.
More research in this area is required, but it’s great food for thought!

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7044481/ #:~:text=Acupuncture%20has%20been%20suggested%20as,to%20play%20a%20major%20role.rg

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common sequela following surgery and hospitalization. The prevention and management of POCD are important during clinical practice. POCD more commonly affects elderly patients who have undergone major ...

23/09/2025

So this has been an interesting journey! A small avulsion fracture of my ankle after a mishap walking 10 days ago 😞
I’m back at work now part time, thank you to all my clients who have been patient and understanding!
I wanted to highlight a few things that might be helpful for others:
- Ngunguru Medical Centre has a supply of crutches that can be borrowed (please return once you don’t require anymore as their supply is limited).
- elevation and compression is the most important part of early management. Ice didn’t feel good so I opted not to use.
- when in doubt, get checked out. The pain was eventually quite severe and I had pinpoint tenderness over the bone, which made me suspect a small fracture.
- crutches can be tricky! There are other options such as scooters and walkers, for those with arm or balance issues. Luckily I was only on crutches for a few days 🙂
- if wearing a moon boot, wear a raised shoe on your good leg to balance the height the moon boot gives.

Injuries definitely make you appreciate normal function!!

19/08/2025

Physiotherapy NZ has been lobbying hard over the last several years to allow suitably trained physiotherapists to write work certificates for patients. At present only medical specialists/GPs/some nurse practitioners can give work certificates, and given the current wait times to see GPs this disadvantages patients who are injured and require time off work or have a reduced work capacity. The final details are being ironed out with ACC/Health NZ but it will happen which is a win for everyone! Watch this space ❤️