Anna Cherry Acupuncture & Physiotherapy

20/12/2025

Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas and hoping you find a little ‘ichigo ichie’ (aka. living mindfully, appreciating the ‘now’, giving total attention to those around you) these holidays! Life is precious and a privilege ❤️ Stay safe!

In the village of Magome, a 16th century discipline leads to a sharper focus on the present moment.

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 ❤️

09/06/2025

Back at work today after an incredible trip to Japan! Great to meet practitioners from all over the world at the World Physio Congress in Tokyo, and so wonderful to catch up with old friends in Gunma, Hiroshima and Miyazaki!! ❤️

25/05/2025

I’m heading to Japan this week for the World Physiotherapy Congress in Tokyo woo hoo! Then a bit of travel visiting friends in Gunma, Hiroshima, and Miyazaki ❤️ I spent a few years living in Japan and I can’t wait to see it again in its hot, humid, early summer glory! Back at work on June 10th.

15/04/2025

I saw this recently and felt strongly enough about it to share! This is such an important read, both from the perspective of being open to and receptive of other people’s viewpoints, and also to understand when a conversation with someone is futile. This takes huge self-awareness and emotional maturity! Sometimes acceptance and letting go of a dispute is the best approach, and the inner peace that follows is worth it x
(Click on the photo to read in full)

11/04/2025

I’m seeing quite a few clients with gluteal tendinopathy at the moment … often in peri or post-menopausal women, characterised by pain in the gluteal/hip region which occasionally refers down the thigh. Symptoms are often worsened with certain movements (ie. stairs, squats), or moving after prolonged sitting. Tendinopathy isn’t an inflammatory condition, rather it is a chronic wear-type of injury to the gluteal tendon(s). There is excellent evidence regarding progressive exercise therapy to help the tendon heal, although it may take many months and sometimes up to a year (so it takes perseverance!). Massage, acupuncture, stretches and heat are also great ways to help the tendon repair itself.

22/03/2025

I saw this this morning and wanted to repost as it’s certainly wise advice! When I lived in Japan these mindsets were absolutely ingrained into everyday Japanese life …
The other that isn’t mentioned is the awareness of how your actions influence others/group harmony. As a result Japan has an exceptionally low crime rate and I found the locals to be considerate, polite and generous ❤️ Food for thought!

✨️💯

23/01/2025

I’m back into the full swing of things after a lovely summer break!! Hoping you’ve all had a safe holiday season ❤️
Just a reminder that you don’t need to go to your GP for new ACC claims/referrals for musculoskeletal injuries. Practitioners such as physios, osteopaths and chiropractors can assess and treat injuries, write new ACC claims, and refer you for X-rays/scans or to orthopaedic specialists if necessary. With many GP clinics experiencing delays in appointment openings, it’s important to know that you can go straight to your therapist for treatment :)

13/12/2024

It’s summer (yay!!)! ❤️❤️❤️
In Chinese Medicine this is the fire/heart season, which is the Yang peak of the year’s seasonal cycle (the opposite is winter, peak Yin). Summer is the time when things are moving the fastest, there’s lots to do, the days are long and we accomplish a lot! I love this season of celebration and fun!
But, we all should remember to take a pause from the hurried busyness, which means switching off - from screens, emails, and the incessant to-do list. Appreciate a sunset, an evening walk, a swim … to be in the now and appreciate all we have - including our bodies and minds. They too need care, and appreciation for all they achieve, every second of the day. Have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season everyone!!! ###

17/11/2024

Pain is often a hard thing to describe, but pain location, quality and severity gives therapists useful information about your injury. It also lets us know whether a medical referral is necessary. We will ask you to rate your pain out of 10, which gives us an idea of how severe the pain is according to you. We can use this rating as a comparison at later treatments to assess progress. Pain isn’t fun but usually isn’t long lasting!