MISSION STATEMENT

Here at Focus Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries, we work together as a team to make you feel safe and welcome in our practice. Utilising evidence based assessment and treatment techniques, we will soon have you on the road to recovery. Our goal is to educate our clients on the cause of their injury and where possible, encourage self-management.

We believe in a personal approach to your diagnosis and treatment with “hands on” physiotherapy. Our primary goal is to provide a unique patient-centred care package resulting in a quick return to function and long-term advice and exercise to ensure the issue is fully resolved.

APPOINTMENT BOOKING

Schedule your appointment here

SERVICES PROVIDED
Manual Therapy
Mobilisation and Manipulation

The aim of manual therapy is to assist the joints and soft tissue to regain its full range of movement and to ease pain

Orthotics
Biomechanical/ Gait Analysis and Orthotic Prescription

Help in the management of a range of injuries from plantar-fasciitis, flat feet, knee pain, hip pain and bunions

Dry Needling
Massage and Trigger Point Therapy

Dry Needling, also known as Trigger Point Needling, is an effective and efficient technique for the treatment of myofascial pain and dysfunction

Kinesiology Tape
Sports Taping

Therapeutic kinesiology tape that can benefit a wide variety of musculoskeletal and sports injuries, plus inflammatory conditions

Exercise Prescription
Injury Specific

A personal prescribed exercise program is an essential part of physiotherapy treatment

Pilates
Injury Prevention & Management

Pilates is an effective modality in the treatment of various musculoskeletal issues, and for optimising your physical strength, mobility and wellbeing

Electrotherapy
Tissue relaxation and scar tissue breakdown

Ultrasound is applied using the head of an ultrasound probe that is placed in direct contact with your skin via a transmission coupling gel

Sports Injuries
Strong advocates of injury prevention strategies

We understand the importance of returning to sport as soon as possible in a safe manner and the importance of sports and physical exercise as a part of healthy living

Women's Health
Throughout your pregnancy and beyond

Pelvic Health Assessment, Prenatal Care, Postnatal Care, Mastitis Management, Pelvic Girdle Pain, Prenatal Pilates, Postnatal Pilates, Mummy MOT.
More information is available on our women’s health section

INJURIES TREATED
TREATMENT PRICE LIST

A breakdown of the prices of the various treatments that we offer

Consultation
€70 - 45mins
Affiliated Club Rate
€55 - 45mins
Mastitis Management
€75 - 45mins, initial
Mummy MOT
€100 - 60 mins
Women's Health
€100 - 60 mins
MEET THE FOCUS PHYSIO TEAM

Our Physiotherapists have a wealth of experience in both the NHS, HSE and Private practice.
They are vastly experienced in assessing, diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries.

Aisling O’Brien

Physiotherapist and Practice Partner

Lorna Cummins

Physiotherapist and Practice Partner

Laoise Murphy

Physiotherapist

Tricia Walsh

Practice Manager

Brian O’Donovan

Physiotherapist

Karl Spillane

Physiotherapist

Aimee Kavanagh

Physiotherapist

Sam Boyle

Physiotherapist

Virgina Cronin

Care Coordinator
AISLING O'BRIEN

Physiotherapist and Practice Partner

Education
Aisling studied Physiotherapy at the University of Bradford. Following this, she achieved a Diploma Orthopaedic Medicine from NUI Galway and completed her Masters (MedSc) in Sports Medicine and Exercise from University College Cork.

Aisling underwent her primary training in the NHS working across core rotations before specialising in Musculoskeletal and Spinal manipulations. Aisling has extensive sports physio experience and has worked with English Professional Rugby league teams, intercounty GAA teams and Irish basketball players to name a few. Her research has focused on ACL injury prevention and post-surgical management in the adolescent female.

Philosophy
Aisling believes in the self-promotion of health through exercise, manual therapy and the importance of training balance to minimise injury. In addition, she takes a holistic approach to working with clients and is very aware of the psychosocial effects on musculoskeletal pain.

Areas of expertise/speciality
Aisling has a special interest in injury prevention in the adolescent sporting population. She also has a keen interest in spinal injuries, back pain, neck pain, sciatica, mastitis and postnatal management.

Postgraduate training includes

  • CPR and Basic Life Support
  • Mulligans Manual Therapy
  • Fit Back and Bumps
  • APPI Pilates for Physiotherapist Mat-work
  • Acupuncture and Deep Muscular Needling Techniques
  • PPL Biomechanics Prescription
  • Kinesiology Taping
  • Dry Needling
  • Society of Orthopaedic Medicine Parts A,B,C
  • Emergency on field medical management
  • Mummy MOT
  • Mastitis Management
LORNA CUMMINS

Physiotherapist and Practice Partner

Education
Lorna gained a BSc(Hons) Sports Science Degree from Loughborough University and has a BSc Honours Physiotherapy degree from the Royal College of Surgeons. Lorna has gained experience working in the HSE where she completed her junior rotations before specialising in Musculoskeletal therapy. She has extensive experience working in the private sector and excels in helping her clients in achieving their goals.

Personal Interests
Lorna is a keen swimmer and has swam internationally for Ireland. She also has competed in a number of triathlons and enjoys yoga.

Areas of expertise/speciality
Lorna has a specific interest in exercise rehabilitation, sports injuries and occupational Injuries. Lorna has also developed a specific skill set with pre and post natal musculoskeletal issues. Lorna is a Pilates Specialist and delivers 1:1 pilates as well as Physiotherapy-led pilates onsite.

Postgraduate training includes

  • First Aid
  • Dry Needling
  • Post Graduate Spinal Manual Therapy
  • Sports Massage Therapy
  • Ante-Natal Pilates
  • Pilates Mat- Based Therapy
  • 200 hour Yoga teacher training
LAOISE MURPHY

Physiotherapist, joined the team January 2022.

Education
Laoise first studied BSc Sports Rehabilitation and Athletic Therapy at The Institute of Technology in Carlow, and then went on to study Physiotherapy in Northumbria University, UK. Laoise predominantly works within musculoskeletal settings including private practice and professional sporting environments. She has worked as the Senior Physiotherapist with elite level Professional Squash Athletes at major events around the world including America, Singapore and Egypt. Laoise is a fully qualified pilates instructor providing classes at all levels individually and in group settings and has Worked within an exclusive ski resort as a Senior Physiotherapist providing assessment and rehabilitation to clients with an array of injuries and biomechanical requirements.

Philosophy
Laoise believes every person is unique and so are their needs. Optimising your health and wellbeing is her main priority. Maximising one’s ability to achieve their goals is paramount.

Personal Interests
In her free time, Laoise enjoys pilates, yoga, GAA, swimming and going to the gym. She is a recreational skier and loves travelling to new places.

Areas of expertise/speciality

  • Dry needling
  • Pilates
  • Exercise Prescription
  • Gait re-education
  • Emergency First responder
TRICIA WALSH

Practice Manager

Tricia is our Practice Manager, keeping the show on the road since April 2018 and keeping us all in line! Tricia previously spent over 20 years working in the insurance industry.

Tricia enjoys going to the gym and walking her dogs, and has a keen interest in all things GAA, and is actively involved in her local Camogie Club in Douglas.

BRIAN O’DONOVAN

Physiotherapist, joined the team October 2022.

Education
Brian graduated with a BSc Physiotherapy degree (first class honours) from University College Dublin in 2022. Brian gained clinical experience in the acute hospital setting during his studies, in areas such as neurological rehabilitation, orthopaedics, and respiratory care while also gaining experience in private practice treating musculoskeletal and sports injuries. Brian has a specific interest in sports rehabilitation, injury prevention, and promoting physical activity for all ages. He also has a keen interest in pitch side work with sports teams from rugby, soccer, and GAA.

Philosophy
Brian’s philosophy for each patient is to provide patient-centred care that is tailored to each patient’s goals and their desired outcomes from physiotherapy. This is achieved by blending hands on treatment, massage therapy, exercise prescription, and exercise promotion.

Personal Interests
Brian has always had a passion and involvement in GAA where he continues to play for his local team. He also has a keen interest in sports such as soccer, rugby, golf, and basketball.

Areas of expertise/speciality

  • Irish Heart Foundation AED first aid training programme and basic life support
  • Sports taping
  • Massage therapy/ myofascial release
  • Vestibular rehabilitation course
  • FIFA medical diploma course
  • Covid 19 New Vaccinator course
  • Exercise prescription
  • Gait re-education
KARL SPILLANE

Physiotherapist, joined the team October 2024

Education
Karl first studied Sport and Exercise management at CIT and then completed an MSC in Physiotherapy at UCC in 2024. During his studies, Karl gained clinical experience in areas such as orthopaedics, neurological, respiratory and fall prevention. Karl has extensive experience with exercise prescription as he worked as a personal trainer for 3 years while also working with many local soccer, GAA and rugby teams providing pitch-side cover and rehab programmes.

Philosophy
Karl believes that a combination of exercise prescription, patient education and promoting self management activities are key to help people reach their goals and return to what they love doing.

Personal Interests
Karl has a keen interest in GAA and continues to play with his local GAA team. He also enjoys going to the gym.

Areas of expertise/speciality

Karl has a keen interest in exercises based rehab specifically sport injuries. He also has a keen interest in both acute and chronic conditions using goal orientated rehab to get people back doing what they love.

  • Personal trainer
  • Sport massage
  • Holistic massage
  • Exercise for health specialist
  • Basic first aid CPR and AED – All safety training
AIMEE KAVANAGH

Physiotherapist, joined the team Ocotber 2024.

Education
Aimee studied Physiology and Health Science at Carlow IT, and completed her Bsc in physiotherapy at Northumbria University, Newcastle. Aimee has completed Introduction to urinary incontinence and vaginal assessment, Advanced course in manual therapy for the pelvic floor, Mat Pilates and APPI AN/PN Pilates and Lactation and breast health training.

Philosophy
Aimee is passoniate about empowering Women’s health through compassionate, holistic care.

Personal Interests
Aimee enjoys travelling, hiking, music, running and generally keeping active.

Areas of expertise/speciality

  • Womens Health
  • Ante/post natal
  • Dry Needling
  • Pregnancy Pilates
  • Mat Pilates
  • Exercise prescription
SAM BOYLE

Physiotherapist, joined the team October 2024.

Education
Sam received a minor in MSK and sports injuries and completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Physiotherapy from Saxion University.

Philosophy
Sam advocates for self-empowerment and independence in the health care sector and believes that the patient should have an active role in their rehabilitation. He believes that taking a bio-psycho-social approach with patients is essential to an effective rehabilitation.

Personal Interests
Sam continues to play Rugby at senior level and also
enjoys surfing and tennis.

Areas of expertise/speciality

  • NFQ Level 4 Personal Trainer Musculoskeletal and overuse injuries Massage Therapy
  • Sports injuries and rehabilitation from beginner to
    advanced levels of sport
  • Training in Motivational Interviewing to enhance self-
    efficacy
VIRGINIA CRONIN

Care Coordinator, joined the team October 2024.

About
Virginia joins our team with a wealth of experience from various industries she is skilled in customer relations and is passionate about health and wellness.

Personal Interests
Virginia’s hobbies include exercising, walking, travelling, and meeting up with friends.

WOMEN'S HEALTH

Available Services: Pelvic Health Assessment, Prenatal Care, Postnatal Care, Mastitis Management, Pelvic Girdle Pain, Prenatal Pilates, Postnatal Pilates, Mummy MOT

PELVIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT

With specialist training, our Women’s Health physiotherapists can assess and manage a number of presentations:

  • Pelvic Pain
  • Vulvodynia
  • Painful Sex
  • Bladder Urgency
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse
  • Bowel Incontinence
  • Urinary Incontinence
  • Diastasis Recti (abdominal muscle separation)
  • Perineal Trauma

All assessments take place in a safe environment with full explanation of the assessment. If a pelvic floor internal examination is indicated, this is only performed with your consent, you can bring a chaperone and there is the option to change your mind at any time. A number of treatment options will be discussed and a bespoke plan made to achieve your individual goals.

PRENATAL CARE

During pregnancy, the body undergoes incredible changes which can lead to pain, muscle imbalances and weaknesses. We check posture, abdominal, lower back and pelvic floor strength and use these findings to create a strengthening and mobility programme to suit your needs. Education is provided on recommended sitting/standing and sleeping postures. Wel also practice breath work, which can aid the labour experience.

Common pregnancy conditions we specialise in treating include:

  • Neck and Shoulder Pain
  • Lower back pain and Sciatica
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Pelvic Girdle Pain
  • Bladder Issues
POSTNATAL CARE

Following childbirth, our postnatal assessments and care optimise recovery. It is recommended to have an assessment 6 weeks following birth. Pelvic floor dysfunction is common due to the weight of the baby, the uterus and the placenta sitting on these muscles, hormonal changes, or tears or episiotomies during the labour experience. During the assessment, we will check your posture, pelvis, breathing technique, lower back, abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. A bespoke plan will be made to ease any pain and rehabilitate weak or shortened muscles with treatment techniques including manual therapy, massage, dry needling and acupuncture. Baby handling postures including feeding, buggy pushing and carrying (sling wearing) can also be taught.

Common postnatal conditions we specialise in treating include:

  • Neck and Shoulder Pain
  • Lower Back Pain and Sciatica
  • Pelvic Girdle Pain and Pubic Symphysis Discomfort
  • Bladder Issues including Incontinence and Mastitis
BREAST FEEDING & MASTITIS MANAGEMENT

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast with symptoms that include redness, breast pain, swelling and generalised ‘flu-like’ symptoms. While all mastitis is characterised by inflammation, not all inflammation is due to infection. Antibiotics are often empirically prescribed for mastitis even when there is no clear evidence of infection. In addition to local and global concerns surrounding the overuse of antibiotics, antibiotics will transfer through the mum’s breast milk to babies, which can result in the baby experiencing an upset stomach. Therapeutic ultrasound is a quick and effective non pharmacological treatment for the inflammatory symptoms of mastitis. If an infection is present, studies have shown that ultrasound can increase cell wall permeability of the biofilms caused by infections, making the antibiotic therapy more effective.

How Physiotherapy can help:

We offer therapeutic ultrasound, which gives women symptomatic relief and education for self-management.

POSTNATAL CARE

One of the most common causes of pain and dysfunction during Pregnancy with 1 in 4 people experiencing signs and symptoms in the pelvic joint area, lower back, hips and thighs. These symptoms can be reduced with treatment, support, exercises and modifications where appropriate.

PRENATAL & POSTNATAL PILATES

Guiding you to exercise safely and effectively throughout your pregnancy. Guidelines and studies show prenatal and postnatal pilates are one of the best forms of exercises for improved form and function. Pilates can be included in your accumulative 150 hours per week (WHO guidelines) and can be a fun enjoyable way to make new friends in similar stages of pregnancy while improving strength, form and function.

MUMMY MOT

A Mummy MOT is a specialist postnatal examination for women following both vaginal and C-section deliveries. It will assess how your posture, pelvic floor muscles and stomach muscles are recovering after childbirth. Your Mummy MOT physiotherapist will provide you with gentle exercises and treatment to help with your recovery – and get you back on track with your fitness goals.

CONTACT US HERE

Please do not hesitate to call using any of the methods below

Focus Physio are located at Unit 3A,  Times Square in the centre of Ballincollig opposite the Cinema and there is free parking available.

Focus Physio & Sports Injuries

Unit 3A,

Times Square,

Ballincollig,

Co. Cork,

P31 T048

Email: focusphysiocork@gmail.com

Phone: +353 87 385 9525

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PARTNERSHIPS

Various companies and organisations that we work with to produce a greater experience for each customer