About Us
Irish Physical Therapy is a holistic and patient-centered approach focusing on the manual treatment of the soft tissue – muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. Therapists use highly skilled, hands-on techniques to diagnose, prevent, or treat underlying conditions and problems. It is based on health science principles and works alongside other healthcare practices. We are located in Applewood Village Swords.
We are founded on a tradition recognises and values the healing properties of touch. It is proven to be very safe, non-invasive, and of course, drug-free. Each treatment is individually tailored. The therapist, after carefully noting your history will consider psychological, social, and environmental factors in devising a treatment plan and in suggesting appropriate changes to lifestyle, work practice, or exercise.
Area of Service
Physical therapy is suitable and effective in both the treatment and prevention of a surprisingly wide range of conditions. Its safety and flexibility mean it is suitable for almost every patient – where it can make a contribution to alleviating pain and discomfort.
Leona Bermingham BSc-MIAPT
Professional Introduction
Leona Bermingham is a chartered physiotherapist and founder of the Irish Physical Therapy Centre, established in 2004. With over two decades of experience in physiotherapy, health, and fitness, she provides evidence-based physiotherapy treatment designed to help patients recover from injury, manage pain, and return safely to everyday activity, work, and sport. Her patient-centred approach focuses on identifying the root cause of a problem and developing personalised rehabilitation plans that support long-term recovery and injury prevention.
Qualifications & Professional Background
Leona graduated with an honours degree in Science and Physical Therapy. She is a member of the Irish Association of Physical Therapists and is registered with CORU, Ireland’s statutory regulator for health and social care professionals. Her clinical background includes work in hospital settings, private practice, and pitch-side sports care. She has also completed specialised training in physiotherapy for older adults, pregnancy, and paediatrics, including Later Life UK training focused on evidence-based exercise for older people, frail individuals, and stroke survivors.
Leona regularly undertakes postgraduate education, including training in dry needling, Kinesio Taping, cryotherapy, craniosacral therapy, and advanced treatment approaches for shoulder, back, and knee injuries.
Areas of Expertise
Leona has extensive experience treating musculoskeletal conditions and supporting rehabilitation across a wide range of presentations, including sports injuries, spinal disc problems, repetitive strain injuries, post-orthopaedic surgery recovery, neurological conditions such as stroke and MS, and foot or gait issues. She has also worked with athletes, including the Dublin GAA Senior Ladies B team.
Treatment Philosophy
Each physiotherapy session begins with a comprehensive assessment and clinical examination. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual and may include hands-on therapy such as deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, dry needling, myofascial release, joint mobilisations, kinesio taping, and therapeutic exercise programmes. Patient education and active rehabilitation form a central part of the process, empowering individuals to manage their recovery and prevent future injury.
Personal Note
Outside the clinic, Leona enjoys staying active through triathlons, surfing, horse riding, and climbing. She also spends time supporting her two children in their GAA activities, reflecting her strong belief in the importance of movement and lifelong physical health.
The Benefits of Physio Therapy
Physical therapy is suitable and effective in both the treatment and prevention of a surprisingly wide range of conditions. Its safety and flexibility mean it is suitable for almost every patient – where it can make a contribution to alleviating pain and discomfort.
Most patients attend physical therapists based on a friend’s recommendation, though many are referred directly from GP’s or other health professionals.
Conditions treated include, but are not limited to the following:
Treatments
Achilles Tendonitis
Ankle strain
Ankle Sprain
Arthritis
Back Pain
Bell’s Palsy
Cryonic therapy
Deep tissue massage
Facial Palsy
Facial Paralysis
Diastasis Rectus
Dry Needling
Frozen shoulder
Fallen arches
Golfers Elbow
KinesioTaping
Headaches
Ligament Sprain
Metatarsalgia
Muscle Strain
Neuromuscular
Sacroiliac Joint
Neck Pain
Dysfunction
Shin Splints
SPD
Sports Injury
Shoulder problems
Sports injuries Stimulation
Trigger Point treatment
Orthotics
Pain Management
Physiotherapy Manipulation
Plantar Fasciitis
Pregnancy Physiotherapy
Repetitive Strain Injury
Tendonitis
Tennis Elbow
TENS
TMJ Problems
Whiplash injuries
Neck pain
Core values of physical therapy interventions include
Promote the ability to move. Reduce client/patient pain.
Restore, improve, and maintain optimum physical function, wellness and fitness, and quality of life as it relates to health and movement.
Prevent the onset, symptoms and progression of functional limitations, impairments, and disabilities that result from injuries, disorders, conditions and diseases.
Educating client/Patients on how to prevent or manage their condition.
Physical therapy is a resource for everyday living. Optimising life for individuals. Healthy living throughout life to help individuals improve movement, reduce pain, restore function and prevent future disability and loss of mobility before it occurs.
Consultation
Your first visit to the clinic will consist of a consultation with your Physical Therapist. This will involve a comprehensive history taking and full assessment. Your therapist will want to know how the problem began and identify among other factors. Main site of discomfort, aggravating factors, duration of discomfort, relieving factors. This information will help the Physical Therapist build a picture of the possible cause of your condition. At this point your Physical Therapist will ask if you wish to proceed with a physical assessment which will enable the Therapist to locate which aspects of your neuromuscular and skeletal system are dysfunctional.
Assessment
Should you choose to proceed with the physical assessment your Physical Therapist will achieve this through an examination of soft tissues & joints using palpation, passive, active & resisted ranges of movement & various scientifically based tests. Your Physical Therapist will be able to identify the specific structures involved in your muscular/skeletal dysfunction through these various tests. Based on the information and findings gathered through the history taking and assessment your Physical Therapist will explain to you what is causing your condition and inform you how they can help treat your condition or if required refer you to the appropriate health care professional.
Treatment
At this point your Physical Therapist will ask you if you wish to proceed with an appropriate course of treatment. If you decide to proceed a treatment plan will be designed specifically for you based on the above findings. The number of treatments required depends on many factors, the condition itself, the length of time the condition has been present & reaction to the treatment. As part of the treatment various soft tissue, myofascial, joint mobilisation and muscle energy techniques will be used in order to achieve the desired result.
IRISH PHYSICAL THERAPY
Contact Us
Full Member of the Irish Physical Therapy Association, certified and fully insured.
Leona Bermingham
087 115 6825
Reclaim Your Strength With Expert Physiotherapy
Hi, I am a Text Box, double click to edit me!
Treatments
Achilles Tendonitis
Ankle strain/sprain
Arthritis
Back Pain
Bell’s Palsy
Cryonic therapy
Ligament Sprain
Metatarsalgia
Muscle Strain
Neuromuscular
Sacroiliac Joint
Fallen arches
Golfer's Elbow
Kinesio Taping
Headaches
Facial Palsy
Facial Paralysis
Diastasis Rectus
Dry Needling
Frozen shoulder
Deep tissue massage
Neck Pain
Dysfunction
Shin Splints
SPD
Sports Injury
Shoulder problems
Sports injuries Stimulation
Repetitive Strain Injury
Tendonitis
Tennis Elbow
TENS
TMJ Problems
Whiplash injuries
Neck pain
Trigger Point treatment
Orthotics
Pain Management
Physiotherapy Manipulation
Plantar Fasciitis
Pregnancy Physiotherapy