Welcome to Knocknacarra Physiotherapy

Richard Hayes,
BSc. (Hons) Physio, MISCP

Founder and Senior Physiotherapist at Knocknacarra Physiotherapy.

Chartered Physiotherapy and Sports Injury clinic.

Qualifications

Richard qualified from the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin in 2005 with an Honours degree in Physiotherapy. He is a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists as well as the Chartered Physiotherapists for Sports and Exercise Medicine. He has done extensive additional training, such as in Pilates, with the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilate’s institute.

He has done numerous other courses such as in sports trauma, Dublin, concussion management with Dr Ann Mucha, USA, as well as strength and conditioning, Sports Santry Clinic, Dublin. He is also trained in gait and biomechanical analysis and can assess for orthotics/prescription insoles. Richard is particularly interested in treating back and neck pain and is trained in trigger point therapy as well as Deep dry needling. He is also passionate about shoulder pain and upper limb injuries and completed BAHT level 2, UK.

Sports

Richard is a keen sportsman and has worked with sports injuries at all levels from club, such as Castlegar Hurlers, to the Galway Senior Hurlers. He has experience working with a wide variety of other sports from rugby to football and basketball. He has treated many, elite runners, cyclists and Galway triathletes . Richard particularly enjoys treating patients of all ages with the right combination of manual therapy and exercise rehabilitation to help them get back on track …fast.

Experience

Richard has over 15 years experience, having worked both in the public and private sectors. He has extensive experience of sports injuries. On qualifying, Richard worked in private practice in Limerick and provided physiotherapy to Garryowen Rugby Club. He then moved to Galway as physiotherapist for the Castlegar Hurlers, and quickly progressed right up to County level as Physio with the Galway Senior Hurlers.

He also worked in Merlin Park as well as Galway University Hospitals for several years, until opening Knocknacarra Physiotherapy in 2013. His combined private practice and hospital work means Richard has vast experience in the treatment of both acute and chronic painful Musculoskeletal conditions, such as back and neck pain. As well as the rehabilitation of patients post the most complex orthopaedic surgery, or sports related injury, be it spinal, hip, knee, ankle or shoulder surgery.

He has developed very valuable links with all of Galway’s leading Orthopaedic and Sports surgery consultants. He was also involved in research, in UCHG, as well as the teaching and mentoring of numerous physiotherapy students from both RSCI and UL as a clinical practice educator, for over 8 years.

Quality Treatment Programs

Richard is committed to delivering high quality treatment programmes that are specific to individual needs to get the best result fast. He takes the time to ensure patients understand exactly what the cause of their problem is. Whether it is a whiplash injury, a persistent old sporting injury, chronic headaches or a repetitive strain, Richard goes the extra mile to get you right.