Could you introduce yourself?
Hi! My name is Jody Ryan. I'm a Sports Therapist / Vestibular Therapist by profession, and am currently studying for an MSc in Physiotherapy. ​

I'm originally from a place called Milestone (Kilcommon) but am now living a few miles outside Nenagh in Carrigatogher. I’m married to Ciara, and am a busy dad to Luke, Éabha, Sadie and JJ!! ​​ ​​

What / where did you study?
I went to primary school in Upperchurch National School, and followed onto secondary school in Our Lady’s, Templemore.

I took the scenic route to the field of Physiotherapy!! I initially completed an Undergraduate Degree in Public Administration at the University of Limerick. After working in the Finance industry for a number of years in places like Google, Northern Trust and the Bank of New York Mellon, I found that the ever-present interest I had in injury rehabilitation was too hard to ignore. With that, I completed a Degree in Sports Therapy from the London Metropolitan University and am currently studying a Masters in Physiotherapy. ​​ ​

I have also completed many Graduate courses since completing my Degree, such as:
+ A Vestibular Rehabilitation Course
+ A Basic Life Support (CPR and AED) Course
+ A Sports Taping and Strapping Technique Course
+ A Manual Handling course ​​​ ​​​​​​

What kind of experience do you have?
During my undergraduate BSc in Sports Therapy, I gained musculoskeletal rehabilitation experience in Limerick Sports Injury Clinic. More recently, while on MSK Physiotherapy placement in Gold Standard, I was exposed to patients with vestibular and musculoskeletal issues. Working here has given me a real appreciation of the benefits that quality healthcare and exercise prescription can have on all age groups and demographics.

I have also done a lot of pitch-side work and injury rehabilitation for sports teams. For example, I’ve been the Sports Therapist for the Toomevara GAA senior hurlers for the last 2 years, while I have also worked intermittently with the Clare minor footballers. I have also worked regularly with GAA clubs such as Sean Treacys, Ballinahinch and many other clubs around North Tipperary. ​​​ ​​​​​​​

What are your professional interests / likes?
I am interested in all areas of Physiotherapy. But I do have a special interest in knee ligament and tendon injuries / rehabilitation. This probably stems from the fact that I ruptured ACLs in both knees by the time I was 21, an unfortunate trait that I share with my colleague Ciara Gleeson!!

I find the area of Vestibular Rehabilitation fascinating too. It has a range of benefits for patients experiencing balance and dizziness issues. To see patients regain functional independence and in turn reduce anxiety after completing prescribed rehabilitation exercises is very rewarding.

I am also interested in research around long-term joint health. Having gone through a meniscal repair surgery myself and seen relatives who have had hip and knee replacements, I am always curious to learn about new pain management strategies and other non-surgical interventions. Through the Gold Standard Exercise Classes, I have seen the important role that strength and cardiovascular fitness has to play in these areas.​ ​​ ​​​

What kind of personal interests do you have?
I’m a huge fan of all ball sports, particularly hurling! I love going back home to play a bit of junior with Sean Treacys when my wife allows it!! I enjoy watching Gaelic football and soccer too, and absolutely love watching the track and field athletes at big events like the Olympics.

I am well aware of the huge benefits of strength training, especially since I started working in Gold Standard. But you are still more likely to see me getting my exercise fix on the bike up around the hills of Ballywilliam!

Recently, I have developed a huge interest in the field of breathwork, which features breathing techniques aimed at improving mental and physical performance. My sister (a qualified Oxygen Advantage Instructor) has been advocating its benefits for years, and I am hoping she can book me in for a consultation (family rate!) very soon.

I also like my wildlife and history documentaries. I hope to one day meet someone who has also enjoyed the World war I and II documentaries on Netflix!!​​​​​ ​

Tell us something about yourself that others may not know?
I have Munster under 21 hurling and Fitzgibbon cup medals (with Tipp and UL respectively) but I don’t care to mention how long ago they were achieved!! ​​​ ​​ Anything else you'd like to add? Nobody wants to be in physical pain or discomfort or frustrated because they feel they are not performing optimally. The motivation and excitement for me in this job is trying to tease out the reason for these issues, and put a plan in place to get people back doing what they love most.
I always find that every patient has an interesting story to tell, and if you listen closely enough, you can plot the path to progress thereafter. If you combine this with quality exercise prescription and patient education, we have every chance at helping you achieve your goals at Gold Standard.