About Us

Leah Purcell,
Chartered Physiotherapist, Practice Owner

Able Bodies Physiotherapy was established in 2018 by Leah Purcell. Leah graduated from Trinity College in 2008 with first class honours. While in her final year, she spent time studying in the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, a world renowned centre of neurological research.

After graduating, Leah moved to New Zealand where she spent 5 years working in Sports (mainly rugby) and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Whilst here, she completed Auckland University’s Certificate in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy courses, as well as “Explain Pain” with Mr David Butler and The Australian Physiotherapy Pilates Instructor Training Course.

She completed a Masters in Manual Therapy from the University of Western Australia in Perth in 2015.

On returning to Ireland, Leah began working with spinal surgeon Mr Ashley Poynton as a senior physiotherapist – assisting in establishing the Spinal Assessment and Physiotherapy services at the Poynton Spinecare Institute. Here, she specialised in the triage, diagnosis, and management of spinal pathology.

Leah is a mother to 2 young boys, and is expecting her third child. She has a keen interest in pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, and pre-and post- natal rehabilitation, as well as how hormonal health throughout the lifespan can affect pain and function.

Leah is a keen sportsperson herself, having played GAA for many years with Eadestown GAA, as well as running and road biking. She was delighted to establish Able Bodies Physiotherapy in her home county of Kildare in 2018.

Alison Brannigan
Neuromuscular Therapist
Certified Personal Trainer, Nutritional Therapist & Pilates Instructor

Alison has spent the past five years in the fitness industry, building on a lifelong passion for sports and fitness. Her interest in coaching hockey teams and playing the sport herself naturally led her to explore the complexities of anatomy and physiology, which ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in Neuromuscular Therapy. Driven by a strong desire to help clients alleviate pain, recover effectively, and prevent future injuries, Alison developed a deep commitment to creating personalized recovery programs tailored to individual needs.
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After becoming a certified Neuromuscular Therapist, Alison expanded her expertise by learning additional therapeutic techniques, including Myofascial Cupping, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Voodoo Flossing, Pilates, and more. Her goal is to address muscular imbalances and dysfunctions, restoring optimal function and promoting long-term well-being.
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In her spare time, Alison is an avid gym-goer, traveller, and instructor of various fitness classes, including HIIT, Body Pump, Pilates, and Recovery Rooms. She is also the founder of Zen Wellness for Work, a corporate wellness company that offers a range of holistic services and educational seminars to enhance employee well-being.

Rani Lam,
Chartered Physiotherapist, BSc (Royal College of Surgeons), CORU ISCP

Rani graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland with a BSc(Hons) in Physiotherapy in 2024. Whilst undergraduate, gained clinical experience in the sub-specialties of Musculoskeletal Inpatient and Outpatient, Care of the Elderly-Rehabilitation, Respiratory and Oncology. Since graduating, Rani has worked in Rehabilitation in a residential unit, treating a broad range of neurological conditions and with the elderly.

Since graduating, she has completed a comprehensive Foot and Ankle diagnosis/rehabilitation course in St James’ hospital, a course in Spinal Diagnosis and Manipulation in Cork, and is undertaking her Pilates Teacher Training Program.

Rani has a strong belief in the combination of the use of Manual Therapy and Specific Exercise Prescription ensures a full and speedy recovery.

She is interested in all forms of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, especially Spinal, Ankle and Foot conditions. She has worked as an assistant researcher in the Royal College of Surgeons on 2 main projects- ” The Prevalance of suspected or confirmed Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy in patients attending a neurological spinal assessment clinic with a new referral of neck pain” (2022) and “Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine” (2021). She is a trained Cardiac First Responder and First Aid provider, and holds qualifications Infection Control and Antimicrobial resistance. She speaks fluent Cantonese, Mandarin and English.

Outside of her work as a Chartered Physiotherapist, Rani enjoys travelling, hiking and badminton.

Call us today on (045) 435480, email info@ablebodies.ie or click here to book an appointment. No referral needed