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.

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 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.

Meabhdh O’Sullivan,
Chartered Physiotherapist

Meabhdh graduated from the University of Limerick in 2018 with a Masters in Physiotherapy. Prior to this Meabhdh completed a BSc in Sports Science and Health from the University of Limerick, in 2015. In between both courses, she worked in research for Motor Neuron Disease under Prof. Orla Hardiman in Trinity College Dublin.

Since completing her physiotherapy studies, Meabhdh has worked in primary care looking after the paediatric population of Kildare/West Wicklow, but decided to take the step into private practice when the opportunity arose at Able Bodies Physiotherapy. She specialised in the management of children with Cerebral Palsy, Rheumatological conditions and developmental delays/concerns.

With her background in Sports Science, Meabhdh has a keen interest in all things Sport and Exercise. She is an active member of her local GAA club, Sarsfields GAA in Newbridge. She has trained in Cardiac First Response, Trauma Management and Emergency Pitchside Care. She completed her Pilates Teacher training with Pilates Teacher Training Ireland (PTTI) in 2017. She was Physiotherapist for the All-Ireland Winning Kildare Ladies Football team in 2023.

Meabhdh is a firm believer in the importance of exercise for general health as well as the management of chronic conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis and neurological conditions. She believes that evidence-based rehabilitation methods will provide the best care for her patients at Able Bodies Physiotherapy.

Neasa Dooley,
Athletic Therapist

Neasa graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Rehabilitation and Athletic Therapy in SETU Carlow. Prior to this, she completed Sports and Exercise Management, and a Diploma in Massage in 2020. She has a wealth of experience working in the Sports Injury Clinic at SETU Carlow, pitchside work with both club and inter-county teams, and with Carlow Senior Men’s Football Team, as well as at Able Bodies Physiotherapy.

She has completed Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training with the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute. As well as the APPI, she is registered with ARTI, the Athletic Rehabilitation Therapists of Ireland, and the Irish Massage Therapists Association. She is also a trained Cardiac First Responder and First Aid provider.

Outside of education and work, Neasa has had a keen interest in the Ladies Gaelic Football. She captained the Kildare minor team to a Leinster and All Ireland title in 2018, and has been part of the ladies intercounty panel since 2017, winning the Intermediate All Ireland Championship in 2023. Neasa was also named on the Lidl National Division 3 Team of The League in 2019,20,21,22 and 2023, and the Intermediate Championship Team of the Year in 2023.

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