Brian Gregan
400m Sprinter

I badly injured my groin when I was 15 and was told to take 3 months off. I returned to find my groin was still sore and I could not run. A couple of months later I met John by chance in the gym and he approached me as he had heard I was injured. He spoke to me about my injury and eventually after I had tried every other option available to me, I went for treatment with John.
He used a technique called dry needling. Within a couple of sessions I was back running pain free. I could not believe it. I now continue to work with John as I firmly believe he is the best in the business.
With the use of dry needling John has helped me recover from a grade 2 hamstring tear which happened the week before the world juniors.  With daily treatment I went on to make the World Junior Final 9 days later after being told I would not be able to run after getting a scan.
I also work with John with regards to personal training. It is a perfect set up as he knows my body and can develop exercises that will best suit my body. I have become strong in the gym due to Johns effort he puts in when with me in the gym or at home developing programmes. I owe much of my success to John for helping me with massage, weight training and injury prevention to name a few.

Eamonn Fahey
Sprinter and Long Jumper

I tore my hamstring running a leg in a relay in the Leinster Schools Track and Field Championships last summer 2009. With only two weeks until the All Irelands, for which I had qualified for in the long jump, I needed urgent treatment. Three hours after getting the injury I was in John Kelly's clinic. He managed to work around my busy schedule of 5th year school exams and I was ready to compete with time to spare. His use of trigger point needling took pressure off the injured area, thus helping me towards a speedy recovery. I only jumped 9cm short of my personal best and came 2nd in the All Irelands thanks to John's help. I find that his work is cheaper and more effective than any physio I have ever visited. This is why I am currently availing of his strength and conditioning coaching.

Christopher Rambo Russell
100m and 200m Sprinter

In 2007 at the Youth Olympics I tore my hamstring. In the subsequent three years this problem plagued my Athletics Career and almost forced my premature retirement from International Competition. I first visited John in January 2010 following an abundance of Physiotherapy treatment and rehabilitation programmes which had resulted in reoccurrence of the injury. Within weeks John had my injury solved. Subsequently, I have worked and continually work with John in relation to Strength and Conditioning, General Fitness, Dietetics (BioSignature Modulation). This has allowed me to compete injury free and re-establish myself in International Athletics. I give my highest recommendation to John in any case and in particular the seemingly unsolvable.

Paul Whelan
100m Sprinter

Following on from being Irish Schools Captain in 2008, I had a year plagued by injury. I was seriously considering giving up athletics for good as these injuries had become too much for me. That was until I met John. In two sessions and a proper gym program all my injuries were finally gone. Four weeks later I went on to claim the National Under 18 All Ireland 100m Title with a huge personal best. I wouldn't be in athletics today if it were not for John.

Ciaran Mackey
400m Sprinter

PB 2009 - 55.6 (before I met John)
PB 2009 - 50.9 (after I met John)

Bodyfat July 2009 - 8%
Bodyfat October 2009 - 3.2%

I first met John at my local athletic club when i was 'training'. I didnt know who he was at the time, but being typical John, he came over to me and told me I was doing the wrong training and that I had ''potential''. I considered his opinion and changed to a more competitive training environment. John became my Strength Trainer and introduced me to a new running coach in Santry in May 2009. With John's excellent knowledge about everything, ranging from diet, rest, weight training, supplementation etc, I ran a 5 second personal best in the 400m. (55.6 to 50.93 which earned me Bronze medal in the All Irelands).

At this time he introduced me to many rehabilitation weight programmes, which would strengthen key areas around the body for sprinting, and ultimately prevent injury.

Then winter came and the intensity of training and getting that all important 'base' was upon me. In terms of my physical condition, I was always naturally 'skinny' with a low fat, and thought nothing of it. But John told me the importance of fat loss for a sprinter, and then I was hooked. The low carb diet and the use of 'Estro Clear' which he gave me, which basically removed abnormal levels of the female hormone - oestrogen - from my body, particularly my legs. My body fat went from 8% to 3.2% in one month!! This meant I lost 3kg in weight, but gained 2kg in muscle due to John's programmes.

Summer came and I was in shape for a 2 second PB but my ignorance to the importance of rest would go against me when I injured my hamstring several times. Summer 2010 was one to forget for me as I pretty much didn’t clock a time on the track. John kept me positive, treated my hamstring with the rare treatment of 'dry needling' which I found to be extremely effective. I concentrated on weights with John that would benefit me for 2011.

November 2010 and I am lifting much heavier weights due to his individual programmes. I am injury free and will be ready for the indoor season 2011 and the following outdoor season.

Ger Hensey
100m and 200m Sprinter

John Kelly is one of the main reasons I am sprinting at 40 years of age. Being an athlete himself gives John a unique understanding when treating sports injuries and the urgency and frustration we all feel when sidelined from competition. With John working with me on mechanical problems, injury treatment, Nutrition advice and Bio-Signature Modulation we have achieved some amazing results. Having continuous back, hip and hamstring problems (with regular severe sciatica) since the age of 21, and searching the country far and wide for a cure for 18 years, I had resolved that I would never be pain free and a serious sprint contender ever again. On returning to athletics on being too old to play rugby (which I played Senior Club in the 90’s and represented Ireland in Rugby League) I met John by chance at a race meet, he immediately diagnosed my problem. After 6 weeks of treatment I was running freely with confidence and already producing some decent speed. Now two years on, I have had my first full 12 months pain and injury free in 19 years. In seeing an opportunity to improve and bring Irish Masters Sprinting to a new level John has provided me with Nutritional advice and along with his Bio-Signature Modulation (which I was initially sceptical) through Supplementation has naturally raised my Testosterone Levels, resulting in my strength developing far beyond my expectations, my Body Fat reducing from 12.5% to 8% and allowing me to put in the quality type training sessions I have not completed since my mid 20’s. Including John Kelly in my backroom team has, I am in no doubt been a major factor in helping me achieve my World Masters 60M silver medal in a new Irish masters 60M record of 7.30 seconds. Now he has me believing I can tear up the rule book on Age and Performance.
60M M40 World Indoor Silver Medallist
Irish Masters M35 60M & 200M Indoor and 200M Outdoor Record Holder
Irish Masters M40 60M Record Holder and 2010 M40 60M, 200M & 400M National Indoor Champion.

Steffi Creaner
100m and 200m Sprinter

2009 has been my toughest year in athletics to date. Battling with injury all year (hamstring strain, quad tear), John most definitely aided my chance of participating in Serbia. Just when I had given up all hope, John approached me. After 4 sessions I was back sprinting and my name is down to travel to the European Junior Championships. Feeling privileged to be there, the idea of participating hadn't quite entered my mind. When I found out I was starting the 4x100m relay I was ecstatic to say the least. So was John. He is highly qualified and extremely engaging and interested. He is very accommodating and willing to help the stricken athlete. I trust john completely and know how vital his experience is in helping us athletes to achieve our goals.

Michael Freeley
Middle distance runner (800M - 10K)
Rathfarnham W.S.A.F. A.C.

The first time I was treated by John Kelly was in April 2005 when I started doing sessions on the track in preparation for upcoming track season. My left calf muscle got very sore and I missed a full weeks training because of the injury and even had trouble walking without pain. I was treated by John on the Saturday and by Sunday (as he promised me) I was back doing 30 minute easy runs. Without the treatment there was absolutely no way I could have run on the Sunday. In May 2005 I injured a tendon in my hamstring where it inserts at the back of the knee (called the biceps femoris?) and missed the remainder of the 2005 track season, mainly due to my own stupidity in not getting the injury seen to immediately, continuing to run on the injury, and finally by getting substandard treatment from another physio who mis-diagnosed the injury as IT band syndrome. I contacted John again who correctly diagnosed the injury and after 3-4 sessions, over the course of 2 weeks, I was back doing easy runs again. Since then I have been lucky and have remained injury free and have been obtaining PBs again. The regular sessions with John definitely help in this regard. I would highly recommend John as a sports therapist, he is the first person I always contact if I feel a 'niggle' coming on because it is so important to get it looked after straight away. It is also important to get regular rub-downs and help with stretching exercises to remain injury free. Since John is a runner himself, he listens to the athletes describing their pain and knows exactly what to look for and how to treat it. The treatment is always first class and is great value for money.

Grainne Murphy
Surgeon

A quick glance at my reviews would make it apparent that I'm quite fond of cake. This love is pretty much matched by actually enjoying going to the gym though! Unfortunately I'm also injury prone and struggle to keep my poor body in something close to working order. I ended up visiting John Kelly when an irritated piriformis had stopped me from doing lunges and step ups and shin splints and tight calves were hampering my running. The physio hadn't helped and I was going crazy. He was easily contactable by email and answered all my initial enquiries (there were many) rapidly and patiently. We arranged a Saturday appointment. I arrived just about on time-it's quite out of the way if you don't know the area and in his house. John was friendly and very professional. He's a sprinter and very involved in fitness so has sympathy for the injured! We had a chat about my issues and then he examined me standing and lying. He actually picked up on the fact that my hips aren't level almost immediately. Most people don't-considering the difference is, literally, millimetres. He manipulated some trigger points and then performed dry needling to the piriformis and one of my calves (reckoned that was enough for one day). It was NOT a relaxing massage but that wasn't what I was there for! I'm sure he could do the nice relaxing thing if you wanted but it would be a bit of a waste when he is actually talented at making people better. 3 days later I could lunge again. I was ecstatic! He also works as a personal trainer and does nutritional advice. I haven't had personal experience, but if he manages to use even a fraction of his knowledge and enthusiasm in it I'd be pretty confident that he'd get results! Minus one star for the location-it's not easily accessible by public transport and I'd personally prefer a clinic type set-up. If you have an injury and want it fixed though, he's your man!

Dara Kervick
200m and 400m Sprinter

National Junior 400m Champion - 48.55
Northern Ireland Senior 400m Champion - 48.43
Leinster Senior Champion - 48.52
6th in National Senior Championships - 48.50

Personal Bests 2008 – 2009        Before Working with John
400 metres - 50.64
200 metres - 22.64

Personal Bests 2009 – 2010        After Working with John
400 metres - 48.43
200 metres - 21.98

Ruaidhri Kedney
200m - 400m Sprinter

Early in the summer season of 2008 I suffered tissue damage to my hamstring. The injury seemed to gradually worsen over time to the point where I could no longer compete. Coincidentally while out injured I met John Kelly who had a theory on my injury and invited me to his clinic for treatment. Due to the fact that my occupation offers free physio I mistakenly delayed seeing John for five months. In the intervening period I had ten physio sessions with different practitioners and an MRI scan without making any progress with my injury. Seeing sense I finally visited John in October 2008, after a thorough diagnosis and one (painful) dry needling session on the table I immediately felt I was making progress. I have been injury free in training for the last four months and feel that I am 90% recovered. I will be returning to John for further treatment despite the free physio which is on offer to me.

Dr. Peter Olwell

I had recurring discomfort in my lower back for almost a year which meant I was on pain killers pretty much all the time. I had seen numerous physios during this period but none of them were able to do anything to alleviate the pain. A friend recommended I talk to John, who had me off the tablets in two sessions and pain free in about a month. He’s my first port of call when things start to go awry and emphasises the importance of keeping things in place myself through teaching certain stretches and exercises. He takes his time and ensures you are as you should be before he sends you out the door. I’d definitely recommend him to anyone I know having back problems. Total Legend!

Dr. Darren O'Reilly
Footballer

I was advised by a friend of mine to first visit John about six months ago. I play soccer and run and was having problems with my left knee. I had visited various physios down through the years with this and other injuries but found the treatment to be unsatisfactory. I had mostly bad experience of misdiagnosis and vague treatments which would last a number of sessions without great results. Upon meeting John I was impressed with his knowledge and diagnosis of my problem. He explained in detail exactly what was wrong and how he would fix it. John also puts a lot of importance on how to prevent injury in the first place (body conditioning, strengthening exercises,etc ) which is also something I never got from a physio. I now wear orthotics and with John’s strengthening exercises my knee is improving all the time. I would highly recommend John to anyone needing treatment and personally will not be visiting a physio any time soon! With his professionalism, knowledge and friendliness he is money well spent.

Vivian O Hanlon (2009)
Marathon Runner

I have been involved in athletics the past 15 years and enjoy it very much. Over the course I've had injuries and have needed treatment. I've tried many Physiotherapists but found one in particular John Kelly. I found John to be fully committed when treating injuries, I found he works on you for the full hour when attending his clinic and I highly recommend him for treatments.

Viv O'Hanlon (2006)
Marathon Runner

Just to let you know how grateful I am to you for getting me through the Dublin City Marathon. Six weeks before the big event I got an injury to my lower back area, pain shooting down my leg, I thought the worse. All thet training down the tubes, I was on the verge of quitting. Until I had a talk with yourself you assured me that you would get me through the big event. After five sessions of treatment I was ready for the big day. I ran the marathon in 3:31, pain free from my injury. Many thanks John, Yours Viv O'Hanlon

Stephen O'Donoghue
Runner

On my quest to get fit I have managed to hurt myself on two occasions. The first time was having completed a mini triathlon. My knees became very sore and could not kneel down. I tried ice pack & strapped them up to no avail. I contacted John who arranged for an immediate appointment. John was very thorough, he was very quickly able to establish that I was flat footed and need special inside soles (which I am sure there is a more technical name for) . I was a little sceptical as they were expensive but at this stage I would have tried anything to be able to walk properly again. John made a cast of me feet & said they would be back in a week. John the rubbed the knee and pulled it all different directions to put them back into place. The knees were a little sore that evening but I was delighted that the workout certainly gave me some relief the next day. The following week I received the inserts & John once again worked on the knee. In a matter of weeks the pain was completely gone & I was back running once again. The second occasion I hurt my back, albeit from being under the influence. I could barely walk & the pain was quite crippling. I called John who once again was very obliging with a very early appointment. He went to work on the back. He had said that a muscle was rotating the pelvis wrong way & this was the cause of the pain. He has massaged this back into place and should feel some relief quite quickly. I phoned John a couple of days later as the pain had not fully cleared up. He said to wait a couple of more days first. Which he was right about. In summing up, although I was very sceptical with what he said was causing the problem John’s prognosis was correct on both occasions. I can honestly say that he really knows his trade and would recommend him to anyone. Thanks to John I am back training and will be forever grateful for.

Aedan McCormick
Martial Artist

I have trained in martial arts for several years and always had good flexibility.  A few months ago (April 2007)  I developed tightness in my left leg.  No matter how much I stretched, I couldn’t get rid of this tightness.  I went to John for a consultation, within a few minutes he was able to diagnose my problem (my hips were misaligned) and correct it.  He gave me specific exercises to ensure that it didn’t happen again.  I would recommend John to anyone, he is very professional, very knowledgeable and he fixed my leg as good as new.

Ger McGahey
Sprinter

I have competed in the Senior Athletics League for the last 4 years with my club Menapians A.C. This year I had a hamstring problem and John had me back running within 10 days and only two treatments. Over the years I have picked up injuries from training and inbalances in my body. John has helped me with these problems through treating the problem as well as working as a conditioning coach for me and help me get into better more balanced shape. He explained in detail exactly what was wrong and how to fix it. John placed a lot of emphasises on conditioning, strengthening exercises and nutrition which made a huge difference. I would recommend anyone to John with an injury problem or looking to improve on their sports performance.

Ciaran Gilchrist
Tennis Player (World Record Holder for playing 30 hours non-stop on 12/02/2005)

I picked up a hamstring injury 10 months ago during my first game after a hospital stint. Got deep tissue massage on it three times, but the injury kept returning. John said it was because I had a pelvis out of place, and did specific stretching exercises to cure this. Leg felt great the next day, and after a month the injury hasn't returning in the slighest. I just have to remember to keep doing those preventative stretches before and AFTER every game, to improve my flexibility.

Mark Ryan
Rathfarnham W.S.A.F. A.C.

I have been running competitively and training 6 days a week for the last two years. I started seeing John a year ago after picking up a small tear in my shin muscle. I feared the worst but after a couple of treatments I was back running. My experience of physio’s in the past was you were in and out in 30mins and lighter in the pocket. With John I find he spends quality time with you, not only will he treat any injury you may have with his knowledge and skills but he will also access the cause of the injury and with his expertise and advise he is just as determined as you to get you back healthy. I’m learning with running that there are many aspects which help you improve, i.e. Training Smart, Nutrition, Rest and getting the right treatment. I now see John on a regular basis and I believe he has had a vital role to play in my improvements and has a key role to play for me in the future.

Sean (Jack) Doyle
Rathfarnham W.S.A.F. A.C.

I have been receiving Sports Remedial Therapy from John for approximately 8 years now and he comes highly recommended. John’s attention to detail in respect of the athlete is excellent and overall the results are there to be seen. As a Masters runner who competes all year round in Cross Country/Road and to a lesser degree Track, I have to admit that without treatment on the Muscle Tissues the recovery period between races/training would be greatly extended. John’s treatment consists of an hour’s duration starting with a detailed account of the athlete’s condition/problem areas etc. This I find very helpful and unlike other forms of treatment, John takes time in the initial first 10-15 minutes preparing the athlete for the full treatment. This of course is based on my views, other athletes are treated for in other ways, but for me, definitely and most importantly I have not been injured in the last 6 months, and recovery times have been greatly reduced. For any serious runner out there, Remedial Therapy combined with proper stretching/Core Stability Exercises should be considered as part of the Training Programme
Many thanks
Sean Doyle

Freda Molamphy
Rathfarnham W.S.A.F. A.C.

I have been attending John for over 8 months for sports specific massage. This includes a comprehensive assessment at each visit to determine any postural or muscular problems and weaknesses. The massage is quite deep and very thorough and includes a lot of other techniques such a soft tissue work etc. I have on-going difficulties with my pelvis which rotates forward regularly causing pressure on my hamstring. John has been very successful in identifying and relieving this, though I need to have it done on a regular basis. In addition I have quite a serious injury to my heel which may require surgery but in the interim John has been helpful in maintaining flexibility in the areas surrounding the injury i.e. Plantar Fascia / Calves. I would have no hesitation in recommending John to anybody, especially athletes, who need a genuinely good massage – great value for money as you get a full hour of his time.

Tommy Kenny
World Student Games Captain, Irish colleges Football Team 2001-05 and St. James Gate F.C.

The attention received from John on any injuries has been top class. Too many physios rush you in and out without giving you the proper care or assessing the injury properly. Instead of jumping to an exact cause of injury, as some physios have done, John rules out injuries before identifying the more likely cause of the injury. The care is first rate and I've felt the benefits of the treatment immediately after. In a normal week I could train 4 times and play up to 2 matches, so having a physio of John's calibre has helped me to maintain my body through a number of gentle and flexible exercises.

Killian Patwell
Rathfarnham W.S.A.F. A.C.

I have been going to see John Kelly regularly for nearly 1 year now. My sport is athletics, particularly middle to long distance road running and cross-country. I remember my first appointment with John. He spent more than 1.5 hours with me, learning about my training, my results to date and my targets. John understands sport and what I do and applies this to his treatments. I had a particular injury which I had spent many expensive 20 minute sessions with a physio but to no avail. John finally got to the root of the problem in 1 or 2 sessions by patiently figuring out the problem and using methods which no physio had used on me before. John is professional, helpful and very patient! I have recommended John to other athletes both in running and other sports and I would not hesitate in doing so again.

Ron Malone
St. Mary's G.A.A. Club, Saggart

I've been seeing John for about a year now. I play gaelic football and soccer and have gone to John with numerous injuries from groin strains to general wear and tear and have found him to be the best Therapist I have attended. He has always sorted me out in 1 or 2 sessions and I have never had any groin trouble since. Gives his utmost attention to the area of the injury, his knowledge is excellent and I would recommend him to anyone and indeed have to my GAA club.

Gerry Murphy
Rathfarnham W.S.A.F. A.C.

I have been attending John Kelly's clinic regularly for the past year and a half, for injury treatment as well as occasional pre-race and post-race massage.
I have found John to be very professional at what he does, as well as being friendly and approachable. Whether it be treatment of a specific injury or a general massage, Jonh is meticulous and thorough, giving quality time to aching or injured muscles, and also to ensuring correct balance and alignment for running.
I would highly recommend him.

Ronan Maguire
Musician (Bag Piper), St. Laurence O'Tooles Pipe Band, Dublin

As a musician, for many years I had pain in both hands and pins and needles all the time. I put it down to years of repetitive playing and the more I practiced the worse it got.........I all but gave up hope. I felt like I didn't know what my hands were doing.....as if my brain was detached from them. Paying a visit to John Kelly is the best thing I've done to remedy the problem. After a few sessions the pins and needles departed and have not returned to date. My hands are now much better, I'm not as tense as I once was and I can finally get enjoyment from my music again. Thanks for everything, John

Sinead O'Byrne
Sports: Tennis, Cycling

I suffered with my lower back for the last five years. I would get a strong throbbing pain if I stood in one place too long or was too active. I had reservations about visiting a neuromuscular therapist but after finding no relief with the many chiropractors I had visited I decided it couldn't "hurt"! Upon commencing my first session with Mr. Kelly I was put at ease, he operates in a relaxed and professional manner and I felt he gave 100% to my treatment. I no longer suffer with lower back pain and found the after -treatment exercises he recommended help a lot. I would have no hesitation in recommending Mr. Kelly to anyone

Martin Kelly
Marathon runner, Unattached

I first met John on the eve of the 2004 Dublin City Marathon. At that stage I was not going to run the marathon as I had been diagnosed as having a bad back injury and advised not to run. I went along to the Marathon EXPO and met John who was one of the resident therapists at the event. John asked me a number of questions about my condition and examined my back. John quickly diagnosed that I had a anteriorly rotated pelvis and proceeded to put it back in place. The session took about 30 minutes however I completed the Dublin marathon the following day and ran a personal best. Since then I regularly attend John for physio sessions. A key to John’s success as a sports therapist is that he is a runner himself, he listens to you and diagnoses what he thinks the injury is in plain English and then proceeds to treat you as he himself would want to be treated if he had an injury. I would have no reservations recommending his services and have done so on many occasions to friends and fellow athletes and the feedback has always been top class.

Shirley Lambe
Operations Manager, Atlanco Recruitment

I visited your office with back pain due to an unfortunate accident. After a number of sessions with you I felt a great improvement in my health and can feel the difference since my visits. Your professionalism and dedication to your profession is a credit to you. I would like to thank you for everything you have done and I will be sure to recommend you to my friends and colleagues.

Caitriona Jennings
Rathfarnham W.S.A.F. A.C.

Initially, I was advised to visit John to receive treatment on a running injury. John spent a significant amount to time examining the injured area and isolating the source of the problem. The treatment I received and the subsequent "self-treatment" that John advised worked very well and my injury cleared up very quickly. I continue to visit John on a regular basis to get a "rub" which breaks down any scar tissue that we as runners build up over a period of time. John is very thorough and although the "deep tissue massage" is not a pleasant experience, I always feel much better afterwards!!

Maeve Richardson

I suffered with reoccurring neck and shoulder pains from an old injury, caused by falling down a flight of stairs. Before I met John I had attended a few different physios but did not receive successful treatment. During my first session John diagnosed a further problem previous physios had missed, which was that I had a small bone out of place in my neck. After only three sessions I began to notice a considerable difference in the pain I was feeling and within weeks the pain had disappeared altogether. My treatment involved intense massaging to both the problem and surrounding areas, by doing this the bone was put back in place and I have had no problems since. I would have no hesitation in recommending John to my friends and family.