Our Story
& the values that keep us together
McGowan Physio and Health Care Ltd. was Founded in 2021 by Niamh McGowan.
Niamh is a spinal specialist physiotherapist with a special interest in spinal disorders
(scoliosis, kyphosis, spinal fractures), collagen disorders and young athlete patient cohorts.
Through McGowan Physio Niamh hopes to improve the health of young people in Ireland.
Hi, I am Niamh McGowan,
your Physiotherapist
Niamh is a scoliosis specialist physio. She graduated from University of Ulster in 2012 and was awarded the Silver Cup, a prize for top marks in the practical element of the Physiotherapy course.
She has since worked in Ireland North and South as well as in Vancouver, Canada.
Niamh’s main focus is helping people with spinal conditions. The main conditions she works with are scoliosis, kyphosis and spinal fractures. She works with people pre and post op as well as those trying to avoid the need for surgery. ...
Niamh is trained in the Schroth method for Scoliosis management. She is trained in both ISST and BSPTS. They are both forms of treatment that focus on the conservative management of scoliosis.
Team work is an important part of the management of spinal conditions and Niamh works closely with the Orthotist, Ciarnaid Hayes and has referral pathways with many of the Orthopaedic Spinal Consultants. She is also linked in with various pieces of research ongoing regarding scoliosis.
Hi, I am Garett Van Oirschot, your Physiotherapist
Garett has a special interest in hypermobility and in PoTS. He has a huge amount of hands-on experience and in working with people of all ability levels from elite athlete to those with severe disability. Garett graduated from Dalhousie University in Canada in 2005 with his Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, and completed further studies in 2014 with a Masters in Sports & Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy from Griffith University in Australia.
Garett has completed further courses in acupuncture/dry needling, manipulative physiotherapy, shoulder rehabilitation, and BSPTS course for scoliosis. He is also researching and developing educational resources for scoliosis patients as part
of his PhD at UCD. ...
Garett has worked in numerous private practice and sports settings in Canada and Australia before relocating to Dublin in 2016. He has particular experience in treating adolescent injuries for those in gymnastics, soccer, rugby, taekwondo and for various snow sports (skiing/snowboarding, ice hockey, figure skating), in addition to adult runners and rowers. He also worked in the World and Pan-Pacific Masters Games, which provided added experience in the injuries of the older athlete.
Hi, I am Danielle Egan,
your Physiotherapist
Danielle graduated with a Doctor of Physical Therapy from University of Delaware in the United States in 2019.
Danielle has a special interest in the hypermobile athlete and in particular knee and spinal injuries. She has completed further training in the areas of physiotherapy for the performing artist, dancers with foot and ankle injuries, knee injuries and tendon conditions. ...
Danielle has experience working in varied outpatient settings and is especially passionate about injury prevention and rehabilitating athletes in performance sports such as gymnastics, dance, roller skating and figure skating. In addition, she has experience working with adolescent athletes, especially as a figure skating coach and as an outdoor activity leader for hiking, cycling, and canoeing excursions. Outside of work, Danielle enjoys staying active by figure skating, skiing, and hiking.
Currently on maternity leave and returning in July 2026.
Hi, I am Deirbhle Heffron,
your Physiotherapist
Deirbhle is a pain specialist physio. She graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 2012 and completed a M.Sc in Advanced Physiotherapy Studies in UCD in 2016. She possesses 10+ years of experience working in both public and private practice Physiotherapy in Ireland, New Zealand and Australia.
Deirbhle's mission is to help people feel more confident to move in their bodies and to live a more active and fun life. For some, this may be about getting back to daily tasks of school or work or for others returning to a regular gym plan or optimising sports performance. ...
Deirbhle has a particular interest in working with people who have complex spinal or musculoskeletal conditions, persistent pain conditions or chronic illness who may benefit from a more long-term approach to management of their health.
Deirbhle offers an empathetic and holistic treatment approach which may include movement-based approaches such as Pilates or strength and conditioning combined with education to gain better understanding of your condition and skills to develop health habits and behaviours.
In her spare time, you will find Deirbhle hiking or running, in the outdoors and cooking yummy meals for friends!
Hi, I am Shane Butler,
your Physiotherapist
Shane graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy. He has a particular interest in spinal conditions and sport injuries. Since graduating he has completed various courses in Scoliosis care and its conservative management and in pitch side physiotherapy. Throughout college he gained valuable experience in the hospital settings in musculoskeletal injuries and treating post op spinal patients. ...
Shane is trained in The Rigo Concept/BSPTS. This is one of the 7 schools of Physio Scoliosis Specific Exercise. It derives from the Schroth Method. Shane has also undergone training with Dr Rigo through Neja in Germany. This course was specifically on braces for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.
Shane brings a unique perspective to the clinic as he had Scoliosis as a teenager and hopes to bring his own experience into his treatments to provide the best care for his patients. In his spare time, Shane works with various sports teams providing pitch side care and initial assessments of injuries and plays a wide range of sports himself.
Niamh and her team are just amazing! Gavin & I look forward to the appointments and he always feels really positive, energized and encouraged after the appointment. Niamh has a wonderful way of communicating with teens and parents alike. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for her field of expertise is truly inspiring.
Mairéad Murray
Hi, I am Ruth Wilson,
your Physiotherapist
Ruth graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and brings a wealth of experience in diverse areas of physiotherapy. Her professional background spans complex pediatric neurodisabilities, hydrotherapy, early years intervention, horse-riding therapy and more. Ruth is passionate about making a real difference in her patients' lives, particularly in helping young athletes with injury prevention as well as safe return to sport through navigating their rehabilitation journey. Ruth works with people of all ages but has a particular focus on sports related injury and prevention strategies. She has a lot of experience with children and young people and working with the family as a whole. ...
Ruth has further enhanced her skills by training in taping and strapping. She is working with people with post-operative recovery, those managing hypermobility and pain syndromes. Whether it's helping young athletes recover from injury or working with people of all ages to improve their mobility, posture and function, Ruth is dedicated to providing personalised, evidence-based care that empowers her patients to achieve their best outcomes. An avid runner herself, Ruth is a member of her local running club and has a special interest in athletics. Outside of the clinic, you can often find her out on a run with her club mates or enjoying the outdoors with her family and her dog.
Hi, I am Claire Brennan,
your Physiotherapist
Claire graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy. Her experience spans musculoskeletal conditions, complex paediatric neurodisability, early years intervention, international hockey tournaments/training camps, and pitch-side rugby care. This diverse background enables her to combine. ...
Passionate about helping all young athletes and dancers reach their full potential, regardless of age and ability and drawing on her own foundation in classical ballet training, Claire has a special interest in hypermobility, injury prevention, performance optimisation, and sport-specific rehabilitation for hockey players, rugby players and dancers. Claire is currently completing her Pilates teacher training, enhancing her ability to provide movement-focused rehabilitation and strength-based conditioning for clients of all ages and abilities. In her spare time, you can find her in the sauna, in a dance class or out for a walk with a nice coffee!
Hi, I am Daniella Creão Salgado, your Clinical Pilates Teacher
Daniella passion for anatomy, biomechanics and exercise based therapy drew her towards Pilates. She began her Pilates training in São Paulo, Brazil in 2005. Daniella has been teaching for 17 years as a Clinical Pilates Instructor. She has continued to develop her teaching method. ...
She is Stott Pilates trained. She received certification with honours in 2017 for specific training in Mat work, Reformer, Chair and Cadillac. More recently she has completed training in the fascial system and this allows Daniella to use subtle cues with her hands while teaching.
Hi, I am Luana Pazinato,
your Clinic Manager
Luana, affectionately known by all as Lulu, ensures that the day to day operations at McGowan Physio run smoothly. With over fifteen years of administrative experience and a BS in Business Management from Dublin Business School, she brings a huge amount of experience to her role. Lulu is the driving force behind the scenes, managing the clinic's operations, coordinating social media, and liaising with the website team. ...
As a proactive and organised leader, Luana efficiently delegates tasks and utilises her quality analyst skills to monitor the team's performance.
Lulu is not only an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual but also a firm believer in building others up and creating a fun, supportive environment.
Hi, I am Mariana Murbach,
your Receptionist
Meet our lovely receptionist Mariana, known to everyone as Mari, the warm and welcoming smile at the front desk of our clinic. Friendly, approachable, and always ready to help, Mari is dedicated to making every patient feel comfortable the moment they walk through the door. ...
With strong experience in customer service, she brings professionalism, efficiency, and a genuine passion for helping others. Whether you have questions, need assistance, or simply want a friendly chat, Mari is always there to ensure your visit is smooth, pleasant, and stress-free.
Hi, I am Cookie, Smart Cookie,
your therapy puppy (in training)
Our Values & Goals
01
Make every patient feel comfortable, safe and supported throughout their rehabilitation journey.
02
Thoroughly assess each patient subjectively and objectively,
allowing accurate diagnosis.
03
Provide treatment plans based on the patient needs and their unique goals.
04
Carry out the treatment plans in a caring and compassionate manner.
05
Educate the patient and their family
in such a way that empowers them
to manage their condition but
also allows them to advocate for themselves in any healthcare setting.
06
Liaise with other medical professionals to ensure a whole health approach is used where possible.
We Welcome
• People aged 3 years and older
• Paediatric/adolescent/adult musculoskeletal patients
• Sports injuries
• Spinal conditions
• Conservative/ surgical scoliosis and kyphosis
• Postural orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS)
• Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD)
• Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
• People wishing to be assessed by an Occupational Therapist
• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD/ Dyspraxia)
• Sensory processing and/or motor coordination difficulties
• People wishing to become stronger though Physio-led classes