Kathy Kavanagh
Founder & Managing Director
Physiotherapy | Scoliosis | Orthotics | Dry Needling
BodyMed didn’t start out as BodyMed at all. Back in 2012, Kathy was working as a solo practitioner under the name PhysioCentre, renting a single room from the wonderful Anna Wilson at the Pilates Centre. Not long after, the opportunity came up to take on her own unit, one that was far too big for just one person. That’s when the idea of building the “Dream Team” was born.
In 2015, BodyMed officially came to life with five therapists, bringing together Physiotherapy, Osteopathy and Acupuncture under one roof. Ten years on, that dream team has grown into a practice of over a dozen therapists caring for thousands of patients – and Kathy is prouder than ever of what they’ve built together.
Kathy studied Physiotherapy at Sheffield Hallam University (BSc Hons, 1999) before completing an MSc in Sports Physiotherapy & Manipulation at University College London (2003–2004). She went on to work at some of Dublin’s leading sports and orthopaedic clinics, including O’Neill’s Sports Clinic UCD and Dublin Spine & Physiotherapy Clinic, and held senior posts at both St Vincent’s Hospital and The Beacon Hospital.
Her clinical passions lie in treating backs and SI joints, scoliosis, and foot biomechanics and she has a particular passion for helping those patients who have struggled to get any relief for their symptoms elsewhere. “I light up when someone tells me, ‘no one else has been able to help.’ I love a challenge.”
Outside the clinic, you’ll usually find Kathy at the gym, walking, sailing or out cycling (a habit that’s earned her the nickname “Kamikaze Kathy”). After 27 years as a physio, she still can’t get enough of learning. Recent additions to her training list include a Realtime Ultrasound course at Brunel University, two Scoliosis courses, and a Foot Biomechanics course.
Testimonials
“I have seen Kathy several times, and she is the best physio I have been to. Friendly, upbeat, interested in getting to the bottom of the problem and following up. BodyMed is also a very convenient location for parking and the DART. Highly recommended.”
Catherine, Bray (early 50s, swimming, walking, gardening)
“I received excellent treatment for chronic, stubborn back and hip pain that other practitioners had been unable to successfully treat. Kathy takes a full biomechanical view of the problem, not just treating the symptom, but also the causes. Excellent value, too.”
Donal, Clontarf (40s, active gym-goer, sailing enthusiast)