Our Team

Could you introduce yourself?!

Hi, I’m Alex Lawlor, one of the most recent additions to the Gold Standard Physiotherapy team!

As well as being a CORU-registered Chartered Physiotherapist, I’m also a qualified Athletic Therapist.

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What / where did you study?

After completing my Leaving Cert at St Anne’s Community College in my home-town of Killaloe, I undertook a Bachelor of Science in Sports Rehabilitation & Athletic Therapy at the South East Technological University (SETU), receiving an Honours Degree upon completion of this 4 year course.

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During this time, I developed a strong interest in Sports Medicine, Anatomy and Exercise Prescription, which prompted my decision to undertake a Master’s Degree in Physiotherapy at University College Cork.

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Since graduating as a Physiotherapist, I’ve completed several Post-Graduate and Professional Development courses, gaining further qualifications such as: 

- a PHECC Emergency First Responder Certificate
- an IRFU Safe Rugby Level 2 Course Certificate
- an Enda King ACL Return to Play Rehabilitation and Decision Making Cert
- a Pitch side Traumatology Graduate Diploma
- a Sports Taping and First Aid Certification, as well as
- Moving and Handling Certification

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What kind of clinical experience do you have?
Both during and following the completion of my Undergraduate and Post-Graduate Degrees, I was fortunate to gain fantastic experience in a variety of clinical and sporting environments.

 

For example, I gained experience in both Respiratory and Neurological Hospital wards in Cork and Nenagh. Working with critically ill patients across these areas in addition to being part of excellent Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation teams were aspects I really enjoyed here.

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Naturally drawn to sport due to my own interests, I’ve been fortunate to have been part of some elite sporting environments such as:

- UPMC Sports Medicine Clinic

- Munster Rugby

- the Clare Senior Hurling team

- Basketball Ireland

- Treaty United FC and

- Garryowen FC.

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At the time of writing,  I am also the Head Physiotherapist for the:

- Munster Under 18 Rugby team

- The Young Munster Rugby team that compete in Division 1A of the All Ireland League

- Burgess, Kiladangan, Ballinahinch and Garryspillane First Teams in Hurling.

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Looking for the next step in my career, Gold Standard offered the perfect chance to blend my own clinical interests with plenty of opportunity to further develop my skills as a practitioner. The Clinic's High Performance Mindset and Values really help people to improve their health and quality of life so much, and being part of that was genuinely too attractive to turn down!

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What are your professional interests?

I have a particularly strong interest in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (which relates to the treatment of conditions affecting one's muscles and joints). This probably stems from a borderline obsession with sport and physical activity in my own personal life (as well as always having had a strong interest in health and wellness, I've played individual and team sports my whole life). Unavoidable visits to the Physiotherapist may have sparked this career long before I’d have even realised!

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In particular, I hold a very strong interest in shoulder, knee and hamstring injuries. Foot and ankle ones also especially interest me, as these are injuries I unfortunately know all too much about from personal experience! The great thing about this area of Physiotherapy is that no two days are ever the same and there’s always a new challenge on the horizon.

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The social aspect of meeting new people each day and trying to have a positive impact on their lives is also something that I really enjoy. Knowing that you’ve made a difference and seeing someone return to their sport or back to work at their best is hugely satisfying.

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What kind of personal interests do you have?

I’m undeniably a Sports fanatic with Soccer being my preferred one (I play with Lough Derg FC, the team in Ballina / Killaloe). When I was younger, I tried my hand at plenty of sports including Hurling, Badminton and Crossfit. I have a big interest in Gym and Cardio based training too, and these form a big part of my own weekly routine.

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Outside of sport, my interests include listening to podcasts such as The Football Pod (with James O'Donoghue and Paddy Andrews), The High Performance Podcast and Andrew Huberman's. Several Physio-related ones are also consumed (every day is a school-day!).

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Reading, getting out for hikes with my dog and spending time with friends and family are also things I like to do in my spare time to unwind.

 

Travelling is also a big interest of mine and I’m always on the lookout for the next opportunity to go somewhere new!

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Tell us a thing or two about yourself that others may not know?!

I come from a big family, and have five brothers (which leads to a lot of healthy competition, always trying to outdo each other, haha!!)

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Anything else you'd like to add?

Maintaining people’s health and well-being and empowering them to be the best versions of themselves is something we take pride in as Physiotherapists here. For anyone suffering with injury or looking to overcome small niggles, we promise we will do our best to get you back on track and performing at your best in life. No question or problem that you may have is ever too small and we’re always here to help.

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All the best,

Alex