Medical Exercise Experts

Medfit is the first and only medical fitness facility of its kind in Ireland. We utilize the latest fitness technology and pair it with medical sports science to get you the positive results you want to see in your levels of health and fitness. Our focus is on the prescription of individualised Medical Exercise programmes at the correct intensity and duration to increase endurance and strength, treat pain or decreased motion, improve activities of daily living and maximize the overall health, fitness and quality of life for all individuals.
Our Patrons range from 18 to 80 years of age and they come to use our facilities as we provide bespoke programmes for a range of conditions such as cardiac rehabilitation, back pain, weight loss and spinal rehabilitation. Each one of these tailored programs will be outlined and overseen by Chartered Physiotherapists and strength and conditioning experts.
In essence Medical Exercise Therapy (MET) is an active and dynamic rehabilitation system based on more than 30 years of clinical expertise and research. The MET approach offers the latest in active rehabilitation and teaches individuals how to apply local and global exercises. For further information on Medical Exercise please visit our “Medical Fitness” section.
Medfit was developed to address the pressing need for a medically orientated and professionally supervised exercise facility to counteract the increasing incidences of various lifestyle diseases which are common in Ireland.
Medfit can provide numerous health benefits to people of all ages and abilities, in particular individuals who suffer with the problems/ illnesses below (but not limited to);
Postoperative patients, back pain sufferers, musculoskeletal conditions such as Arthritis, Osteoporosis and Scoliosis.
Diabetes, high Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol and Obesity.
Medfit is not a short term solution or quick fix to the problem at hand, but rather we view ourselves as being the first step involved in helping facilitate your change. We aim to provide you with the necessary programme to get you to where you want to be in terms of health and fitness and to keep you pushing forward. Our focus is on helping you with long term change. This of course takes time and effort but we believe that we can provide you with the necessary tools to make this change happen and to improve the quality of your life.
The Medfit team combines both business and medical expertise. We have a dedicated and focused team who will work closely with you to ensure you gain the most from your visit to our facility in Blackrock. Our areas of expertise include physiotherapy, sports science, strength and conditioning, nutrition and personal training.
John is an accredited Level 3 Sports Physiotherapist and a Specialist Member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists in the discipline of Sports Medicine.
Academically John graduated with an honours degree in Physiotherapy from UCD in 1996. He subsequently completed a research MSc in Physiotherapy in UCD, and a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies. From his research on sports injuries associated with Gaelic Sports he is a published lead author in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2010 and co-author in 2011.
He is the co-founder and Clinical Director of Medfit as well as a Senior Partner in Carysfort Physiotherapy Clinic. “Over the past 14 years in private practice I have been involved in the rehabilitation of over 500 ACL injuries, and over 200 post spinal surgery patients. This in combination with the large volume of recurrent musculoskeletal conditions that I treat in my clinic necessitated the development of a facility for the post acute stage of injury. This is the origin of Medfit, a unique facility designed to maximise recovery and optimise physical well being”
John is a member of the GAA Medical Scientific and Player Welfare Committee since its inception in 2006. He is also the current Director of the GAA National Injury Database, established in 2006 in conjunction with UCD School of Physiotherapy and was the head physiotherapist with the Dublin Senior Gaelic Football team from 2004-2008.
Ursula is a Chartered Physiotherapist and graduated from UCD in 1998. She then
completed MSc in Sports Medicine from Trinity College Dublin in 2003. Ursula also received a Certificate in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy from Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia in 2006. Ursula has worked in a private practice for over 10 years and is currently working part time in the Carysfort Clinic, Blackrock.
Ursula is a member of the Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports & Exercise Medicine (CPSEM) with whom she is a level 3 Accredited Sports Physiotherapist. She further certified as a Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a member of The British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS)
Ursula is currently the team physiotherapist for the FAI Senior Women’s Squad and also with The Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) International Teams.
Claire has been part of the Medfit Team since opening in January 2010. Claire graduated from Athlone Institute of Technology (Bachelor of Business – Honours) in 2008. Claire has gained experience in management and operations within a diverse range of industries both in Ireland and Australia. Claire oversees Medfit’s operations and is on hand to meet and speak with clients giving an overview of Medfit and its services.
“My aim is to ensure that every client gets the highest standard of care through assessment, treatment, rehabilitation / membership”
Claire continues to develop her interest in the Medical Fitness area through related courses and workshops.
Anne-Marie is a Chartered Physiotherapist, who graduated from University College Dublin (BSc Physiotherapy, honours degree) in 2009 and has completed her MSc Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy from Manchester Metropolitan University. During her MSc Anne Marie focused on practical areas such as orthopedic medicine and management of sports injuries. Anne-Marie has specialized training in taking clients through rehabilitation programs in Medfit using the most modern equipment, and technology available in Ireland.
Anne Marie has worked with over 100 back and neck pain patients during 2011 where in combination with the Medfit team has helped progress clients back to optimum safe function. This includes working with clients who have had up to 5 spinal surgeries.
Kevin is a Chartered Physiotherapist who graduated (BSc Physiotherapy) from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (First Class Honours, with Clinical Distinction) in 2011. Kevin was a recipient of the Anne O’Brien Prize in 2011, awarded by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists for achieving the highest performance in clinical assessment in his graduating class. Kevin previously graduated with a BSc Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Limerick in 2007. He has experience working in the health and fitness industry since 2008, both in an individual and group exercise prescription setting.
Kevin comes from a strong sporting background having represented his county/region in a variety of sports at youth level, including Gaelic football, soccer, basketball and athletics. His personal interests include using medical exercise in clinical populations, such as those with lifestyle diseases and chronic back pain. Kevin has obtained post-graduation training in Medical Exercise Therapy, as well as specialised training in taking clients through rehabilitation programs at Medfit using the most modern equipment and technology available in Ireland.

Xavier is a chartered physiotherapist who graduated in 2000 in Brussels where he is
from. He then studied Global Postural Reeducation in France and worked in private practice for 7 years. He moved to Ireland in 2007 where he is certified as a NASM Personal Trainer Level 3 and worked in the fitness industry for the last 3 years.
His biomechanical and movement performance knowledge allows him to successfully train and treat people from various backgrounds and pathologies; from children, teenagers to elderlies and from amateurs to sports professionals. A combination of being an experienced Level 3 trainer with a strong experienced physiotherapy background facilitates a client’s optimum return to function following injury, illness or surgery.
From a sporting perspective Xavier works closely with Ursula Brooks and Barry Solan to optimise a return to performance following injury. He works closely with referring medical professionals to ensure that patients reach their goals.
Fiona is a full time employee with qualifications in a BSc in Sports and ExerciseScience from Edinburgh University and Diplomas in Personal Training and Sports Therapy gained through ITEC in Sallynoggin College. She has just returned from Melbourne, Australia where she was working in a women's gym for the past two years as a personal trainer. She is registered with Fitnation Australia Certificate 4 Personal Trainer. Fiona specializes in Women's health& fitness focusing on Weight-loss programs, prevention and care of osteoporosis and pre and post natal exercise. Fiona works closely with Paula Mee, Medfit’s Dietician to maximise a safe weight loss for clients.
Barry is a Strength & Conditioning Coach who has worked with junior, amateur,collegiate and professional athletes in Ireland, England, and at Athletes’ Performance, Arizona in the U.S. encompassing a diverse range of roles and sports. He holds an honours degree in Sports Science and Post Graduate Certification in Physical Education from St Mary’s University College, London.
He is further certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist , National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Performance Enhancement Specialist , Certified Golf Fitness Instructor through the Titleist Performance Institute and is presently pursuing his masters in Strength & Conditioning from Edith Cowan University, Perth.
He is currently working as a Strength & Conditioning consultant with a number of teams and athletes while also advising numerous sporting clubs on gym facility design and is an associate lecturer in Sport Science at I.T. Tallaght, Dublin.
Michelle Butler is our power plate master trainer. She has worked in the fitness and
leisure industry for nearly 10 years.
She started her studies in Waterford institute of technology where she received her B.A. degree in Recreation and leisure Management, finishing this she went on to get her fitness instructor and personal trainer qualifications.
Michelle enjoys working with people and helping them achieve their goals.
Jason graduated from Dublin Institute Of Technology in 2009 with a BEng Hon’s in Structural Engineering.Jason began training competing and instructing at a young age in various martial arts.
In 2010 Jason gained his fitness instructor and personal training qualification from the national training centre, He has since Qualified as a RKC and AGATSU kettlebell instructor. Jason has also certified as TRX suspension trainer and IABA level one boxing coach. Jason is one of Medfit’s Power Plate Trainers.

Paula Mee runs the Nutrition Consultancy in Medfit. She has worked with educational, pharmaceutical and food organisations in the health and wellness. Combining nutritional advice and the correct amount of safe exercise allows the clients at Medfit to achieve their goals.
Paula has also worked as the Nutrition Manager for Superquinn, where she developed her interest in and understanding of the food chain. Prior to that she worked as senior nutritionist in the National Dairy Council. Paula currently sits on the board of Consumer Foods in Bord Bia.
She has presented RTE TV's Health Squad programme and is a regular participant on RTE's The Afternoon Show. Paula graduated from University College Galway with a BSc in Biochemistry. She then completed her postgraduate qualifications in Dietetics and a Masters in Health Science in Leeds Metropolitan University. Paula also has a Diploma in Allergy from Southampton University and completed the British Dietetic Association's Sports Dietician course.
Medical fitness is a branch of exercise therapy where the individual performs workouts in specially designed apparatus, without manual assistance, but being constantly monitored by the chartered physiotherapist. The apparatus is designed to optimally stimulate the relevant functional quality in question. The qualities mentioned include neuro-muscular, arthrogenous, circulatory or respiratory. To obtain this effect, the patient carries out the exercises from a defined starting position, in a specific range of motions, against the graded load of the apparatus being used.
Prior to the treatment, a thorough assessment of the individual is carried out based on muscle testing, specific joint testing, and other functional tests. Combining the individual’s history and this assessment, a diagnosis is determined and an appropriate tailored treatment programme is established for the individual. The process also includes re-assessment and modification of the exercise program when it is required.
The concept used by Medfit is based on automating the workout by utilizing personal training cards that control and monitor each exercise or activity. Every exercise machine at the Medfit facility automatically adjusts the resistance for each individual, when the personal training Smart Card is inserted, making it very easy to maintain a progressive and effective training regimen.
In addition to adjusting resistance level, the information system also tracks heart rate and the duration of the exercise. These are used to effectively calibrate the training program with an aid of personal physiotherapist.
Medfit was developed to address the pressing need for a medically orientated and professionally supervised exercise facility to counteract the increasing incidences of various lifestyle diseases which are common in Ireland.
What if there was one treatment that was so powerful in maintaining and improving health that it could prevent or help manage certain conditions? What if we told you there was and that we provide it – Medical Exercise. Medical Exercise is proven to be effective in the treatment and prevention of many diseases and conditions.
Medfit can provide health benefits to people of all ages and abilities, not just those at risk of developing lifestyle diseases and conditions. Our facility also provides an excellent opportunity for rehabilitation and can help you to progress towards a complete recovery following medical, surgical or physiotherapy treatment, ensuring that you regain your maximum strength and function.

Medfit has a multi-faceted approach to exercise that includes weight management, spinal strengthening, increased aerobic fitness, improvements in strength & endurance, as well as core and functional training. The Team leading the Medical Exercise programme is a mixture of Chartered Physiotherapists, Sports Scientists and Strength and Conditioning Coaches. Before undertaking treatment programmes we will undergo an initial assessment to set out your goals and we will monitor your progress along the way to ensure you accomplish these goals. We also have a dietician on site to advise you best on your eating habits to ensure implementation of appropriate nutrition intake.
Medfit will aim to provide you with the information, training and assistance to maintain a high level of fitness and health and our treatments can help to create an improved quality of life, function and increase the likelihood of healthy ageing. At Medfit, we don’t claim to have re-invented training, but we are certainly revolutionising it to provide a more complete solution for our patrons. We have the professional expertise and technology necessary to assist people, regardless of their current activity levels or age, to initiate, develop and maintain an active lifestyle.
Medfit’s facility in Blackrock has installed state of the art fitness equipment which is safe, easy and comfortable to use. This is the only equipment system where success can be accurately measured and recorded, delivering your results and your progress in numbers and graphs. Our system is unique and is technologically advanced as once the Sports Scientist has set up your specialised programme the weight resistance and reps are generated electronically and are smart card controlled.
These smart cards contain an automatic memory function where they remember theusers training parameters and automatically adjust the level of resistance on the equipment to meet the ability of the individual as they progress. The smart cards also have a safety function as they monitor the users training sessions and will cut out the machine if the user is goes beyond the limits set by the professional who is overseeing the training session.
Your progress and outcomes are also recorded through the smart card technology. This is important because once you can see your results you become more engaged and your level of motivation increases which influences the success of the programme. It also means your doctor or other health practitioners can keep an eye on you and be assured that you are following the assigned programme.
Incorrect exercise technique and over training can result in injury, pain and therefore avoidance of further activity. For this reason it is wise to consult the most qualified and experienced medical fitness professionals. Our staff are available to advise and develop therapeutic training programmes to rehabilitate chronic and complex conditions. With our professional guidance, you gain positive control over your physical health.
We believe that long term success and achieving your goals, depends on being able to maintain a motivated attitude by using an efficient, results-based programme. Our clients receive services that are safe, technique focused, and suitable for their current abilities and goals. We take great pride in educating and empowering our clients in order to enhance their ability to make and sustain positive lifestyle changes. Initially you will be eased into an exercise program with our direction and assistance before taking on a more active role in your own health and wellbeing.
Exercise rehabilitation programs can be prescribed for any person by our clinical director. After the initial spinal assessment, we can determine the most effective course of rehabilitation. Prescribed exercise can assist in both preventing and reducing the occurrences associated with chronic back and joint pain. A combined program of actively strengthening your body, stretching and light to moderate weight bearing aerobic exercise can assist not only in the management of pain but also the endurance needed to get through daily activities or work.
At Medfit we provide treatment programmes for a wide range of injuries and conditions and we provide an extensive post-operative and indeed regular rehabilitation programmes which are custom built for every individual. Medical Exercise can also be used as a preventative measure in the battle against a number of conditions and lifestyle complications such as weight problems and high cholesterol. Below are some (but by no means all) of the conditions which we can assist you with:
If you are suffering from any of the above or indeed another condition, do not hesitate to contact us. We have experience in providing tailored programmes which can help with a wide range of conditions. Once you make an appointment with us we can begin assessing what is the best programme to facilitate your needs.
Medfit is shaping the Irish health & fitness market with exercise and diet being 2 key components necessary in achieving health & wellbeing.
At Medfit we begin the treatment process with a complete spinal assessment. This starts with a subjective questionnaire to assess the impact of back pain on the person's life, followed by a thorough objective assessment by a clinical specialist, to establish accurate diagnosis.
Uniquely, at Medfit we recognise the necessity to isolate and evaluate spinal muscle function, in particular after an acute episode of pain has passed. We use the most modern, extensively researched equipment in the world to perform an objective quantifiable measure of spinal muscle conditioning, and co-ordination of muscle activation during spinal movement. This determines the person's muscular endurance and safe and stable range of motion available, allowing the design of an effective, safe conditioning program for Back muscles, for three key reasons.
The Perfect Balance of Diet and Exercise
Revolutionary Fitness & Weight loss phenomenon designed by Paula Mee and the Medfit Team is now available and exclusive to Medfit, Blackrock.

The 3 month Golffit Programme is a must for all golfers regardless of age or ability. Whether you are a pro looking to gain the competitive edge and improve aspects of your game, or a golfer who wants to enjoy the game for longer and reduce the risk of injury. It includes 8 one to one sessions with a professional team member and full access to the facility at all times.
Goals of Program - To Improve performance and enjoyment by:
Improving golf mechanics and overall fitness including strength & endurance - Career Productivity
Initial Screening: This is based on the Titleist Performance Institute providing a baseline to improve golfing mechanics.

Provision of corrective exercise program: This program will improve golfing posture, golf swing mechanics, movement patterns and reduce risk of injury.
Spinal Assessment. Identifying areas of weakness.
Business leaders are quickly realising the positive effects of corporate wellness programs. Companies that invest in Workplace Health and Wellness programs reap the benefits of increased employee health, morale and productivity and decreased medical care costs, disability pay, health insurance costs, rates of absenteeism, turnover and workplace injuries.
Medfit understands the importance of corporate wellness to progressive companies. A workplace wellness initiative that encourages employees to exercise will boost employee morale and motivate a workforce to increase productivity and profitability.
Employers are increasingly bearing the burden of higher health care costs from
preventable illnesses. Wellness programs save businesses millions of euro every year by improving the health of workers. A key component of wellness programs is physical fitness, which not only improves muscle and cardiovascular strength, but also helps decrease instances of diseases and conditions and the related work issues caused by those problems. Wellness activities focusing on physical activity can help boost employee morale in addition to weight loss. When companies run the numbers, they see that employee's physical fitness translates into corporate fiscal fitness.
Companies today who want to attract and retain good workers have leaders who understand the connection between employee satisfaction and employee health, and believe workplace health and wellness is a business strategy.
Corporate wellness programs involve the use of preventive health care strategies to help companies cultivate their employees' health, well-being and productivity while boosting corporate profitability. If a corporate wellness program is successful, both the employee and the corporation should experience benefits.
Employees living a healthy and active lifestyle enjoy increased energy, concentration and motivation in the workplace. They are less prone to illness and injury, are better equipped to cope with stress and manage change.
Our tough economic times, technological changes, rising health care costs, the focus on efficiency, and the aging workforce are some of the reasons driving the common trend for companies to invest in Corporate Health and Wellness Programs. In Ireland it costs companies €563 million a year through absenteeism. €3.9 million a day is lost to "sick days" with back pain and stress sighted as the main reasons for sick leave. Back pain is among the most common disorders in western societies causing more financial losses to companies and insurance systems than any other single disorder except common cold.
Medfit is "shaping" the Corporate Irish health and wellbeing market, introducing a new concept incorporating the latest fitness technology in partnership with medical sports science. Medfit has extensively researched the challenges within employee welfare initiatives, and have designed an innovative solution to improve and develop an effective corporate wellness program.Our strategy is based on an underlying philosophy that an efficient training concept automatically leads to more motivated users, achieving their desired results.
Medfit has the professional expertise & programming necessary to assist people, regardless of their current activity levels or age, to develop, initiate and maintain an active lifestyle. At Medfit, we don't claim to have invented training, but we are certainly revolutionising it to provide a more complete solution for our clients.

In today’s aging society, prevention of functional decline and disability is vital in order to prevent dependency and reduce care demands. Physical activity has been shown
to play a key role for older adults, where prevention and reduction of functional limitations and disability can reduce demand of care and increase independent living and participation. In addition, it is recommended that an older adult with medical conditions engage in physical activity in the manner that reduces risk of developing other chronic diseases. Given the breadth and strength of the evidence, physical activity should be one of the highest priorities for preventing and treating disease and disablement in older adults.
Participating in exercise has the following proven benefits in older adults:
According to the American College for Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association physical activity guidelines for adults over 65, older adults should attempt to implement the following as part of an Age Well Programme:
At Medfit we recommend that older adults or adults with chronic conditions develop an activity plan with a member of our Medfit rehabilitation and fitness specialist team to manage potential risk factors and take therapeutic needs into account. This will maximise the benefits of your physical activity programme and ensure your safety.

The facility is located in Blackrock Business Park which is just off Carysfort Avenue in Blackrock, Co.Dublin.
Address:
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 06.30 - 20.30
Sat 10.00 - 16.00
Phone: 01 278 4423
Email: info@medfit.ie
Fit Enough to Enjoy Retirement
"For Some 7,700 public servants, January 31st marked the first day of the rest of their lives. By saying yes to the Government’s early retirement scheme, their pace of life is about to change dramatically, but what will it mean for their health?....."
To read the article in full click here
Quote from Irish Examiner Sport Article 28.01.2012:
'The 'professional-amateur predicament'. This is a term coined by the leading Irish physiotherapist, John Murphy. Murphy, a member of the GAA Medical Scientific and Player Welfare Committee, believes no player can expect to train to extreme intensity for a prolonged period of time within the constrains of a second professional life i.e. your day job.'
To read the article in full click here.
Fit Again Kearney is up for the Challenge
"Niall Kearney celebrates his 23rd birthday tomorrow far from his home in Raheny, Dublin - but teeing off in the Challenge Tour event in Colombia is the best present he could receive......"
To read the article in full click here.
A Hill Running Journey with Lydiard...
"Today saw me receive my first spinal rehabilitation session with Medfit and whilst it sounds very dramatic, it does have to be anything of the sort. While many of the new customers there have clinical problems, my problems are of the more luxurious nature: ensuring my core muscles are all above average....."
To read the article in full click here