Ruth Allen
Ruth is the Owner and Clinical Director at Balance Twenty One.
She earned her MSc in Physiotherapy from the University of Southampton in 2009, having previously completed a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Limerick.
Upon returning to Ireland in 2009, Ruth joined the Killarney Physiotherapy & Sports Science Clinic. She became co-owner of the practice in 2012 before establishing her own private physiotherapy clinic, Kerry Physiotherapy Centre, in 2013.
Ruth has completed extensive postgraduate training across a range of specialties. She is a certified Rehabilitative Pilates Instructor, having undertaken comprehensive training with Polestar International UK. In early 2021, she also qualified as a yoga instructor through Reformation Yoga in Dublin.
Well known in Kerry for her involvement in GAA, Ruth provided physiotherapy services to the Kerry inter-county teams for over 10 years, working with the Senior, U-21, and Junior squads. She has also supported numerous local clubs, including East Kerry GAA, Spa GAA, and Dromid Pearses GAA, among others.
Ruth is a Chartered Physiotherapist, fully registered with CORU and the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP).
Nichola Hood - Physiotherapist
Nichola, a native of Tipperary, joined the Balance Twenty One and Kerry Physiotherapy team in February 2024, following an extended period abroad. Drawn to the stunning landscapes and the warm Céad Míle Fáilte that Killarney is renowned for, Nichola made the move to the Kingdom and quickly embraced the local lifestyle.
She holds a BSc in Physiotherapy from the University of Huddersfield, following an earlier BSc in Sport & Exercise Science from the University of Limerick. Over the past 13 years, Nichola has gained extensive international experience, living and working in Dubai, Australia, and most recently the UK, where she spent nine years.
During this time, she developed a strong background in orthopaedics, spending four years at the private orthopaedic hospital Spire Healthcare. As a Senior Orthopaedic Physiotherapist, Nichola had the opportunity to work alongside leading orthopaedic surgeons in the UK and Europe, including world-renowned foot and ankle specialist Professor Nicholas Harris. This experience sparked her keen interest in foot and ankle rehabilitation, where she managed a wide range of post-operative cases—including professional athletes from Premier League football and rugby league teams.
Her clinical expertise covers a broad range of orthopaedic conditions, including both pre- and post-operative rehabilitation of the shoulder, spine, hip, knee, and ankle. Nichola is skilled in managing joint pathologies, offering both surgical and conservative treatment approaches.
Outside the clinic, Nichola is passionate about the outdoors—she enjoys hiking, walking, and paddleboarding. After getting married in Killarney in 2023, the town became more than just a destination—it became home.
Nichola is also APPI-certified in Mat and Reformer Pilates. Whether you're looking to improve overall mobility and strength or recover from a specific injury, she takes a personalised approach to care. Through thorough assessment, tailored education, and structured rehab planning, Nichola helps each client return to movement with confidence.
Will O Flaherty - Sports Rehabilitation Therapist
Will, the proud Rebel among us and a native of Skibbereen, joined the Balance Twenty One and Kerry Physiotherapy team in 2023. A passionate Cork and Munster man, Will is a lifelong rugby enthusiast whose love for the sport began at a young age. He started playing with Skibbereen RFC at 12 and went on to compete in the All-Ireland League with Midleton RFC. Unfortunately, his rugby career was cut short at age 23 due to recurrent concussions.
It was through his personal experience with injury and early retirement that Will discovered a deep interest in rehabilitation and performance enhancement. Seeing firsthand how poor or inappropriate injury management could derail an athlete's progress, he became passionate about helping others recover more effectively.
In 2017, Will began his BSc in Sports Rehabilitation at the University of Salford, graduating with honours in 2020. During his degree, he gained hands-on experience working with elite teams including Rugby Union side Sale Sharks and Rugby League club St Helens. He also collaborated with semi-professional runners in Salford's biomechanics lab, focusing on performance analysis and injury prevention. His academic highlight came with his dissertation, for which he earned a first-class grade, studying "The variables that affect the force of a punch in mixed martial arts."
After returning home, Will worked at several well-regarded health and fitness facilities across Cork, most recently Echo Athletics. These roles allowed him to combine clinical rehabilitation with performance training. He qualified as a Level One CrossFit Coach and became known for his work in injury management and athlete development.
Will’s growing reputation led to his role as Lead Therapist for Cobh Ramblers during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, supporting both the first team and academy. Through this, he joined the FAI medical panel and has since provided cover for multiple international underage camps across Europe.
Will currently divides his time between our Killarney and Macroom clinics. He is a fully certified APPI Mat and Reformer Pilates instructor, and his classes offer a unique blend of traditional Pilates, injury prevention strategies, and performance-based methods.
Clinically, Will works with a wide range of injuries and conditions but has a special interest in neck pain, sports injuries, end-stage rehab, and return-to-performance protocols. When asked about his ideal client, Will says:
"It has to be someone who’s not just looking to fix a problem, but to come back even stronger than before. Someone willing to put in the hard work—but who can also have the craic doing it!"
To book an appointment with Will in Killarney or Macroom, call us on (064) 6670960, email hello@balancetwentyone.ie, or book online at www.kerryphysiotherapy.ie.