where movement science
meets athletic performance

We offer progressive sports therapy and rehabilitation that goes beyond short-term pain relief. For athletes and active individuals in Longford, we provide a comprehensive approach to build resilient, capable bodies that perform better and last longer.
Longford Based Sports & Athletic Therapy | 15+ Years Experience | Pain & Injury Rehabilitation | Movement & Performance Specialists

TIRED OF THE REHAB ROLLERCOASTER?

YOUR RECOVERY DESERVES MORE THAN A "QUICK FIX".

Are you frustrated by the traditional physio model? Quick appointments, generic exercise sheets, and treatments that don't address the real issue. This cycle of pain, rest, and re-injury keeps you from performing at your best and enjoying the activities you love.

If you’re tired of:
  • Conveyor belt type appointments that only treat the symptom.
  • Being failed by therapists who don't understand your performance goals or what it really takes to achieve them..
  • "Quick fixes" that never lead to a long-term solution.
  • Feeling unheard and uncertain about your recovery path.
...then you're in the right place.

THE FUNCTION FIRST APPROACH

We built Function First because we wanted to offer people more than what the traditional physiotherapy model can offer. 

Quick sessions, passive treatment, generic exercises – they're designed for clinics, not clients.

Our approach puts your complete recovery first, investing the time and expertise needed to create lasting change.

We don't treat people – we work WITH people. By understanding your complete movement patterns, lifestyle demands, and individual goals, we create rehabilitation that fits your life. 

Our clients consistently return to active living or sport stronger because we address and integrate the whole system, not just the symptom.

The Result? A unique, up-to-date approach to body, movement, injury and performance that delivers real, lasting results. 

We are results-driven and fully committed to helping our clients get back to the best version of themselves.

In-Depth Initial Assessment

We start with a 90-minute deep dive to find the true cause of your problem, using comprehensive movement and clinical testing.

Clear Communication

We explain our findings in plain language. No confusing jargon—just a clear understanding of what’s happening, why, and how we'll fix it.

Whole-Person Approach

Your history, lifestyle, wellbeing, training, sleep, stress, all matter. We respect how your nervous system in rehabilitation and long-term recovery.

Tailored Programmes

Fully individualised rehabilitation, never generic exercises. You receive your complete program with instructional videos after every appointment.

WHO THRIVES AT FUNCTION FIRST?

Athletes & Active Individuals Who Value Expert Partnership

We work with motivated individuals who understand that excellence in sport requires excellence in rehabilitation. We are selective because we specialise in helping you achieve lasting results.

Three Types of Athletes Who Transform Their Recovery with function first rehab:

The Active Professional

You refuse to accept that pain is a normal part of life. You have an elite mindset and are ready to invest in quality care to maintain your active lifestyle for years to come.

The Returning Athlete

Sidelined by injury or surgery, you're ready for a comprehensive approach to address the root cause and return stronger and more resilient than before.

The Performance Seeker

You're already competing but know recurring issues or inefficient movement are holding you back. You want expert analysis to unlock your next level of performance.

YOUR FIRST VISIT

Now accepting bookings for November!

book your initial consultation: THE FOUNDATION FOR LASTING CHANGE

Your first visit is the most critical step in your journey. It’s a comprehensive discovery session where we build the complete picture of your body, your history, and your goals. This allows us to create a precise, effective action plan.
what happens in your initial consultation?
This is the most important step in your recovery and where we piece the puzzle together!!
  • Step 1: Comprehensive History: We discuss your health & injury history, training load, recovery & long- term goals. This gives us an insight into the overall picture and very important information to support our assessments.
  • Step 2: Full Body Movement Analysis: We look at and video how your body moves to identify any bio-mechanical deficiencies present.
  • Step 3: Clinical Assessment: We carry out specific assessments on
    the plinth where we look at joint range of motion, coordinative & strength testing, and pathology.
  • Step 4: Clear Explanation & Plan: We explain our findings in simple language and create a clear step by step action plan. Between
    us, we agree on a plan that is practical for the individual and their life demands. Education is a key element of recovery, and we take the time to ensure our Clients understand the “why” behind what we are trying to achieve. You will leave with a clear timeline and the confidence to move forward. Following your appointment, you will receive an email of your rehab programme with supporting videos.
Personalised exercise programme with videos
Clear timeline for recovery

Meet Riona Devlin, Your Movement Specialist

Having a long sporting history, I had plenty experience of injury and rehabilitation. However, in my early 30’s, I developed debilitating back pain, which had a very negative impact on my life over a 2 year period. This caused me to look at the whole healthcare industry in a different light, as I sought help and real answers.

It appeared to me that there were only 2 real options available:
1: Medication or;
 2: Surgical intervention.

That was not the answer I was looking for, I was young, healthy with small kids and lived an active life. Neither of these were going to get me back to the life I wanted to live and little did I know, this would ignite my passion to help myself and others.

I founded Function First in 2019 with a clear vision in mind! I wanted to to provide something different - a more personalised, comprehensive and educational focused way of working with care that athletes and active people. deserve.

With over 7 years of experience, my philosophy is simple: When you understand your body, you can unlock your true potential. We'll work together to not just recover, but to build a stronger, more knowledgeable you.

My Core Beliefs:
Building Client relationships - Taking the time to understand the person and identify all of the contributing factors,, not just chasing symptoms.
Empowering you with education every step of the way.
Creating expert individualised programs that fit your life and goals.
Building resilient, capable bodies for long-term performance"
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
Sports & Remedial Therapy • Pro-Sport Mentorship • Human Biomechanics • Pilates Instructor • 7+ Years Clinical Experience • Specialised Training in Movement Analysis & Rehabilitation
Riona Devlin
Sports & Remedial Therapy | Pilates Instructor, Biomechanics Specialist & Founder

COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR RECOVERY & PERFORMANCE

Pain & Injury Rehabilitation

Our core service, starting with a comprehensive initial consultation to diagnose the root cause and build your unique recovery plan.

Sports Recovery Massage

Performance-focused soft tissue work, including dry needling and cupping, to optimize your recovery.

1-to-1 Performance Coaching

For athletes who want to optimise movement, build strength, and unlock their full athletic potential.

Group Movement Classes

Small group training focused on building fundamental movement quality, strength, and resilience.

READY TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH & PERFORMANCE?

If you are motivated to achieve lasting results and are ready for an approach that goes deeper than a quick fix, we invite you to request a consultation. Let's work together to build a body that's ready for anything.