Former Celtic and Finn Harps goalkeeper James Gallagher has decided to set-up his own sports injuries clinic.
Gallagher is a qualified Neuromuscular Physical Therapist and is also qualified in Sports Massage Therapy.
If any player knows the devastating effects of injuries on a professional career it’s Gallagher who was forced to retire from the game to injury in 2009.
Gallagher wants to use his own experiences and expertise to help players suffering from chronic injuries to extend their careers.
The demands being placed on modern day players is excessive and the reality is that many fall victim to severe injury due to knee and back problems.
Gallagher left Meenlaragh for Glasgow Celtic FC when he was 16 years of age.
He was the outstanding talent in the country at the time and was the subject of interest from a number of cross-channel clubs.
However when the famous Glasgow Celtic came calling he knew that was the club for him.
He spent four seasons in Glasgow as an U18 and reserve team goalkeeper.
He famously saved a number of penalties in a shoot-out victory over Old Firm rivals Rangers in a crucial Youth Cup match during his spell at the club.
His progress was blighted due to chronic knee problems and after seven knee operations he was forced to return home to Donegal.
After a short break from football he then spent three years at Saint Patricks Athletic in Dublin before returning home to spend four years playing for Finn Harps.
He was eventually forced to retire from the game in 2009 due to his knee conditions.
Since hanging up his gloves Gallagher has managed Finn Harps and was a coach at Derry City last season.
He is currently the senior coach at Finn Harps for the forthcoming 2014 season.
Gallagher insists he could have been forced to retire much earlier in his career but puts the longevity of his career down to regular Neuromuscular Therapy treatments over the years.
He now works as a Neuromuscular Physical and Sports Massage Therapist in Churchill Letterkenny helping people with injury complaints and helping athletes reach their maximum performance potential.
Gallagher told Donegal Daily “As a coach there is nothing more frustrating than seeing players reach their peak fitness level and then fall victim to injury.
“With regular Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) treatments you can help prevent injury, aid recovery and help improve performance.
“As a NMT therapist I treat the types of everyday pain and muscular discomfort that people experience at some stage of their lives such as chronic lower back pain, sciatica, frozen shoulder, whiplash, trapped nerves, restricted range of movement, sports injuries and many more.
“A lot of people suffer needlessly with general aches and pains that can sometimes be easily rectified by deep tissue massage,trigger point release and various NMT techniques.
“I found from my time with Derry City as a massage therapist that a lot of the players used massage treatments as a way to improve performance, aid recovery and prevent injuries.
“I currently work alongside my wife Eimear who also works as a Physical Therapist and has done so for the last 12 years.
“I suffer from advanced rheumatoid arthritis in both knees.
“Because of deep tissue massage and various NMT treatments from Eimear I have been able to maintain a good level of fitness and mobility despite my knee conditions.”
If you would like to arrange an appointment with James then please call 086 155 6988 now.