Declan Leonard is the lead physiotherapist at Better Days Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries Clinic, bringing over 15 years of experience as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist. He holds a Master’s degree in Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy and has dedicated his career to helping people move better, recover faster, and live without pain.

Declan’s clinical expertise spans a wide range of areas, including sports injuries, orthopaedic rehabilitation (post-operation), back, neck and other joint pains. He has a range of advanced skills in acupuncture, taping, and Pilates-based rehabilitation. His approach combines advanced clinical knowledge with a genuine passion for helping each patient reach their full potential—whether that means returning to sport, recovering from surgery, or simply regaining confidence in everyday movement.

Throughout his career, Declan has worked extensively across both the NHS and private practice, gaining invaluable experience treating a wide variety of conditions. He currently also serves as a First Contact Physiotherapist in a GP practice in Newry, where he assesses and manages patients presenting with everything from straightforward musculoskeletal complaints to more complex conditions such as rheumatological, autoimmune, and chronic pain disorders.

Before returning to Northern Ireland, Declan worked in Birmingham, where he played a vital role in the rehabilitation of military patients returning from combat, many of whom were recovering from severe and complex traumatic injuries, including multiple limb amputations. This experience shaped his compassionate, patient-centred approach and deepened his understanding of the physical and emotional challenges faced during recovery.

Declan has also worked with a range of elite-level athletes, providing injury management, rehabilitation, and performance support to professional MMA fighters, track and field athletes, and professional basketball players. His sports physiotherapy background gives him unique insight into the demands of high-performance environments, allowing him to tailor treatment plans that optimise recovery and performance.

Having worked in private practice for many years there isn't a niggle, ache or injury Declan hasn't seen and successfully treated to help his clients.

At Better Days Physiotherapy, Declan’s goal is simple—to help every patient, from weekend joggers to professional athletes, move toward better days through effective, evidence-based physiotherapy.