Nova Head & Neck PhysiotherapyNova

Opening November 2026 · Harold’s Cross, Dublin

Head & Neck Physiotherapy · Dublin

Focused physiotherapy for headache, migraine, jaw & neck pain

Thorough assessment and personalised treatment for headache, migraine, jaw, neck and facial pain.

Based at 232 Harold’s Cross Road, Dublin.

Not sure? Let's talk
Nova Head & Neck Physiotherapy logo
  • 60-90 minute initial assessment
  • Focused clinical approach
  • Personalised treatment
  • Dublin

Who we help

Six areas of clinical focus

Each presentation is assessed on its own terms, not to a single protocol.

Headache & Migraine

Cervicogenic, tension-type, migraine and post-concussion headache.

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TMD/ TMJ Pain

Jaw pain, clicking, locking, clenching and related symptoms.

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Cervicogenic Dizziness

Dizziness and unsteadiness associated with the neck.

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Neck Pain

Acute, persistent and posture-related neck pain.

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Facial Pain

Facial pain, facial tension and nerve-related sensitivity.

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Persistent & Complex Symptoms

Spinal and nerve related pain, and symptoms that remain unresolved despite previous treatment.

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View all conditions

Free 15-minute phone call

No obligation · Quick answers

Start with a conversation

Not sure if we can help? Let's talk first.

Book a free 15-minute call. We'll discuss your symptoms, answer your questions, and decide together whether a full assessment is the right next step.

Please note: The phone call is intended to help determine whether our service is appropriate for you and is not a clinical assessment or diagnosis. If you have urgent or concerning symptoms, please seek appropriate medical attention.

Why Nova

Focused care for complex head, neck and facial symptoms

Focused clinical approach

A dedicated clinical focus on headache, migraine, TMJ, neck and facial pain.

Time to understand

A comprehensive 60-90 minute initial assessment rather than a rushed appointment.

Clear clinical reasoning

Your symptoms and assessment findings are explained in clear, understandable language.

Personalised care

Treatment is built around your presentation, goals and everyday life.

Kirsty McIlwaine, chartered physiotherapist, Nova Head & Neck Physiotherapy Dublin

About Kirsty

Meet your physiotherapist

Kirsty McIlwaine

Chartered Physiotherapist — Clinical focus in headache, migraine, TMJ, neck and facial pain

MSc Physiotherapy · BSc Athletic Therapy & Training · CORU • ISCP • HCPC • CSP

Nova Head & Neck Physiotherapy was founded by Kirsty McIlwaine, a Chartered Physiotherapist with a clinical focus on headache, migraine, TMJ, neck and facial pain. Kirsty has worked in private practice and developed her clinical experience through mentorship with a clinician specialising in headache and migraine in Belfast. Her experience has led her to develop a particular interest in complex and persistent symptoms, and in helping people understand what may be contributing to them. At Nova, there is time to properly listen and understand what you are experiencing. Kirsty takes a thorough approach to assessment, explains her findings clearly and creates a treatment plan around you and your goals. She cares deeply about the people she treats and approaches every patient with the same level of care and attention she would want for a member of her own family.

Meet Kirsty

How it works

What to expect at Nova

Time to be heard, a thorough assessment and a clear plan for your care.

  1. 01

    We listen and assess

    We take time to hear your story, understand what you have already tried and assess the areas relevant to your symptoms.

  2. 02

    We explain and plan

    We explain our findings in plain language, discuss what physiotherapy can help with and agree a treatment plan around your needs and goals.

  3. 03

    We treat and support

    Your care may include hands-on treatment, tailored exercises and practical advice. We review your progress and help you manage your symptoms between appointments.

Collaborative care

Working with consultants and your wider healthcare team.

Head, neck and facial pain often needs more than one perspective. We work alongside consultants, GPs, dentists, ENT and neurology teams when needed, keep them updated on your progress, and make sure your care is joined up.

Liaison with consultants and specialists when needed

Written updates on assessment findings and outcomes

A holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to complex symptoms

Onward referral if another specialty is more appropriate

Common questions

Before you book

View all FAQs

Yes, physiotherapy can help with migraine management through advice, education, exercise, lifestyle changes and treatment of neck or jaw problems where appropriate. If medication hasn’t given you enough relief, or you haven’t had time to fully discuss your symptoms, we take time to listen and explore what could help. At Nova, we help you understand migraine and build practical strategies around sleep, exercise, meals and stress. These changes may help signficantly reduce the frequency and impact of attacks of your life. We also assess whether your neck or jaw could benefit from treatment. You don’t need neck pain to benefit from this support. Your plan is tailored to you and works alongside your medical care.

Yes, problems affecting the joints and muscles of the neck can cause headaches. These are called cervicogenic headaches. At Nova, we assess whether your neck is contributing to your headaches and explain what the findings mean. When a neck-related headache is identified, treatment focuses on reducing headache pain, improving neck movement and helping you manage symptoms through hands-on treatment, exercise and practical advice. Not every headache comes from the neck. We distinguish between headache patterns and recommend medical input where needed.

Yes, problems affecting the jaw joint and chewing muscles—called temporomandibular disorders (TMD)—can cause headaches, particularly around the temples. Pain may increase with chewing, clenching or jaw movement. At Nova, we assess your jaw and neck together to understand how they relate to your headaches. When jaw problems are contributing, treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving comfortable jaw movement and helping you manage habits such as clenching. This may include hands-on treatment, exercises and practical advice. You don’t need to have a clicking jaw for jaw problems to contribute to headaches. We explain our findings and involve your dentist or GP when appropriate.

A focused physiotherapy assessment can help investigate unresolved dizziness, including whether neck function may be contributing—even when neck pain isn’t your main symptom. If medication or vestibular rehabilitation hasn’t helped, you may feel you’ve been passed between services without a clear explanation. At Nova, we take time to listen, review previous investigations and treatment, and assess your neck alongside your symptom history. Where we identify problems that physiotherapy can address, we explain the findings and build a targeted treatment plan. Dizziness can have several causes, so we also recognise when further medical or vestibular input is needed.

No, you do not need a GP referral to book an assessment at Nova. You can book directly through our online booking system, or arrange a free 15-minute phone call if you would like to discuss whether the service is right for you. If you have already had investigations or treatment, we can review any relevant reports you bring. With your consent, we can share our findings with your GP or other healthcare professionals. If you plan to claim through health insurance, check whether your policy requires a referral.

Your first appointment at Nova lasts 60–90 minutes, depending on the assessment you book. Your second and subsequent appointments last 30 minutes. We take time during your first appointment to listen to your symptoms, understand what you have already tried and carry out a thorough assessment. We explain our findings, answer your questions and agree a personalised plan. Where appropriate, treatment begins during this appointment. Follow-up sessions focus on treatment, reviewing your progress and adjusting your plan as needed. You can view appointment options, durations and fees when booking.

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Ready to understand what's driving your symptoms?

A comprehensive assessment is the first step towards understanding your symptoms and creating a personalised plan.