Dr. Benjamin Martin

B.HSc, M.Chiro, D.C.

Founder of Optimal Chiropractic
President of the Chiropractic Association of Ireland

Dr. Ben Martin first discovered the life-changing power of chiropractic at just 14 years old after a rugby injury. After seeing various practitioners without success, it was a Chiropractor in Adelaide who finally uncovered the root cause of the issue. The results – and the natural, holistic philosophy behind the care – left a lasting impact. That experience inspired him to dedicate his life to chiropractic.

He went on to study for five years between Adelaide University and Macquarie University in Sydney, graduating in 2001, and soon after made the move to Ireland in 2002, where he quickly fell in love with both the people and the (surprisingly agreeable!) weather. Since then, he has built a reputation as one of Ireland’s most trusted chiropractic professionals.

As the Founder and Principal Chiropractor at Optimal Chiropractic in Ballincollig, Dr. Ben leads a team that’s known for being both nurturing and professional, helping to make the clinic a true centre of choice for families and individuals seeking natural health care.

A Vision for Health in Cork

Dr. Ben’s vision is clear and ambitious:

"To be Cork’s leading center for natural health and wellness, empowering individuals and families to live vibrant, pain-free lives through exceptional chiropractic care, education, and community support."

He believes in principled chiropractic care – not just chasing symptoms, but finding and correcting the root cause of dysfunction. “We focus on long-term health and restoring the body’s natural ability to heal,” he says. “It’s not just about pain relief – it’s about unlocking potential.”

At the heart of his approach is education. Dr. Ben ensures every patient understands what’s happening in their body and how chiropractic care can be a long-term solution – not just a temporary fix. “The more people understand, the more empowered they are to take control of their health.”

He is particularly proud of the exceptional team he’s built at Optimal Chiropractic. “We take time to listen. We care deeply about every person that walks through our door. That’s what sets us apart.”

Leading the Profession

In 2025, Dr. Ben was appointed President of the Chiropractic Association of Ireland, after 12 years as an executive member. As President, one of his passions is community outreach:

“Every day I hear people say, ‘I wish I’d known about chiropractic years ago.’ That’s why we bring spinal health awareness beyond our clinic walls—into schools, workplaces, and communities all around Cork.”

He specialises in the Activator Methods, a cutting-edge, research-backed chiropractic technique. He continually invests in the latest seminars, research, and technology to ensure his practice remains at the forefront of patient care.

Beyond the Clinic

When he’s not working with patients or advocating for the profession, Dr. Ben enjoys travel, cooking, and spending quality time with his wife and daughter. You’ll often find him out in nature near water, finding peace and perspective.

And what always makes him smile? “Family,” he says without hesitation.

Book Your New Patient Consultation

Our Consultation Fee is €85

(€40 payable now to secure your booking)

What’s included:
• Physical & Neurological Examination
• Comprehensive Postural Assessment
• INSiGHT™ Digital Scans
• Report of Findings (2nd visit)
• Results & Recommendations (2nd visit)

Your Trusted Local Chiropractic Clinic in Cork

Excellent
Optimal Chiropractic
Based on 198 reviews
AZEEZ A.
They are incredibly knowledgeable, taking the time to explain everything clearly and answer all my questions. Their genuine care and personalized approach made me feel so comfortable and confident in my treatment. Highly recommend!
Liz C.
Started optimal chiropractor appointment for my girl who suffers from scoliosis and lot trauma exsperienced,would highly recommend them as the changes in her daily day more energy,better sleep pain she’s in not much not much complaints anymore from daily to very less,communicates better and more alert,massive difference in d 2months of going there,all staff are very inviting &friendly lovely to deal with and understanding absolutely lovely would definitely recommend if any back neck or spinal issues.
Martin H.
I’ve been attending this chiropractic practice regularly with ongoing back and neck issues, and the results have been incredible. The difference in my posture, movement, and overall comfort has been life-changing.

The staff are absolutely amazing—professional, welcoming, and genuinely caring. They take the time to listen and tailor the treatment to your needs, making every visit something I look forward to.

I couldn’t recommend them highly enough. If you’re dealing with back pain or posture problems, this is the place to go!
Michaela B.
Service provided here is excellent, from the reception all the way to the therapists. I can see a huge difference in my posture and my pain has significantly lessened. They are so accommodating when it comes to appointments and everyone is so friendly, couldn’t recommend enough. Thanks Dr Ben and team 👏👏
Julie M.
The doctors and staff at Optimal Chiropractic are always super kind and helpful with appointments and making you feel welcome, as soon as you step foot inside the door! It’s made a significant difference to my lifestyle by going here for 2 months so far and I feel many people would benefit from having a good Chiropractor in their lives!
Damo C
Having had a really bad experience with another person I was very hesitant to sign up with Ben and the team. Also having spent thousands on many other practitioners to fix my lower middle back and neck, at my age this was my last shot . Construction has made me an old man before my time but since having sessions with the team there is light at the end of the tunnel . My neck is now moving more than it has in as far back as I can remember , lower back no issues. I’ve a few more sessions on my neck so I should be heading back to normalcy soon . The staff are amazing and Mary the heart of the team runs a tight ship . Thank you to all from the biggest cynic in Ireland who has been proved wrong !
michael D.
I first went to Optimal Chiropractic in Ballincollig because I was struggling with back pain. Thankfully, with their care, I no longer suffer from it. My wife had been battling with sciatica for a long time and since coming here regularly, she has also experienced great relief. We now both attend once a month to keep our ailments at bay. The care we receive has been invaluable in helping us stay mobile and active as we age. Visiting always gives us a lift, as Dr. Ben and the whole team are so friendly and welcoming. We are truly grateful for all the care and support we receive at Optimal Chiropractic – they really do keep us going!
Dermot M.
Such a wonderful experience at optimal Chiropractic. I cannot believe how much my health has improved. Thank you Doctor Ben for helping me back to full health. Such a great team you have assembled.
Kishan K.
The staffs are very friendly and the atmosphere brims with positivity
Jessica C.
I have seen such a huge improvement in my overall health since starting my care here. My aches and pains are gone and I now have so much more energy. You are always greeted with a smile and it has such a beautiful healing atmosphere. Would highly recommend Optimal Chiropractic to everyone.
Alan S.
I had been having hip and back issues since retiring from playing gaa. It was starting to effect my daily life. The lads at optimal scanned and put together a plan for me and weekly I have seen changes to my daily life. Now have no pain and i am starting back with training again. Couldn’t recommend the team at optimal chiropractic enough!
caroline C.
The team at optimal chiropractic are genuinely awesome people.
My journey with Ben is incredible. Not only unlocking my spine for optimal pain relief and movement. It’s helping me unlock trauma my body has been holding onto. My sleep has improved due to pain reduction, which in turn helps my overall health.
I can’t thank Ben enough for helping me get my life back after being in pain for many years.
Start your journey of healing 🙏 it’s magical ⭐ I was pessimistic as to how this work would actually works. Now from experience. I can honestly say It does!!!!
Highly recommend 😊
Chris O.
I am so glad Dr Ben at Optimal Chiropractic was recommended to me by a friend who is already attending the office. Having suffered with vertigo and hip pain and did not look forward to facing surgery in the future; now my fears are no more thankfully! In general my whole health as improved no end. I got my health back and I learned to live “well”. I am still under regular chiropractic care. I have no hesitation in recommending Optimal Chiropractic indeed I have learned so much with regard to nutrition and exercise my general health is great.
Amy M.
I went to optimal chiropractic out of curiosity in the beginning and ended up finding out things I never knew. I was getting regularly headaches and never linked them to my nervous system but after starting with optimal and learning new things, it helped me understand how things work. It’s been 5 weeks since I last got a headache which has been amazing for me. I would highly recommend going for a visit and all staff members are very friendly and nice.
Christine M.
Having attended opitomal chiropractic for the past 3 months I have found huge improvement in my overall health. My back pain has improved significantly of which I have suffered from for the past year. The care and attention from all the staff is exceptional. A lovely relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Would highly recommend this clinic for all ailments.
Betty C.
Amy O.
After a recommendation, visited the clinic with prolonged lower back pain that was inhibiting daily living and beginning to affect work. After being in pain for weeks I seen improvements after one week of regular sessions and back to full mobility after two weeks. The entire team had played a role in my treatment plan and I couldn’t be more grateful. Would not hesitate to recommend to anyone else seeking treatment.
Kenneth O.
Fast and efficient service, improved mobility and reduction in pain. Delighted with my progress here.
Jackie M.
I am currently attending optimal chiropractic for chronic back pain ,I am 2 months into a 3 month program and find the minimal invasive adjustments helpful along with the yoga stretch s assigned to me, this has allowed me to be more productive and come off some of my medications, would highly recommend.
Denis o D.
Very positive care and attentive to my injury. Always a positive environment