Physiotherapy at UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic

Edel Fanning is a Lead Shoulder Physiotherapist at UPMC SSC Sports Medicine.

Vanessa O’Connor is a highly skilled and knowledgeable physiotherapist who plays an integral role in the Sports Medicine department at SSC. She completed her BSc in Physiotherapy at Trinity College Dublin and is a current member of the ISCP.

Since joining SSC in 2020, Vanessa has gained valuable experience in elective orthopaedic inpatient and post-operative care, as well as in the management of a variety of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Vanessa has a particular interest in lower limb musculoskeletal injuries, and her expertise in this area is highly valued by both her colleagues and her patients. She is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in her field, and is currently working towards her strength and conditioning accreditation with the UKSCA. Vanessa is a compassionate and empathetic practitioner, who is deeply committed to helping her patients achieve their goals and return to optimal health and function.

Also known in the clinic as ‘T’, is a clinical specialist physiotherapist in SSC Sports Medicine. Thilina’s experience encompasses treating a broad range of sports and orthopaedic injuries. However, he predominantly focuses on lower limb rehabilitation with an interest in knee rehabilitation. He is CORU registered and a chartered physiotherapist with the ISCP.

Thilina also holds the title of APA Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist with the Australian Physiotherapists Association.Thilina is currently completing his PhD into sensorimotor dysfunction following ACL reconstruction. He also holds a Masters in Sports Physiotherapy (University of Queensland) and a Masters in High Performance Sport (Australian Catholic University), alongside his BSc of Physiotherapy (University of Sydney).

Thilina has more than 12 years of experience working with recreational, Olympic and elite athletes from various sports: GAA, rugby, cricket, Aussie rules, netball and athletics. He is a level 1 strength and conditioning coach with the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association and is currently completing his level 2 accreditation.Outside of the clinic, Thilina works with the Senior Mens Monaghan Football Team.

Rachael Fleming is a valued member of the SSC Sports Medicine team. She graduated with a BSc. in Physiotherapy from Trinity College Dublin and is ISCP registered. Rachael began her career as a Staff Grade Physiotherapist in Tallaght University Hospital, working with a diverse caseload of medical and orthopaedic patients.

Since joining SSC in 2021, Rachael has gained valuable experience in elective orthopaedic inpatient and post-operative care, as well as in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.

In addition, Rachael has worked with GAA teams at both club and inter-county level, bringing her expertise and passion for sports physiotherapy to the field.

David is a Senior Physiotherapist at SSC Sports Medicine who works primarily across the lower limb rehabilitation streams with a special interest in Foot & Ankle rehabilitation. He enjoys treating complex post-operative and chronic ankle injuries.He is currently completing his PhD in return to sport following Achilles Tendon repair through the University of Roehampton. David also holds a Masters in Sports Injury Rehabilitation from the University of Salford, in addition to his BSc in Physiotherapy from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

David has a history of working in professional sporting environments having spent a number of years living in the UK where he worked with Premier League football clubs: Wolves & Burnley FC. This experienced has allowed David to develop his skills in rehabilitation from the acute injury phase to end stage return to play phase.

Currently outside of the clinic, David works with Hockey Ireland as a physiotherapist across a number of their international squads. He is a keen hockey player himself, currently playing at senior club level and previously having played at underage international level for Ireland. is interested in learning the effect of resistance training or the musculoskeletal system, quality of life of patients with persistent low back pain. Katie has always enjoyed working as part of a team; she has developed strong working relationships with her colleagues in SSC including Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Consultants, which enables clear communication and facilitates easy onward referral if required.

Edel Fanning is a Lead Shoulder Physiotherapist at UPMC SSC Sports Medicine.

Vanessa O’Connor is a highly skilled and knowledgeable physiotherapist who plays an integral role in the Sports Medicine department at SSC. She completed her BSc in Physiotherapy at Trinity College Dublin and is a current member of the ISCP.

Since joining SSC in 2020, Vanessa has gained valuable experience in elective orthopaedic inpatient and post-operative care, as well as in the management of a variety of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Vanessa has a particular interest in lower limb musculoskeletal injuries, and her expertise in this area is highly valued by both her colleagues and her patients. She is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in her field, and is currently working towards her strength and conditioning accreditation with the UKSCA. Vanessa is a compassionate and empathetic practitioner, who is deeply committed to helping her patients achieve their goals and return to optimal health and function.

Also known in the clinic as ‘T’, is a clinical specialist physiotherapist in SSC Sports Medicine. Thilina’s experience encompasses treating a broad range of sports and orthopaedic injuries. However, he predominantly focuses on lower limb rehabilitation with an interest in knee rehabilitation. He is CORU registered and a chartered physiotherapist with the ISCP.

Thilina also holds the title of APA Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist with the Australian Physiotherapists Association.Thilina is currently completing his PhD into sensorimotor dysfunction following ACL reconstruction. He also holds a Masters in Sports Physiotherapy (University of Queensland) and a Masters in High Performance Sport (Australian Catholic University), alongside his BSc of Physiotherapy (University of Sydney).

Thilina has more than 12 years of experience working with recreational, Olympic and elite athletes from various sports: GAA, rugby, cricket, Aussie rules, netball and athletics. He is a level 1 strength and conditioning coach with the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association and is currently completing his level 2 accreditation.Outside of the clinic, Thilina works with the Senior Mens Monaghan Football Team.

Rachael Fleming is a valued member of the SSC Sports Medicine team. She graduated with a BSc. in Physiotherapy from Trinity College Dublin and is ISCP registered. Rachael began her career as a Staff Grade Physiotherapist in Tallaght University Hospital, working with a diverse caseload of medical and orthopaedic patients.

Since joining SSC in 2021, Rachael has gained valuable experience in elective orthopaedic inpatient and post-operative care, as well as in the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.

In addition, Rachael has worked with GAA teams at both club and inter-county level, bringing her expertise and passion for sports physiotherapy to the field.