Profile: Musculoskeletal

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.