Pelvic Health Series - Angela Kenneally - Blending sports physiotherapy and pelvic health

Women’s Football Hub

In this episode, host Carolyn Kent interviews Angela Kenneally, who is a sport and exercise medicine specialist Physiotherapist and the current lead physiotherapist for the Football Association of Ireland. Kenneally also specialises in pelvic health.

Key Topics Discussed:

- Kenneally's background and path to becoming the lead physiotherapist for the Irish women's national team (00:01:51 - 00:03:24)
- Tips for young physiotherapists looking to work with national teams (00:03:38 - 00:04:57)
- Kenneally's experience with the Irish women's national team at the 2023 World Cup in Australia (00:09:50 - 00:11:35)
- The importance of pelvic health for female athletes, including common issues and how to address them (00:12:17 - 00:19:34)
- Kenneally's training and specialization in pelvic health physiotherapy (00:20:21 - 00:23:27)
- The "In Her Boots" initiative Kenneally is working on with the Football Association of Ireland to educate coaches on topics like menstrual health, breast health, and pelvic floor function (00:25:00 - 00:29:26)

Key References and Resources Mentioned:

- UEFA statistic: 63% of 12-19 year old female football players experience pelvic floor dysfunction (00:13:21)
- Pelvic health courses and training:
- Level 1 Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Course from Irish Continence Foundation (00:22:27)
- Advanced Pelvic Floor Techniques course with Maeve Whelan (00:22:55)
- Courses and mentorship from Leah Brines and Michelle Lyons (00:23:27)
- "The 10 Naked Truths of Pelvic Floor" infographic (00:27:34)
- University of Portsmouth resources on breast health and sports bra fit (00:28:17)
- "Return to Running Post Partum Guideline" by Grainne Donnelly, Emma Brockwell, and Tom Goom (00:32:17)