Women's Football Hub

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-zjpei-16f077b

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)