Grainne Donnelly

Gráinne is an Advanced Physiotherapist in pelvic health. She graduated from the University of Ulster in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiotherapy.

She specialised in Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological physiotherapy in 2010 undertaking extensive post-graduate training and completing the Postgraduate Certificate in Continence Practice at the University of Bradford in 2018. Gráinne is currently completing a Masters in Advancing Healthcare at the University of Ulster and is aiming to complete this in 2020.

Alongside her private practice, she continues to work part-time in the NHS where she is the team lead for the pelvic health physiotherapy service across her local health trust.

Gráinne became particularly interested in the assessment and treatment of Diastasis Recti due to its prevalence and associated implications with her clients. She also teaches health and fitness professionals about the assessment and management of Diastasis Recti.

Gráinne co-authored the internationally recognised “Returning to running postnatal – guidelines for medical, health and fitness professionals managing this population” as well as publishing her conference presentation “Diastasis Rectus Abdominis – physiotherapy management” from the 2018 Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy Conference. Gráinne regularly presents at conferences around the UK and Ireland on topics related to pelvic health and well-being. She uses real-time ultrasound for pelvic health and is involved in training courses for physiotherapists.

Grainne is the Chair for the Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy Northern Ireland specialist interest group as well as a member of the Ulster Gynae Urology Society committee.

Gráinne is also a fully certified PINC and STEEL cancer rehabilitation physiotherapist and co-founded a non-profit service in N. Ireland called SPARK Cancer Rehabilitation. She also co-founded WHITE Circle, an educational pelvic health platform to empower women to safeguard their pelvic health.
Cancer Rehab (Spark)

Gráinne is the co-founder of SPARK cancer rehabilitation which is a non-profit program offering anyone who has been diagnosed with Cancer the opportunity to access specialist 1:1 physiotherapy to address issues they may have acquired due to surgery or treatment. It does not matter how long-ago diagnosis/treatment was. It can be accessed at any stage of the cancer journey including pre-operatively, post-operatively, during or after treatment.

The service is currently developing bespoke cancer rehabilitation exercise classes for any clients who complete the 1:1 SPARK program to progress onto and maintain their exercise levels.
The evidence base for the benefits of physical activity and exercise in oncology is strong and continues to grow. Exercise should form a part of everyone’s cancer journey.