Hello

Hi there, my name is Deirdre O' Donoghue. I am a children's or paediatric physiotherapist with 18 years clinical experience specialising in Paediatrics, with BSc and MSc degrees (1st class honours) in Physiotherapy (Paediatrics focus), certification in vestibular physiotherapy and mother of 4 children. I am passionate about early intervention and parent and child education as part of my therapeutic approach. I use an evidence based, child led and play based approach in my assessment and therapy sessions. I provide a highly specialised children's physiotherapy consultation service as well as parent education to maximise child developmental and health outcomes.

My Story

I have worked as a Paediatric Physiotherapist since 2005. I graduated as a Physiotherapist from University College Dublin (UCD) in 2001 after which I worked in Beaumont Hospital Dublin and then in a variety of rehab settings in Australia. In 2004, I volunteered as a Physiotherapist in Nepal with the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation which was when I was first introduced to Paediatric Physiotherapy and fell in love with this area of Physiotherapy! After this I returned home and worked in Paediatrics since 2005. I completed an MSc in Physiotherapy (Paediatrics focus) in 2013 in the University of Limerick with first class honours. I have undertaken and published research in the area of childhood physical disability and physical activity. I have given lectures to undergraduate and postgraduate students in Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and Royal College of Surgeons Dublin, Ireland, in the area of childhood physical disability and physical activity. I have completed training in Bladder, Bowel and Pelvic Floor Disorders and Vestibular Rehabilitation in Paediatrics, Pilates and Athletics/Sports Injuries in children. I have expert knowledge in the area of child development and children's disability. I keep up to date with current research in order to offer the latest evidence-based treatment approaches to suit each individual child.

I have four young children who have given me great practical education in child development and daily routines. I am no stranger to the daily demands of parenting so I offer a very empathetic, understanding and flexible approach to all parents/carers and children that I see. I have excellent interpersonal skills and an open and honest approach when communicating with parents and carers. Each physiotherapy session is tailored to the individual child ensuring it is focused, fun, child-friendly and able to be carried out by the parents/carers as appropriate and that fits in with daily routines.

Qualifications

I graduated from the University College of Limerick in 2013 with an MSc in Physiotherapy (Paediatrics focus) with first class honours (1:1 hons).

I graduated from University College Dublin in 2001 with a BSc Degree in Physiotherapy with 2nd class honours (2:1 hons).

Most recently I have completed training and upskilled in Paediatric Bladder and Bowel and Pelvic Floor assessment and rehabilitation in children.

I have undertaken training in Vestibular Rehabilitation in Paediatrics in Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool in October 2022. I completed a Vestibular Rehabilitation Certification Course with Medbridge in April 2023. I attended a 2 day course in Vestibular assessment and rehabilitation of the school aged child with Ingrid Brueckner, an experienced and renowned American physical therapist and expert in paediatric vestibular assessment and rehabilitation in April 2023. I attended a 2 day Paediatric Vestibular Conference hosted by Boston Children's Hospital, USA in May 2023. I attended a Vestibular Training day with Amanda Male, Vestibular Physiotherapist in the Ulster Independent Clinic Belfast in September 2023. I am a member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapist in Vestibular Rehabilitation (ACPIVR) and a committee member of ACPIVR Northern Ireland. I am also a member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Paediatrics (APCP) and a committee member of APCP Northern Ireland.

I have undertaken and completed Pilates Matwork Level 1 and Pilates for Kids and Teens with the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute. I have completed a number of courses in erb's palsy, toe walking, youth athletic injuries and rehabilitation and concussion with Medbridge.

I have undertaken training in Expert Witness and Medicolegal Report writing with Fieldfisher Law Firm in London, United Kingdom.

I am a Bobath/NDT certified physiotherapist and highly specialised in the assessment and management of children with neurodevelopmental conditions such as Cerebral Palsy.

I am qualified in the assessment and diagnosis of a variety of walking/gait patterns in children having worked and participated in research in the only clinical gait analysis laboratory (CRC Gait Laboratory) in Ireland.

I have undertaken, presented and published research in the areas of childhood disability, physical activity and participation.

I am a mother of four young children which has given me along with my continuing education, research and clinical experience, a valuable insight into childhood play, development, daily routines and the unique demands of parenting. I am an underage coach in my spare time of the local under 8 camogie team and passionate about maximising motor skills, physical activity and health in girls in particular.

Professional registration

I am a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and a CORU and HCPC registered physiotherapist and therefore registered and eligible to practice both in Ireland the the UK.

What is a Chartered Physiotherapist?

A Chartered Physiotherapist is a university graduate with hospital-based training who has comprehensive knowledge of how the body works, along with specialist training in the diagnosis and treatment of muscle and joint pain.

It is your guarantee that they have been trained to the highest academic and professional standards – and also that they continue to keep abreast of emerging trends and developments through a programme of Continuous Professional Development.

Choosing a Chartered Physiotherapist assures you that your chosen practitioner is fully committed to upholding the highest standards of medical and ethical standards.

What is CORU?

CORU is the regulator for health and social care professionals. Its role is to protect the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct, education, training and competence through statutory registration of health and social care professionals

What is the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

The Health and Care Professions Council are an organisation which regulates health, psychological and care professionals in the United Kingdom.

Contact

If you would like to get in touch or book an appointment

movekidsphysio@outlook.com

+447485101665