Eoin Ó Conaire

Chartered Physiotherapist & Shoulder Specialist
PhD candidate, MSc, BSc (Hons), BA, MISCP

Eoin's Profile

Eoin Ó Conaire is a Chartered Physiotherapist and PhD candidate, specialising in the assessment and rehabilitation of shoulder conditions, complex musculoskeletal presentations, and persistent pain. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Eoin is passionate about delivering evidence-based care that empowers individuals to move with confidence, reduce pain, and achieve meaningful recovery. His approach integrates hands-on expertise with a deep commitment to understanding the whole person, physically, psychologically, and emotionally.

Eoin draws on advanced clinical training, international research, and a background in elite sports and NHS leadership to support clients in managing pain, overcoming injury, and returning to the activities they value most. His work is grounded in the belief that effective rehabilitation starts with a thorough assessment, clear communication, and a collaborative treatment plan tailored to each individual’s goals.

In addition to clinical practice, Eoin is active in teaching, research, and professional leadership. He is co-founder of Evidence-Based Therapy Centre and is widely recognised for his contributions to physiotherapy innovation and shoulder rehabilitation.

Clinical Focus & Experience

Eoin Ó Conaire's physiotherapy practice focuses on supporting individuals with complex or persistent musculoskeletal conditions. His areas of specialist interest include:

Shoulder Rehabilitation
Eoin has extensive expertise in shoulder assessment and treatment, including complex conditions such as frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, and instability. He integrates exercise rehabilitation, education and manual therapy to provide targeted, research-informed care.

Complex Musculoskeletal Conditions
With a background in advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy, Eoin supports patients dealing with persistent or multifactorial pain presentations. He places a strong emphasis on understanding the biopsychosocial aspects of each case and tailoring interventions accordingly.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and nerve palsies of the shoulder girdle
Eoin Ó Conaire has developed a clinical interest in thoracic outlet syndrome and other more unusual nerve palsies and neuropathic presentations around the shoulder such as suprascapular nerve palsy, long thoracic nerve palsy, spinal accessory nerve palsy, quadrilateral space syndrome and Parsonage Turner Syndrome.

Sports Injury & Rehabilitation
Eoin’s early work in elite sports—supporting teams such as Crystal Palace FC and Oxford University Rugby—continues to inform his approach to injury prevention and performance-based rehab. He also works extensively with swimmers and has developed the Swim-fit programme.

Eoin’s approach combines technical skill, diagnostic precision, and a compassionate, patient-centred philosophy. He believes in making rehabilitation both effective and engaging.

Qualifications & Research

Eoin Ó Conaire holds a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy (1^st class honours) from the University of Brighton, and an MSc in Advancing Practice Physiotherapy (Specialist Manipulative Physiotherapy) from the University of Birmingham, graduating with distinction. His research was awarded the MACP Research Prize and has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented internationally.

In 2021, Eoin began his PhD at the University of Antwerp under the supervision of Prof. Filip Struyf. His doctoral research focuses on rehabilitation strategies for patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. He has published two papers so far from this project.

Eoin is a member of the Irish Shoulder & Elbow Rehabilitation Society (ISERS) and the European Society of Shoulder & Elbow Rehabilitation (EUSSER). You can find an up-to-date list of his publications on researchgate

Teaching & Professional Development

Eoin Ó Conaire is deeply committed to sharing knowledge and advancing physiotherapy practice. He is the creator of the Shoulder Masterclass, an intensive two-day course delivered throughout Ireland and Europe, focusing on contemporary, evidence-based approaches to shoulder rehabilitation.

He also co-developed The Psychologically-Informed Physiotherapist, a course designed to enhance the therapeutic relationship by integrating psychological principles into physiotherapy practice.

Eoin regularly presents at national and international conferences, teaches webinars on topics related to shoulder rehabilitation and provides mentorship to physiotherapists interested in shoulder rehabilitation, persistent pain, and evidence-based practice.

Clinical Leadership & Innovation

Eoin served as Clinical Lead in musculoskeletal physiotherapy at Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust for six years. During this time, he helped transform the service into a nationally recognised, award-winning department with a focus on specialist care pathways and innovation.

He has received multiple awards for healthcare innovation, including:

Finalist, NHS Innovator of the Year (Medical Devices)
Runner-up, The Big Idea Academic Innovation Awards
Allied Health Professional of the Year, CLCH (2012)
Health Foundation Shine Award recipient (with Dr Jeremy Lewis)

Eoin’s innovations include medical devices for vibration sense testing and the development of digital patient education tools for chronic pain.

Therapeutic Philosophy

Eoin’s approach to physiotherapy is rooted in detailed assessment, shared decision-making, and personalised care. He believes that education and understanding are key to lasting recovery and takes time to ensure that clients feel informed, supported, and motivated throughout their rehabilitation journey.

Whether working with elite athletes or individuals dealing with long-term pain, Eoin aims to make therapy not only effective but enjoyable—creating space for learning, movement, and progress.

Appointments

If you would like to book an appointment with Eoin Ó Conaire, you can call the clinic on 091 727777, get in touch via the contact page or email admin@ebtc.ie