MEET THE TEAM

sHANE dunne

Shane Dunne

Co-Founder & Chartered Physiotherapist

Shane is a Chartered Physiotherapist and co-founder of Empower Physio Sligo, with extensive experience assessing and treating musculoskeletal injuries across the NHS, HSE, private practice, Emergency Department physiotherapy and professional sport. His goal is to provide every patient with an accurate diagnosis, a clear rehabilitation plan and the confidence to return to the activities that matter most to them.

He graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, and is currently completing a part-time Master of Medicine Science (MMedSc) in Sports and Exercise Medicine through University College Cork. This postgraduate training has further advanced his expertise in musculoskeletal assessment, sports injury management, exercise rehabilitation and return-to-performance planning.

Since qualifying in 2017, Shane has gained almost a decade of experience working predominantly in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. As a Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, he has treated a wide variety of conditions ranging from back and neck pain, tendon injuries and arthritis to complex and persistent musculoskeletal problems. More recently, his experience working in the Emergency Department has developed advanced skills in assessing and managing acute musculoskeletal and orthopaedic injuries, ensuring patients receive the right treatment from the earliest stage of recovery.

Alongside his NHS and HSE roles, Shane has worked extensively in private practice and professional sport, providing physiotherapy across rugby, GAA and ice hockey. Most notably, he was part of the medical team with the Belfast Giants during their 2023/24 season, gaining valuable experience in injury management, performance optimisation and return-to-sport rehabilitation. This combination of NHS, emergency care and elite sport enables Shane to confidently treat everyone from those struggling with everyday aches and pains to athletes performing at the highest level.

Having competed in hurling at a high level, including inter-county, Shane understands first-hand the physical and mental challenges that injury can bring. His approach focuses on identifying the underlying cause of a problem rather than simply treating symptoms, developing tailored rehabilitation programmes that combine hands-on treatment, education and progressive exercise to achieve long-term results.

Outside the clinic, Shane enjoys strength training, running, hurling, HYROX training and spending time outdoors. He also believes that most problems can be discussed over a good coffee.

Co-Founder

Carmel conway

Carmel Conway

Co-Founder & Chartered Physiotherapist

Carmel is a Chartered Physiotherapist and co-founder of Empower Physio Sligo, passionate about helping people overcome pain, recover from injury, and returning to doing what they love; whether that's playing sport, keeping up with the kids, or simply moving with confidence again.

She graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, in 2018. Since qualifying, Carmel has almost 8 years of experience working across the NHS, HSC, HSE and private practice, gaining extensive experience treating a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions.

Her clinical experience spans every stage of rehabilitation. Working as a Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist within outpatient services she has managed everything from persistent pain, arthritis, tendon disorders, spinal pain and complex musculoskeletal conditions. Alongside this, her experience within Trauma & Orthopaedics, including fracture clinics, has given her expertise in the rehabilitation of acute injuries, fractures and post-operative patients. Combined with her work in private sports injury clinics, Carmel has developed the skills to guide patients from the early stages of injury right through to full recovery and return to activity.

Carmel is currently completing a Master of Medicine Science (MMedSc) in Sports and Exercise Medicine at University College Cork. This postgraduate training goes beyond traditional physiotherapy, providing advanced expertise in sports injury diagnosis, exercise medicine, rehabilitation, performance optimisation and return-to-sport decision making. This allows her to deliver rehabilitation that isn't simply focused on reducing pain, but on restoring strength, confidence, resilience and long-term performance.

She has also completed a Master's-level module in Advanced Clinical Practice in Upper Limb Condition Management through Ulster University, further developing her expertise in the assessment and rehabilitation of shoulder, elbow and upper limb conditions.

Carmel believes great physiotherapy starts with understanding the individual, not just the injury. She takes the time to understand each person's lifestyle, work, training, previous injuries and goals before developing a personalised rehabilitation programme that combines hands-on treatment, education and progressive exercise. Having experienced several sporting injuries herself, she understands the physical and psychological challenges of rehabilitation and is passionate about helping patients feel better equipped to stay injury-free.

Outside the clinic, Carmel has played Gaelic football from a young age and continues to enjoy strength training, HYROX training and running regularly. When she’s not training she will probably be found with a strong cup of Barry’s tea to hand.

Co-Founder