According to the British Pain Society, almost ten million people in the United Kingdom are in pain every day. So it’s little wonder that Brianne O’Neill’s services are in increasing demand.
Indeed, the County Antrim physiotherapist, who previously worked across England and Northern Ireland, has now branched out on her own, offering face-to-face consultations, at home visits, along with an ever-increasing online service. Her objective is to increase accessibility to evidenced-based healthcare, here in Northern Ireland.
Brianne, who is a specialist musculoskeletal and rehabilitation physiotherapist, first became interested in a career in physiotherapy during her last year of school at Loreto College Coleraine.
“I was heavily involved in sport in school,” Brianne said, adding: “and I knew that I wanted to do something in the healthcare profession. I also loved the idea of working with people. I’m really passionate about physiotherapy because I love being able to help people and provide an evidenced based service.”
As a specialist musculoskeletal and rehabilitation physiotherapist, Brianne’s patients range from those suffering from chronic illness and pain to elite athletes, who are aiming to enhance their athletic performance.
“The clients that come to see me vary considerably,” said Brianne.
“I deal with clients who are housebound, often working through falls prevention and rehabilitation to improve their quality of life. I also work with a wide range of athletes having previously worked at the Commonwealth Games, the World Athletic Championships and the Virgin London Marathon to name a few.”
“When I see a client, whether that’s in a clinic, in a sporting environment, at home or online, I begin by doing a thorough subjective and objective assessment, gathering the information that I need to form an appropriate treatment plan, which I do in liaison with the client. My aim is to not only help my clients with their pain, but to educate and make long lasting change.”
Exploring Enterprise participant physiotherapist Brianne O’Neill with Enterprise Causeway business advisor Leo Mullan
After working for over seven years in both England and Northern Ireland, Brianne decided to branch out on her own, but was aware that she needed to increase her business knowledge. After consultation with a business advisor, she enrolled on the Exploring Enterprise programme run by Enterprise Causeway.
“I enrolled on the Exploring Enterprise programme to develop my business idea, hone my entrepreneurial skills and develop my marketing and financial skills. As with many business people, I am very knowledgeable and well-informed about the work that I do, but wanted to ensure that my business knowledge was equally well-developed.
“Since completing the course, I have expanded my business, offering an interactive bespoke service for clients in Northern Ireland. I am based in Health Connects in Portglenone but also offer physiotherapy for clients at home and provide online consultations for clients all over the United Kingdom.”
The Exploring Enterprise Programme is funded through the Northern Ireland Social Fund 2014-2020, Investment for Jobs and Growth Programme, The Department for the Economy, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council and Enterprise Northern Ireland.
Do you have a business idea you want to explore? If so, call Robin on 028 7035 6318, email eep@enterprisecauseway.co.uk or go to enterprisecauseway.co.uk/project/exploring-enterprise-programme for more information.
