Naas physiotherapist shortlisted for two national awards

A physiotherapist based in Naas, Co. Kildare has been shortlisted in two categories at the Irish Healthcare Awards 2026, one of Ireland’s most prestigious healthcare recognition events.

Aoibhín McGreal, founder of Vie Physio and Vie Academy in Naas, has been shortlisted in both Patient Education Project of the Year (Non-Pharmaceutical) and Innovation in Healthcare for The Pelvic Floor Relaxation Programme: Improving Understanding, Confidence and Self-Management.

The digital programme supports people experiencing overactive pelvic floor muscles, a common contributor to persistent pelvic pain, bladder and bowel symptoms, and pain during intercourse. Through specialist education, breathing, movement and guided relaxation, it gives patients access to evidence-based support beyond their clinic appointments through Vie Academy, the clinic’s online education platform.

Public understanding of pelvic floor health has often focused on strengthening exercises. For many people living with persistent pelvic pain, however, the first step is restoring the pelvic floor's ability to relax, coordinate and move well.

Since launching in 2025, 219 patients have enrolled in the programme, with 71% completing it in full. Among those who provided feedback, 89.3% reported an improvement in their symptoms, while confidence in managing symptoms increased from 92.8% reporting low confidence before the programme to 94.6% reporting moderate to high confidence afterwards.

The daughter of a nurse and pharmacist, Aoibhín grew up in Blessington, where her father and grandfather were community pharmacists and her brother now leads McGreals Pharmacies across the Leinster region. After completing an Honours BSc in Physiotherapy at UCD and a postgraduate qualification in Women’s Health, Aoibhín founded Vie Physio in Naas in 2018 before expanding into digital education through Vie Academy.

Developed by Aoibhín McGreal, the programme is delivered alongside Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Caroline Gavin, helping extend access to specialist pelvic health education and support beyond the clinic.

The programme was previously recognised with an Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists Innovation Award and has also been accepted for podium presentation at the International Continence Society Annual Meeting 2026, one of the world’s leading scientific meetings in pelvic health.

Commenting on the shortlist, Aoibhín McGreal said: “Being shortlisted in two national categories as an independent specialist clinic is something I’m incredibly

proud of. This programme was built on a simple belief that people deserve access to high-quality specialist support beyond clinic appointments, and that when they receive it, outcomes improve. Every day in clinic I meet women who have often lived with these symptoms for years before finding the right support. Their experiences have shaped this programme just as much as the research has.

“This recognition is incredibly encouraging because it highlights the importance of making specialist pelvic health care more accessible, not just in clinic but through high-quality digital education. Building on this work, Vie Academy is now developing a dedicated programme for people living with endometriosis to help improve access to specialist pelvic health support regardless of where they live.”

The Irish Healthcare Awards 2026 take place at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, on Tuesday 3 November.