About Us
Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (APTA Pelvic Health)
Who We Are
The Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (formerly Section on Women’s Health and formerly Section on Obstetrics and Gynecology) is a 501 (c) (6) non-profit professional membership association of more than 4,000 physical therapists (PTs), physical therapist assistants (PTAs), and student physical therapists (SPTs). The Academy offers continuing education courses with hands-on lab training, recognized certification programs, access to the Journal of Women's and Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (JWPHPT), Clinical Practice Guidelines, PT Locator, research grants, scholarships, networking opportunities, and a plethora of other resources for members and patients.
Vision Statement
A world that prioritizes optimal pelvic and abdominal health at every life stage.
Mission Statement
Advancing pelvic and abdominal health physical therapy to elevate the profession, empower individuals, and serve society.
Affiliations
American Physical Therapy Association
The Academy is an affiliate component association of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The APTA is the professional organization for more than 100,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy and a community of 68 affiliated components consisting of state chapters and specialty academies, and sections. While the Academy is a component under the APTA umbrella, it manages its operations separately and has its own mission, vision, and offers an additional set of benefits, events, and programs, geared toward the pelvic and abdominal health physical therapy specialty. To become a member of the Academy, one must become a member of APTA and a State Chapter.
International Organization of Physiotherapists in Pelvic & Women's Health
The Academy is an organization member of the International Organization of Physiotherapists in Pelvic & Women's Health (IOPPWH). IOPPWH's mission is to be the international voice of physiotherapists working in the field of pelvic and women’s health.
Our History
Since 1977, the Academy has evolved alongside the pelvic health physical therapy profession. What began as a focused resource for physical therapists supporting women before, during, and after pregnancy has grown into a professional home for clinicians advancing pelvic and abdominal health across the lifespan.
Our history reflects the leadership, vision, and innovation of physical therapists who helped expand pelvic health care. Our future is focused on advancing evidence-based practice, improving access, and elevating pelvic and abdominal health physical therapy for all people.
Founded to Advance Specialized Care
Elizabeth Noble founded the organization, originally known as the Section on Obstetrics and Gynecology, to support physical therapists interested in the health of women before, during, and after pregnancy.
A New Name: Section on Women’s Health
Members voted to change the name to the Section on Women’s Health, reflecting the growing body of specialized education and clinical expertise needed to address women’s physical therapy needs.
An Expanding Scope of Practice
The organization updated its mission and vision to recognize that members were also treating males and broader pelvic health conditions, including incontinence, pelvic pain, fibromyalgia, and osteoporosis.
Becoming the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
After years of member feedback, task force work, surveys, and strategic discussion, the organization adopted the name Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy to better reflect what members treat and the inclusive direction of the specialty.
A Professional Home for Pelvic and Abdominal Health PT
Today, APTA Pelvic Health supports clinicians, students, educators, researchers, and partners through continuing education, lab training, certification pathways, research, advocacy, clinical resources, and professional community.
Join Today!
Who is eligible for Academy membership?
"As a new grad navigating the world of pelvic health, I am grateful for the opportunities that the Academy of Pelvic health provides, especially the free webinars and journal clubs, to further my education and dive deeper into topics that were not addressed in school." - Julie H., Member
Join Us
