Pelvic Health Beyond Borders
Student Special Interest Group (SSIG)
Pelvic floor dysfunction affects individuals across the lifespan and can significantly impact quality of life, yet access to pelvic health education, screening, and rehabilitation remains limited in many communities around the world. This webinar will explore pelvic floor health from a global health perspective, highlighting barriers to care, disparities in access, and the importance of culturally responsive and inclusive rehabilitation practices. Discussion will include the role of interdisciplinary collaboration, advocacy, community education, and rehabilitation initiatives in improving pelvic health outcomes for underserved populations both locally and globally. Attendees will gain insight into how pelvic health professionals and students can contribute to advancing equitable care and increasing awareness of pelvic floor dysfunction in diverse healthcare settings.
Webinar Objectives
- Describe the global impact of pelvic floor dysfunction on health and quality of life
- Identify barriers that limit access to pelvic health services in underserved and marginalized communities
- Discuss the importance of culturally responsive and inclusive pelvic health care practices
- Recognize the role of rehabilitation professionals in pelvic health advocacy, education, and community outreach initiatives
- Explore strategies to improve awareness, accessibility, and interdisciplinary collaboration in pelvic health care worldwide
Speaker
Theresa (Tracy) Spitznagle, PT, DPT MHS
Board-Certified Pelvic & Women's Health Clinical Specialist
Dr. Theresa Monaco Spitznagle, PT, DPT, WCS, is a leader in pelvic health physical therapy and a dedicated board member of InspireHer: A Global Women’s Health Initiative. A Professor at Washington University in St. Louis, she blends clinical expertise with global advocacy to expand access to specialized care.
Dr. Spitznagle serves as Chair of the APTA Academy of Pelvic Health’s CPG Steering Committee and has led efforts to develop post-doctoral fellowship training in women’s and pelvic health physical therapy. She has also served as Chair of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
Her international work includes contributions to the Worldwide Fistula Fund and Dignity Period, focusing on the physical therapy management of obstetric fistula. As faculty for a Urogynecology Fellowship in Mekelle, Ethiopia, she has helped train future pelvic health providers in underserved regions.
A prolific researcher, she has published on postpartum pelvic girdle pain, chronic pelvic pain, diastasis recti abdominis, and pelvic floor muscle assessment. She is a sought-after speaker, presenting at leading conferences worldwide, including the APTA Combined Sections Meeting and the International Pelvic Pain Society.
Her contributions have earned numerous accolades, including the Washington University Dean’s Award (2025), the Marquette University Alumni Award, the Elizabeth Noble Award, and the APTA Humanitarian Award.
As a board member of InspireHer, Dr. Spitznagle continues to champion education, advocacy, and innovative care solutions, ensuring more women worldwide have access to life-changing pelvic health physical therapy.
Registration is FREE, and this live webinar is open to non-members and members.
Will this webinar be recorded?
This webinar will be recorded. Please note that the recording will be exclusively available to Academy of Pelvic Health members within 7 business days at aptapelvichealth.org/info/webinars.
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