From Observation to Advocacy: My Path into Pelvic Health Physical Therapy

Pelvic health physical therapy is a field that often goes unnoticed—until someone needs it. For me, it became a calling before I entered PT school. My name is Olivia Alloway, and I am currently a third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Drexel University in Philadelphia. My journey into pelvic health began in Sussex County, Delaware, where I worked as a physical therapy aide in a pelvic health clinic. That experience opened my eyes to the profound impact pelvic health PT can have on patients’ lives—and the gaps that still exist in access, awareness, and integration of care.

In that clinic, I observed patients dealing with complex and personal conditions—urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, postpartum recovery, and more. I saw how pelvic health PT could restore not just physical function, but dignity and confidence. I learned from skilled clinicians and witnessed firsthand the power of compassionate, specialized treatment. That early exposure sparked an interest that has guided my academic and professional path.

When I began PT school at Drexel in 2023, I knew I wanted to build on that foundation. I enrolled in Drexel’s pelvic health elective, where I learned essential skills in anatomy, assessment, and treatment techniques. The course also gave me the opportunity to dive into research, and I chose to focus on Gestational Diabetes awareness in pelvic health PT. This topic resonated with me because it highlights how metabolic conditions can influence pelvic floor function and the role of a PT in prevention and education.

Receiving the APTA Pelvic Health Student Scholarship is a tremendous honor and a meaningful milestone in my journey. It represents more than financial support—it’s a validation of my commitment to advancing pelvic health physical therapy and a vote of confidence in my potential to contribute to this essential field. With the scholarship, I was able to attend the Pelvic Health Level 1 webinar course and lab, which provided a comprehensive foundation in pelvic floor anatomy, dysfunctions, and evidence-based treatment strategies. These skills will be invaluable as I prepare for my third clinical rotation, which will focus specifically on pelvic health.

I am incredibly excited for this upcoming placement, as it marks a pivotal moment in my education where I can apply everything I’ve learned in a real-world setting. It’s a chance to work directly with patients experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction and to deepen my clinical reasoning and manual therapy skills under the guidance of experienced mentors. I look forward to gaining confidence in treating conditions such as dyspareunia, urinary incontinence, and postpartum recovery, while also learning how to navigate sensitive conversations and build trust with patients. This rotation will not only strengthen my clinical abilities but also reinforce my passion for serving people with empathy and expertise.

The scholarship has helped me feel more prepared and empowered to step into this next phase of training. I’m eager to continue learning, growing, and contributing to the field of pelvic health PT—both during my rotation and beyond.

Beyond the technical skills, this scholarship represents something more—it’s a recognition of the importance of pelvic health and the need for passionate, informed clinicians in this space. It’s a reminder that our profession is evolving, and that students like me have a role to play in shaping its future. I am inspired by the growing awareness and advocacy within the field and feel motivated to contribute to that momentum.

I am deeply grateful to the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy for supporting my education and for investing in the next generation of pelvic health PTs. As I move forward, I hope to continue advocating for pelvic health in all settings, educating patients and providers, and contributing to a more integrated and inclusive model of care. Pelvic health is not just a specialty—it’s a vital part of whole-person wellness. And for me, it’s a lifelong commitment.

About the Author

Olivia Alloway, SPT, 2025 CAPP Scholarship Recipient

My name is Olivia Alloway and I am a current Student Physical Therapist at Drexel University in Philadelphia. I grew up in Bridgeville Delaware and moved to Newark Delaware to pursue my undergraduate degree in Exercise Science, graduating in 2022.