From Rural Roots to Pelvic Health: A Future PT's Mission to Expand Access
Growing up in a rural and medically underserved community, I witnessed and experienced firsthand health disparities that can affect access to quality healthcare. These experiences have shaped my mission as a future physical therapist to become well-rounded in caring for diverse and underserved populations. In my community, pelvic floor physical therapy is particularly limited. While we have excellent providers, there are not enough clinicians to meet the current need.
Even before applying to physical therapy school, I knew pelvic floor physical therapy was an area I wanted to pursue in my career. When discussing pelvic health with friends and family, I quickly recognized how often the pelvic floor was viewed as a taboo topic. I encountered misunderstandings, misinformation, and a general lack of awareness about pelvic floor impairments and the role physical therapy can play in treating them.
These conversations reinforced my desire to pursue pelvic floor physical therapy, not only to provide treatment, but also to educate my community and help normalize conversations surrounding pelvic health. I am grateful that I can begin my continuing education in pelvic health before becoming a licensed physical therapist, thanks to APTA Pelvic Health.
Through this course and future pelvic floor courses, I hope to continue building my knowledge and confidence so that I can become a provider who creates a safe and comfortable environment for patients. I want my future patients to feel empowered to discuss concerns they may otherwise feel embarrassed or hesitant to address. Ultimately, I hope to bring pelvic floor physical therapy to the communities that need it most and help make pelvic health a topic that people feel comfortable talking about and seeking help.
Meet the Author
Mariah Swearngin, SOPT III
2026 APTA Pelvic Health CAPP Scholarship Recipient 
I am a third year DPT student who is finishing her last semester of didactic class work. I will go on to complete 8 weeks general outpatient and 8 weeks pelvic floor clinicals this coming January. I am a proud 2026 recipient of the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Rural PT/PTA Scholarship.
