Listening, Learning, Leading: A PTA's Path Into Pelvic Health Advocacy

I’ve struggled for a long time to put into words how I discovered my passion for pelvic health. My journey began while I was practicing as an athletic trainer in an outpatient physical therapy clinic. That’s where I had the privilege of working alongside several exceptional pelvic health therapists. 

In the staff office, they often consulted with one another about challenging cases. I found myself captivated by their conversations—I had never been exposed to this kind of information before, and it opened an entirely new world for me. They welcomed my curiosity, answered every question, and shared their knowledge generously. Those discussions ignited my interest in pelvic health and planted the first seeds of what would become my professional calling. 

The therapists taught me how to screen for signs of pelvic floor dysfunction, how to cue abdominal activation to support pelvic floor engagement, and how the pelvic floor influences respiration, digestion, and everyday functional tasks. Their mentorship shaped the foundation of my understanding and left me eager to learn more. 

Eventually, due to reimbursement challenges in athletic training and a desire for better work–life balance, I returned to school to earn my PTA degree. I chose a transitional program tailored for athletic trainers and have now been practicing as a PTA for 14 years. Despite the limited pelvic health education in my formal training, I continued to pursue the topic independently. 

This pursuit also shaped how I mentor students. Through both patient interactions and clinical education, I’ve made it a priority to ensure that every PTA student I work with understands the essential role of the pelvic floor in human function. I encourage open conversations about bowel and bladder health, sexual function, and the cultural comfort needed to address these topics professionally and compassionately—no matter the patient’s gender, background, or orientation. 

I’ve met many students and even practicing PTAs who had no idea that PTAs can be meaningfully involved in pelvic floor rehabilitation. Because of that, I teach screening strategies, functional integration of pelvic floor concepts, and the importance of breath coordination to improve performance and ADLs. Helping PTAs gain confidence in this specialty has become a personal mission. 

As the academy’s PTA Council Representative, my goals are to increase membership among practicing and student PTAs, expand access to pelvic health mentorship, and create more opportunities for PTAs to network, collaborate, and grow within the specialty. I want to be a strong, informed voice for PTAs and PTA students—ensuring their needs, questions, and aspirations are heard within the academy and across the broader APTA PTA Council. 

Most of all, I hope to serve as both a resource and a mentor for those entering this rewarding and essential area of practice. 

About the Author 

Brooke Pepper, MS, AT, PTA, APTA Advanced Proficiency in Orthopedics

Brooke Pepper, MS, AT, PTA is a healthcare professional with almost 20 years of clinical experience and advanced proficiency in orthopedics. Her practice encompasses a comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal and neuromuscular health with specialized expertise in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction. Brooke's multidisciplinary background as an athletic trainer and physical therapist assistant informs her evidence-based, patient-centered care. She is dedicated to advancing rehabilitation practices and improving quality of life for individuals across all stages of recovery.