About Us
General Information
OVERVIEW
Organization Title
Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
Acronym
APTA Pelvic Health
Founded
May 7, 1977
Nearly 50 years advancing pelvic and abdominal health physical therapy.
Academy Logo
Who We Are
The Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, formerly the Section on Women’s Health and the Section on Obstetrics and Gynecology, is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional membership association of more than 4,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and student physical therapists. The Academy offers continuing education courses with hands-on lab training, recognized certification programs, access to the Journal of Women’s & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, Clinical Practice Guidelines, PT Locator, research grants, scholarships, networking opportunities, and many other resources for members and patients. To become a member of the Academy, one must become a member of APTA and a State Chapter.
The Academy is 1 of 18 component organizations of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The APTA is the professional organization for more than 100,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and student physical therapists. While the Academy is a component under the APTA umbrella, it manages its operations separately and has its own mission, vision, strategic plan, bylaws, programs, member benefits, and events.
Academy Vision
A world that prioritizes optimal pelvic and abdominal health at every life stage.
Academy Mission
Advancing pelvic and abdominal health physical therapy to elevate the profession, empower individuals, and serve society.
2026-2030
Strategic Priorities
The Academy's strategic plan is organized around six interconnected priorities designed to strengthen the profession, support members, advance research, improve patient care, and ensure long-term organizational success.
Community Goal
Cultivate a vibrant, inclusive Academy community that empowers members to engage, connect, and collaborate—amplifying shared knowledge and advancing the collective impact of pelvic and abdominal health physical therapy.
Research Goal
Promote the value of pelvic and abdominal health physical therapy by disseminating evidence-based research, fostering innovation and collaboration, and positioning the Academy as a primary resource.
Knowledge Goal
Deliver accessible, high-value education and resources grounded in evidence-based practice to enhance practitioner expertise, improve patient care, and expand public awareness of pelvic and abdominal health physical therapy.
Practice Goal
Provide practical tools, guidance, and support to members on clinical best practices, reimbursement policies, and emerging changes that directly impact the delivery of pelvic and abdominal health physical therapy.
Advocacy Goal
Champion the role of pelvic and abdominal health physical therapy by advocating for legislative and policy changes, enhancing the visibility of the profession, and ensuring practitioners are equipped to navigate and influence healthcare systems.
Operational Excellence Goal
Strengthen organizational effectiveness through sound governance, financial stewardship, technology, data-informed decision-making, and sustainable operational practices that support the Academy's mission and long-term success.
Explore the Academy
Explore the Academy's leadership, governance, strategic priorities, partnerships, media resources, and the volunteers who help advance pelvic and abdominal health physical therapy.
Our Strategic Plan
Explore the Academy's vision, priorities, and goals for 2026–2030.
Meet Our Board
Meet the elected leaders responsible for governance and strategic direction.
Committees, SIGs & Task Forces
Discover the volunteers and leaders who help drive Academy programs and initiatives.
Partners & Collaborators
Learn about the organizations helping advance our mission around the world.
Press & Media
Access media resources, Academy news, interviews, and subject matter experts.
Bylaws, Policies & Procedures
Review the Academy's governing documents, policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.
Position Statements
Explore official Academy position statements that guide practice, education, advocacy, and professional issues related to pelvic and abdominal health physical therapy.
Contact Us
Get in touch with Academy staff for questions about membership, education, certification programs, partnerships, volunteer opportunities, and more.
Nearly 50 Years of Leadership in Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
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.
Today, the Academy serves thousands of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students through education, certification programs, research, advocacy, professional networking, and resources that help elevate the profession and improve patient care.
Academy History
Explore key milestones that helped shape the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy into the leading professional home for pelvic and abdominal health physical therapy.
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, whom they treat, and the inclusive direction of the specialty.
A Professional Home for Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Providers
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.
Looking Ahead
As the Academy approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, we remain committed to advancing pelvic and abdominal health physical therapy through education, research, advocacy, collaboration, and innovation—helping shape the future of the profession for generations to come.