Meet the SSIG Members | Featuring Aria Mathew, SPT

Welcome to the 5th ‘Meet the SSIG Members!’ The Student Special Interest Group is made up of student PTs and student PTAs from across the country – and we want to highlight them and their passion for the profession! ‘Meet the SSIG Members’ has the purpose of connecting students interested in pelvic and women’s health by introducing them to one another and our community through the APTA Pelvic Health Student Special Interest Group. We would like this engagement to promote personal development, networking, and friendship opportunities.

Name/Year in School/Program Name:

Aria Mathew/First year/Duke University Doctor of Physical Therapy

Why are you interested in Pelvic Health Physical Therapy?

I’ve always been fascinated by the female body, and learning about the anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor has only made me more excited to become a pelvic PT. We women go through so many body/hormonal changes throughout our lives and I want to be able to help women along their journey. I have a very personal story with pelvic floor physical therapy, and hope to advocate for my patients to get the help that they need.

What are you most excited for your upcoming Pelvic Health Clinical Rotation OR what did you love most about your Pelvic Health Clinical Rotation?

I’m super excited to learn how to perform internal pelvic exams, and be able to treat the muscles you can’t see from the outside. I’m also eager to work with expecting moms, and treat the pre and post partum patients.

Why do you believe it is important to be an active member of the SSIG and/or what have you gotten out of being a member of the SSIG?

As a first-year, I haven’t been involved with the APTA Pelvic SSIG for very long, but I have been able to attend numerous webinars and learn from extremely knowledgeable PTs. It’s also nice to have connections with third-year SPTs who have been in my shoes and can help guide me on my journey to becoming a pelvic PT.

Any advice you might like to share for students looking to get involved in Pelvic Health Physical Therapy?

My advice for people looking to get involved with pelvic physical therapy is to shadow a pelvic health physical therapist. Getting experience with what pelvic pts treat is super important and will allow you to see what pelvic pt is all about.

What do you love to do outside of PT school?

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, spending time with my friends and family, and trying new restaurants.

APTA Pelvic Health Student SIG