Participate in a Study: Antenatal Perineal Massage (APM) Practice Survey for Physical Therapists

Survey Title: Antenatal Perineal Massage (APM) Practice Survey for Physical Therapists

Open to: APTA Pelvic Health Members who are a Licensed Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, or hold a PhD or WCS can take this survey.

Survey Deadline: June 30, 2022 at 11:50 PM ET.

The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the awareness, consideration, education, recommendation, coaching and client acceptance of antenatal perineal massage (APM) by physical therapists who advise and treat women during all stages of pregnancy. Nearly four million babies are born in the U.S. every year, and their mothers’ pregnancies and birth experiences differ widely. About 68.3% of these births are vaginal. However, more than 85% of the women who have a vaginal delivery experience some degree of perineal trauma. Spontaneous tears requiring suturing are estimated to occur in at least one third of women in the UK and US (Frohlich 2015). According to recent systematic reviews, vaginal birth can be less painful, with lower risk of trauma and episiotomies, and other delivery complications when women practice APM several times a week after the 35th week of pregnancy (Cochrane Report 2017, Abdelhakim 2020). Despite strong evidence-based reasons for the recommendation of APM the prevalence of this practice in the United States among pelvic health physical therapists is unknown.

An anonymous survey questionnaire will be distributed via email to physical therapists belonging to the APTA Academy on Pelvic Health for a 30-day period. The study will contain questions regarding the knowledge, use and discussion of antenatal perineal massage in their current practice. Results will be assessed via descriptive analysis. This survey will take less than five minutes. 

Take this 5-minute survey now!

Should you have any questions, please reach out to Dr. Kari Vogel at kvogeldpt@gmail.com.