Rewriting the Playbook: Why I’m All In on Pelvic Health

When I was in 11th grade, I made a decision that would shape the course of my life. I ended up in a sports medicine class after I switched out of calculus. This is when I knew I wanted to become a physical therapist. Back then, I pictured myself working in a sports setting. The fast-paced energy, helping athletes recover, and the satisfaction of getting people back to the activities they love. Plus, I love sports, so it all seemed like the perfect fit. But like many journeys in healthcare, mine took an unexpected but meaningful turn. During my musculoskeletal coursework in PT school, something clicked but not in the way I expected. As much as I enjoyed the athletes I worked with, I started to realize that treating athletes twice my size for orthopedic injuries every day wasn’t as fulfilling as I had hoped. I found myself wanting a deeper connection to the care I was providing. That shift in mindset came as a new faculty member, who specialized in pelvic health, began teaching in our department. She spoke with such passion and honesty about her work, and her stories stuck with me. Pelvic health was a field I had barely heard of before, but the more I learned, the more I became intrigued. That spark of interest quickly grew into something more; a desire to fully understand this often overlooked and deeply impactful area of care. What began as curiosity quickly turned into purpose, and I wanted to keep the momentum going. That led me to join a research group investigating how pelvic health content is integrated into physical therapist assistant (PTA) programs across the country. Our project was later accepted as a poster presentation at the APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting (CSM), an unforgettable moment that connected me with a wider network of people just as passionate about pelvic health as I am. More importantly, it confirmed that this is the path I want to follow. Then came the experience that truly changed everything, my eight-week clinical rotation with a pelvic floor physical therapist. During that time, I witnessed the true power of this specialty. I listened to patients describe how pelvic floor therapy had transformed their lives. They no longer had to plan their day around bathroom locations. They found intimacy again in relationships that had been strained by pain or dysfunction. Some even credited their therapy with saving their marriages. These stories were more than case studies. They were testaments to the emotional, relational, and physical healing that pelvic health care can provide. Even more personal? I got to use what I was learning to help my own grandmother manage fecal incontinence. That moment meant everything. It made the knowledge real. And it made it crystal clear that I needed to keep learning so I could serve others with the same compassion and skill. What keeps me inspired is knowing how much stigma still surrounds this work, especially in communities of color. Too often, pelvic health concerns are ignored, misunderstood, or quietly endured. I want to be part of changing that. I want to show up as a provider who not only has the clinical training but also understands and reflects the lived experiences of the people I serve. As I prepare to graduate and take that step, I feel incredibly grateful. Expanding my knowledge in pelvic health is more than a professional goal. It’s an investment in the well-being of my future patients, my family, and my community. This is just the beginning, but one thing is already clear. And that is pelvic health is my purpose. I’m honored to continue learning, growing, and becoming the provider that people can trust, lean on, and heal with.

Author: Jailyn Harrison, SPT, 2025 APTA Pelvic Health & NABPT Scholarship Recipient

Author Bio: My name is Jailyn Harrison and I am currently a 3rd year SPT at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. I am eager to graduate in September and begin my career as a pelvic floor PT. This specialty is not one I was even familiar with prior to PT school. However, once I saw just how much pelvic floor PT can change lives I've been all in ever since. 

Instagram: @_jailynmonet_