A 101 on the credentials, training, and skills of pelvic floor therapists

Two recently published articles, in the International Urogynecology Journal and in Neurourology and Urodynamics talk about the positive outcomes of treatment with trained pelvic floor therapists. Today is a basic rundown of what kinds of credentials, training, and skills pelvic floor therapists have to offer you.

Credentials

Pelvic floor therapists are often physical therapists (PT) or occupational therapists (OT). Both of these disciplines require academically rigorous coursework that covers topics from anatomy and kinesiology, to neuroscience, and the evaluation, treatment, and management of common diagnoses.

You will often find a jumble of letters after your pelvic floor therapist’s name. Here is a breakdown of what those letters mean:

PT, MPT, MSPT, or DPT: These letters represent the degree that your physical therapist earned. For many years, physical therapists earned a bachelor's degree prior to becoming licensed. Later, schools transitioned to master's degree programs. The letters MPT or MSPT indicates a master's degree in physical therapy. Most programs today now train therapists for a DPT degree, which stands for doctorate of physical therapy.

OT, MOT, MSOT, or OTD: These letters represent the degree that your occupational therapist earned. Like physical therapy, occupational therapy programs have evolved over time, requiring at first bachelor’s degrees, then master’s degrees, and now transitioning towards doctorate degrees. MOT or MSOT indicates a master’s degree in occupational therapy. OTD indicates a doctorate of occupational therapy.

Training

In addition to the academics that go into getting a PT or OT degree, pelvic floor therapists have advanced training in everything about the pelvis: the bone structure, muscles, nerves, tissues, and organs of the pelvic area. This knowledge extends to the other systems that may affect the pelvis: movement patterns, neurological pain perception patterns, constipation and motility issues, water intake, etc.

With all of this extra training, pelvic floor therapists are better able to understand the complexities of your body and your symptoms. With such a holistic and all-encompassing view of everything “pelvis,” pelvic floor therapists can then design a treatment plan that is totally personalized to you and what you need in the moment.

Diagnoses Treated

Pelvic floor dysfunction is complex, with many dovetailing issues contributing to symptoms and pain. Pelvic floor therapists treat conditions including:

• Urinary Incontinence
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse
• Non-bacterial Prostatitis
• Pain with Sex

Some clients often see a multidisciplinary team to treat their conditions. These teams often include a pelvic floor PT/OT, other specialists including OB/GYN, pain specialists, massage therapists, yoga therapists, dieticians, and others.  

Beware of “Pelvic Floor Therapists” Without Proper Licensure or Training
There are some practitioners who claim to do pelvic floor therapy, but their practice may not be science based, medically sound or licensed by the state. It is good to make sure that their credentials, training, and practices are up to par with the care that you deserve.

How to find a pelvic floor therapist
The best first step in getting care for your pelvic floor issues is to see your doctor. Pelvic floor therapists work in most major hospitals, large clinics, and in smaller outpatient clinics like Fusion Wellness PT/ Femina PT. In some states a doctor’s referral is required, so be prepared with some articles about pelvic floor therapy to show your doctor, in case they don’t know what it is (a surprising amount of practitioners do not know about pelvic floor therapy).

Resources

American Physical Therapy Association. Appropriate use of designations. Accessed on 10/17/18 at https://www.apta.org/Designations/

Berghmans, B. (2018). Physiotherapy for pelvic pain and female sexual dysfunction: an untapped resource. International Urogynecology Journal, 29(5), 631–638. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-017-3536-8

Sun, et al. Comparison of outcomes between postpartum and non-postpartum women with stress urinary incontinence treated with conservative therapy: A prospective cohort study. [Neurourol Urodyn] 2018 Apr; Vol. 37 (4), pp. 1426-1433. Date of Electronic Publication: 2017 Dec 11.