October 16, 2018
Meet Loni Cooper, DPT, Alumni from the UAMS Physical Therapy Program
This story was originally featured on the Section on Women’s Health website.
My name is Loni Cooper and I am a physical therapist in Northwest Arkansas. I recently graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in May 2018. Shortly after, I accepted my first job in an outpatient setting where I am working towards building a pelvic therapy caseload and advocating for this specific area of physical therapy. When I first started Physical Therapy (PT) school, I really did not know the exact field or area that I wanted to specialize in. Honestly, I had never even heard the terms “pelvic therapy” or “women’s health physical therapy” before. When I was on my very first clinical rotation in my first year of school, I was exposed to a clinic that was very heavily centered on this patient population. I was instantly intrigued and wanted to learn more about this area. Being a personal survivor of sexual abuse, I began researching and learning about how some of the symptoms that I experienced and that others had once told me were “normal” were actually treatable. I completed my elective coursework in this area to be able to learn more and prepare me for my elective clinical rotation in pelvic therapy.
I also completed a directed study focused on the care and treatment that the postpartum population receives in America compared to countries around the world. I learned very quickly that more can be done, and needs to be done, to meet the needs of women after having a baby. The fourth trimester is becoming more talked about, but I want to be a voice and advocate because the job is still not done. There continues to be men and women living with very vulnerable and sensitive impairments that they do not know can be treated. Oftentimes, I am the first person who tells a patient that they are not alone in their experiences and that although common; the symptoms are not normal and are many times treatable. I love being able to empathize with these individuals and be a part of their journey to finding healing and wellness.
Working towards furthering my education in pelvic health physical therapy, I have taken Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Level 1 and Level 2 through the Section on Women’s Health. I have made it my goal to continue learning and being an advocate for patients, who once like myself, do not know about the option of pelvic health physical therapy.
Loni Cooper is the recipient of Women in PT Summit Scholarship funded by the Section on Women’s Health. Loni is attending the summit in New York City September 21-22, 2018 to accomplish these goals and find the power for being an even better patient advocate and leader in this field.
