Dr. Theresa Monaco Spitznagle, PT, DPT, WCS, is a leader in pelvic health physical therapy and a dedicated board member of InspireHer: A Global Women’s Health Initiative. A Professor at Washington University in St. Louis, she blends clinical expertise with global advocacy to expand access to specialized care.


Dr. Spitznagle serves as Chair of the APTA Academy of Pelvic Health’s CPG Steering Committee and has led efforts to develop post-doctoral fellowship training in women’s and pelvic health physical therapy. She has also served as Chair of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.


Her international work includes contributions to the Worldwide Fistula Fund and Dignity Period, focusing on the physical therapy management of obstetric fistula. As faculty for a Urogynecology Fellowship in Mekelle, Ethiopia, she has helped train future pelvic health providers in underserved regions.


A prolific researcher, she has published on postpartum pelvic girdle pain, chronic pelvic pain, diastasis recti abdominis, and pelvic floor muscle assessment. She is a sought-after speaker, presenting at leading conferences worldwide, including the APTA Combined Sections Meeting and the International Pelvic Pain Society.


Her contributions have earned numerous accolades, including the Washington University Dean’s Award (2025), the Marquette University Alumni Award, the Elizabeth Noble Award, and the APTA Humanitarian Award.


As a board member of InspireHer, Dr. Spitznagle continues to champion education, advocacy, and innovative care solutions, ensuring more women worldwide have access to life-changing pelvic health physical therapy.