Expertise
About
Heather Jeffcoat, PT, DPT, is a doctor of physical therapy and the founder of Femina Physical Therapy and Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy, both of which focus on pelvic health and whole-body orthopedic care.
With more than 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Jeffcoat is a leading expert in the treatment of sexual pain and pelvic floor dysfunction, and her Los Angeles (Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Sherman Oaks) and Atlanta-based clinics draw patients from around the world.
She is the author of Sex Without Pain: A Self-Treatment Guide to the Sex Life You Deserve, which is widely used by both patients and healthcare professionals. Jeffcoat regularly lectures internationally on female sexual health, pelvic pain, and interdisciplinary care, and she develops continuing education courses for physical therapists and other providers.
Jeffcoat served as president of the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy from 2021 to 2024, and held multiple leadership positions with the International Pelvic Pain Society from 2014 to 2023, including acting on their board of directors.
Her patient-centered, integrative approach emphasizes functional recovery and empowerment for those experiencing painful sex, endometriosis, postpartum trauma, menopause-related incontinence or pain, and other complex pelvic and chronic pain conditions. She has created multiple programs, including Birth Prep 101, helping hundreds of women achieve the birth and postpartum recovery support they need.
Her passion extends beyond the clinic walls, as she also founded and runs a 501(c)3, Empower Health Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to providing no cost services to low-income and marginalized populations with pelvic health conditions.
She has been a speaker at the following:
- World Congress on Abdominal and Pelvic Pain, Cartagena, Colombia, Post-Conference Course: "Chronic Pelvic Pain Evaluation and Management Strategies," 2024
- American Urogynecologic Association, Advanced Practice, Physical Therapy, and Allied Health Bootcamp: "Pelvic Pain and Sexual Dysfunction Related to PFDs" (AUGS Preconference Course), 2016
- American Urogynecologic Association, Seattle, "Pathoanatomy and Patient Presentations in Sexual Pain Syndromes," co-presented with Nazema Siddiqui, MD, 2016
- UCLA Urogynecology and MIGS Lecture Series, "Continence and Pain Mechanisms Beyond the Pelvic Floor," 2024
- PelviCon National Conference, Atlanta, "The Female Orgasm and Differential Diagnosis of Vaginismus and Vulvodynia," 2022
- Invited lecturer: Pelvic health education, Reproductive Health Access Project, CSU Fullerton, 2024
- Expert panel speaker, Menopause Monologues: The Hottest Show In Town, Hollywood, California, 2025
Course developer and instructor, Female Sexual Function, Dysfunction & Pain, United States, Istanbul, Middle East:
- Sex Therapy for Transgender and Nonbinary Clients, Center for Healthy Sex
- Cyclist’s Syndrome–Pudendal Neuralgia, Beijing (Chinese Olympic Committee)
- Multiple CE webinars and in-person labs across North America
Community Education:
- Creator and host of multiple events in California, Girls’ Night Out: Better Sexual and Pelvic Health
- Guest speaker, LA LGBTQ Center, Duke University SoCal Women’s Group, and Endo Day
Education
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Animal Physiology and Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
Certifications
- Licensed in Physical Therapy, California
- Comprehensive Teacher Training in Pilates, Body Arts and Science International
- Certified Birth Coach, DONA International
- Certified Fascial Stretch Therapist, Stretch to Win Institute
Awards
- Helen Kaiser Duke Alumni Award, 2002
Professional Organizations
- Past President, Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, 2021–2024
- Past Board of Directors and Advisory Board, International Pelvic Pain Society, 2014–2023
- Member, American Physical Therapy Association, Pelvic Health Section
- Member, International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
- Member, International Continence Society (ICS)
- Member, American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS)
- Member, World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
Press Coverage
- Ages A. These Explosive Exercises Can Help You Age Well. The New York Times. March 11, 2025.
- Calucchia C. 12 Best Sex Pillows for Better, More Comfortable Sex. Prevention. April 30, 2025.
- Broadwater A. We're Physical Therapists. This is Our No. 1 Unexpected Pooping Hack. Huffington Post. April 3, 2025.
- Full media coverage. Feminapt.
Research
Dr. Jeffcoat has conducted research on using low intensity shockwave therapy for people with dyspareunia. She's also participated in research presented at the American Physical Therapy Association's annual meeting in 2024 on pelvic floor physical therapy for phantom UTI symptoms and dyspareunia in postmenopausal women.
