By: Erica Tran, PT, DPT, OCS Working with individuals during pregnancy, we’re often asked, “What is the best position to deliver a baby in?” Our response is consistent: there is no one perfect position. Just like with posture, the best position is the one that keeps changing and allows you to feel most supported, safe,...
By: Erica Tran, PT, DPT, OCS For years, the absence of robust research led to a cautious approach toward heavy resistance training during pregnancy. As more research is being done on the pregnant population the evidence is becoming clear that activity, including heavy weight lifting, does not increase risk to mom or baby, but rather...
Older adults are at high risk of sacropenia or the loss of muscle mass due to aging. Sacropenia can be driven by different diseases and conditions, but is most commonly due to changes in metabolism and activity levels. The loss of strength and muscle mass is one of the strongest predictors of disability in older...
By: Lucas Glomb, PT, DPT, OCS We’re often asked whether strength training is safe for kids and adolescents. The short answer: yes — when done correctly, it’s not only safe but incredibly beneficial. Decades of research support the safety and effectiveness of youth resistance training when properly supervised. In fact, a position statement from the...
By: Ian Nay, PT, DPT, OCS Increasing the ability to move through a full range of motion in the thoracic spine is extremely important for many types of people that we treat at MEND including overhead athletes, CrossFitters/weightlifters, climbers, cyclists, golfers, and those who spend a good amount of time on the computer. The thoracic...
Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose) is a foundational yoga posture found frequently during many yoga classes. However, many practitioners experience shoulder pain when performing this pose. If you find yourself wincing every time you lower down, you’re not alone. Here’s why Chaturanga might be causing discomfort, how to modify it to reduce pain, and exercises...
Whether you’re cycling through deadlifts in a WOD or chasing PRs with heavy back squats, one of the most overlooked — yet critical — components for female athletes is the pelvic floor. More than just “private” muscles, the pelvic floor plays a key role in core stability, breathing mechanics, and load transfer. Learning to connect...
As pelvic health physical therapists, we often work with athletes who are navigating the unique challenges of balancing their athletic pursuits with the demands of postpartum recovery. One topic that comes up frequently, yet isn’t often discussed enough, is the hormonal changes that occur during breastfeeding and how these can impact athletic performance. Let’s break...
By: Erica Tran, PT, DPT, OCS The Ironic Reality of Injury As a physical therapist, I help people move better, recover from injuries, and return to doing what they love. But despite my knowledge and training, I’ve dealt with a long history of injuries myself. It’s a humbling reminder: no one is immune to the...
By: Chelsey Vasquez, PT, DPT, PRPC and Erica Tran, PT, DPT, OCS Congratulations on the birth of your little one! While welcoming your baby into the world is an exciting and joyful time, your body is also navigating some significant changes after a cesarean section (C-section). One area that may require extra attention is your...
