Strength or resistance training targeting the major muscle groups of the body is recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine for all adults a minimum of 2 days per week. Loss of muscle and bone mass over time can have significant functional and health consequences in the transition to older adulthood. Because of the...
The speciality area of physical therapy, pelvic health, has really increased in popularity and demand in the last decade and with that, the area has grown and evolved in what it treats and how. Pelvic health physical therapy is so much more than just Kegel’s! Along with the evolution of pelvic health physical therapy, comes...
Vaginal dilators are tools that help stretch and expand the vaginal introitus (or opening) and surrounding tissues. Dilators come in many shapes, sizes, and material types but all utilize the underlying strategy of desensitizing and stretching the tissue gradually and progressively. Most often dilators are prescribed for conditions that cause pain with vaginal penetration. Common...
What is GSM? Genitourinary syndrome of menopause is a relatively new term that describes various signs and symptoms associated with menopause. These include genital symptoms (vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation), sexual symptoms (dryness, pain, discomfort, and impaired function), and urinary symptoms (urgency, dysuria, and recurrent UTIs). During menopause, the production of estrogen and progesterone decreases....
By: Erica Tran, PT, DPT, OCS In the world of fitness and health, one often-overlooked measure of vitality is grip strength. While it might not seem like the most glamorous indicator, research shows that grip strength is a powerful predictor of overall health, particularly cardiovascular health and frailty. This is especially significant for women, including...
By Kristin Carpenter, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT The hormonal decline resulting from the menopausal transition (ie: perimenopause) is characterized by detrimental impacts on health including: increased cardiometabolic risk factors (insulin resistance, Type II diabetes, increased central adiposity, weight gain), reduced mental and physical health (depression, loss of lean muscle mass, reduced bone density and increased...
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 and Chelsey Vasquez, PT, DPT, PRPC Breastfeeding is a beautiful bonding experience during the postpartum period but it often requires moms to spend long periods leaning forward and looking down at their baby. In our Lafayette Physical Therapy clinic we have found this position, over time, can lead to:...
By: Erica Tran, PT, DPT, OCS Pickleball is everywhere right now, and for good reason. It’s social, low-impact (most of the time) and genuinely fun. If you were a regular player before getting pregnant, you’re probably wondering whether you need to hang up your paddle for nine months. The short answer? You likely don’t have...
