By: Erica Tran, PT, DPT, OCS If you’ve ever been told to “strengthen your core” but still struggle with abdominal pressure, bloating, pelvic heaviness, or urinary leakage, it’s possible that traditional core exercises are missing the mark. That’s because one of the most important muscles in your core is one you can’t see, but when...
By: Dr. Erica Tran, PT, DPT, OCS If you caught my Instagram Reel “Top 3 Things I’m NOT Falling For Anymore”, you already know it’s time to challenge outdated beliefs holding women back especially when it comes to strength training. But for young female athletes, pregnant women, postpartum warriors, and anyone dealing with pelvic floor...
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...
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...
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 cesarean scar. Here is some insight into how this healing process works...
By: Erica Tran, PT, DPT, OCS and Chelsey Vasquez, PT, DPT, PRPC Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the pelvic organs descend due to weakness in the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues. Proper coordination of breath with movement is essential for optimal pelvic health function and managing intra-abdominal pressure effectively. Inhalation allows the pelvic...
By: Chelsey Vasquez, PT, DPT, PRPC As a Boulder and Lafayette based Physical Therapist, I often work with runners who experience stress urinary incontinence (SUI)—the involuntary leakage of urine during high-impact activities like running. While this can be frustrating, the good news is that pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) can help manage and even eliminate...
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: Erica Tran, PT, DPT, OCS Athletes practice “just in case” (JIC) peeing before workouts to avoid bathroom breaks during training or competition. However, this habit can harm your pelvic floor health. A recent systematic review on urinary incontinence (UI) in female athletes reveals how behaviors like JIC peeing can disrupt bladder function, leading to...
Meet Sarah, a new mom grappling with the challenges of her evolving sex life. Like many new parents, she finds herself facing painful intercourse and a decrease in sexual desire just three months after welcoming her baby. Unfortunately, this struggle is not uncommon. Up to 88% of new parents report sexual well-being issues, yet less...