Is Exercise Performance in Female Athletes Impacted by the Menstrual Cycle? By Berrin Boyce PT, DPT, PRPC In recent decades as women collectively increase participation in all types of exercise, ranging from physical activity to elite sport, more questions arise about whether or not the cyclical hormonal changes that occur in women with healthy menstrual...
How The Use of Forceps During Delivery Impacts Urinary Incontinence in the Postpartum Period By Berrin Boyce As a pelvic floor PT working in Boulder with many people during their pregnancies I often hear the question: “What can I do to decrease the risk of developing urinary incontinence or pelvic floor issues after delivery?” I...
Do you experience urinary leaking with jumping jacks, double-unders, box jumps or while jumping on the trampoline? Maybe you’re avoiding jumping altogether for fear of leaking or pelvic heaviness. Jumping is a great exercise as it helps build muscle strength and power, while challenging the cardiovascular system. It requires coordination, agility, and can be beneficial...
Diagnosis: Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is musculoskeletal pain that occurs at either SI joint, the pubic bone, the groin, or some combination. PGP is very common during pregnancy, affecting between 52-70% of the pregnant population, particularly during late pregnancy. As with many musculoskeletal dysfunction during pregnancy it is common, but it does not have to...
If you’ve ever experienced the sharp, nagging discomfort of tailbone pain, you know how it can overshadow even the simplest daily activities. From sitting at your desk at work to walking up and down the aisles at the grocery store, every movement can be a reminder of the pain. Thankfully, there are steps you can...
Tailbone pain (or coccydynia) is a common issue that can be a result of direct impact/traumatic injury to the tailbone during a fall, prolonged sitting, vaginal childbirth, or develop gradually without any specific cause (insidious/non-traumatic). Mechanical tailbone pain is most common while sitting, or while moving from sitting to standing. Some people will also describe...
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when there is a lack of support from the muscles or connective tissues around the bladder, rectum or uterus (if applicable). Symptoms can include: sensation of pelvic heaviness or pressure in the vagina or rectum, incomplete emptying of the bladder or rectum, and more outlined here. Risk factors for prolapse include:...
Pelvic floor muscle strengthening is a specific type of training program, targeted to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that are responsible for maintaining continence, providing support to internal organs, and are important for sexual function. People with low tone or weakness of their pelvic floor, who are...
It is estimated that between 1-10% of vaginal births result in 3rd or 4th degree perineal tears. To learn more about the different grades of perineal tears click here. Understanding the risk factors and possible techniques for prevention of 3rd and 4th degree perineal tears, also known as obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS), is incredibly...
A perineal tear is a tear in the skin or muscle between the vaginal opening and anus that commonly occurs during a vaginal delivery. It is estimated that 85% of women who give birth vaginally will experience a perineal tear to some degree (Smith et al. 2013). Just like other muscle tears in the body,...