The Health Lab Blog

StemWave therapy uses focused shockwave to repair chronic pain at the source. Learn how it works, what it treats, and how to book in Carson City.

Diastasis recti postpartum is common and treatable. Learn what ab separation means, why coning happens, and how to rebuild your core in Carson City.

If you've ever rolled your ankle or pulled a muscle while chasing the dog around Mills Park, your first thought was probably: "Quick, get the ice and the couch!" For years, we were told that RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) was the only way to go. But science evolves, and at The Health Lab here in Carson City, we're moving on to something much more positive. Meet your new recovery best friends: PEACE & LOVE. The shift is backed by the British Journal of Sports Medicin

When you find out you're expecting, it feels like the world suddenly becomes a "No-Fly Zone." Friends, family, and even random strangers at the grocery store start giving you advice. "Don't lift that!" "Don't get your heart rate too high!" "Are you sure you should be running?" Most of this advice comes from a good place, but a lot of it is based on pelvic floor myths that just won't die. These misconceptions can actually make you feel more anxious and less prepared for birth.

Why Walking is the Best Medicine for Low Back Pain We've all been there. You bend over to pick up a sock, and suddenly—zap—your lower back decides it's done for the day. Your first instinct is probably to curl up on the couch, but here is a secret: movement is medicine. While resting for a day or two might feel right, staying still for too long actually makes back pain stick around longer. So is walking good for lower back pain? In almost every case, yes — and the research ba

When pelvic floor symptoms show up — leaking, urgency, pelvic pain, heaviness — most people immediately zoom in on the pelvic floor itself. More Kegels. More "core" work. More squeezing. But here's the catch: if you actually have a tight pelvic floor, more squeezing is the last thing your body needs. But the pelvic floor doesn't function in isolation. It is deeply interconnected with the hips. And very often, what looks like a pelvic floor problem is actually a hip pain probl

We've all been there. You're about to hop in the car for a drive up to Lake Tahoe, or maybe you're heading into a long meeting at work. Even though your bladder isn't sending any signals, you think, "I should probably go now, just in case." It feels like the responsible, adult thing to do. You're being proactive! You're beating the system! But what if I told you that your bladder is actually a very sensitive student, and by peeing "just in case," you might be teaching it all

You line up your shot. Smooth backswing. Solid contact. Then—ouch. That nagging pain on the inside of your elbow shows up again, right on cue. If this sounds familiar, you may be dealing with golfer's elbow. And no, you don't need to give up golf, lifting, or the rest of your active life to fix it. At The Health Lab in Carson City, we believe in Real Rehab—not endless rest, not fear-based movement rules, and definitely not quick fixes that don't hold up. Let's talk about what

When people hear the word "core," they often think about abs, planks, or strength. But one of the most important parts of your core system is rarely discussed—and even more rarely trained correctly. Your diaphragm and pelvic floor form a pressure system that quietly supports nearly everything you do, from lifting groceries to controlling your bladder to managing pain. When this system is working well, you don't notice it at all. When it's not, symptoms tend to show up in conf

Understanding Pelvic Discomfort Pelvic discomfort is a common issue that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. A variety of factors, including muscle tension, problems with the pelvic floor, can all contribute to this discomfort. It can really take a toll on your daily life and overall well-being. Thankfully, pelvic floor physical therapy is proving to be a valuable treatment option, focusing on personalized care that gets to the root of the problem instead of just covering up

When people hear “pelvic floor,” they often think only of strength — Kegels, contractions, and building a supportive base. But for many individuals the problem isn’t weakness; it’s too much tension. A hypertonic (high-tone) pelvic floor means the pelvic floor muscles are chronically tightened and have trouble relaxing. That state can cause pelvic pain, urinary and bowel symptoms, painful sex, and decreased quality of life — and it requires an approach that prioritizes relaxat

Running is one of the most popular and accessible forms of exercise. It strengthens the heart, boosts mood, and builds endurance. But for many runners—especially women—the miles come with an unwelcome side effect: pelvic floor issues. Whether it’s bladder leaks during a sprint, pelvic heaviness after a long run, or hip and low back discomfort that won’t go away, the pelvic floor often plays a bigger role in running performance than people realize. Pelvic floor therapy isn’t j

If you’re a mountain biker, nothing derails a ride faster than sharp knee pain. You’re grinding up a steep switchback, legs burning, and...

Endometriosis is a complex and often misunderstood condition. Characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the...

Ah, back-to-school season. The smell of fresh crayons is in the air, alarm clocks are reluctantly being reset, and—somehow—your child’s...

We often talk about mental health in terms of mood, sleep, energy levels, and even digestion—but rarely do we consider its connection to...

When we think about hormones, we often think about puberty, menopause, or maybe testosterone and estrogen. But your hormones are...

Swimmer’s shoulder is a broad term that describes pain in the front or side of your shoulder, usually from overuse. It often happens to...

Hey there, Carson City! We see you out there on the pickleball courts—smashing serves, dinking like a champ, and chasing down every ball...

Back pain is one of the most common health complaints worldwide, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. While its causes are often...