The Health Lab Blog

Among 342 women surveyed across USA Weightlifting, USA Powerlifting, and CrossFit affiliates, 64% reported urine leakage and 44.8% reported leaking during training itself. Researchers at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences and George Fox University published those numbers in a 2025 prevalence study of female strength athletes. Peeing while lifting weights is not a rare malfunction. It is a predictable response to pressure. You are mid-set during a heavy barbell squat, or m

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

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.

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

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

Endometriosis is a complex and often misunderstood condition. Characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, endometriosis can lead to a wide range of symptoms—chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, pain with intercourse, gastrointestinal dysfunction, urinary urgency or frequency, and fatigue. While medical management and surgery are commonly used treatments, pelvic floor therapy in Carson City for endometriosis has emerged as a powerful, non-inva

We often talk about mental health in terms of mood, sleep, energy levels, and even digestion—but rarely do we consider its connection to the pelvic floor. Yet, growing research and clinical experience suggest that stress and emotional health play a crucial role in pelvic floor function, particularly when it comes to urinary symptoms. If you’ve ever noticed that your bladder feels “off” during stressful times—more urgency, more frequency, maybe even leaking—you’re not imaginin

Back pain is one of the most common health complaints worldwide, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. While its causes are often attributed to poor posture, muscular imbalances, or spinal issues, there’s a lesser-known but crucial player that often goes unnoticed: the pelvic floor. Weak pelvic floor and back pain are closely connected, as weakness or dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles can have a profound impact on spinal stability and may be a hidden contributor

When you hear "pelvic floor physical therapy," chances are your brain jumps straight to women—postpartum recovery, pregnancy prep, and all things female anatomy. But here's the thing: men have pelvic floors too. And when something's not working right down there, it can wreak havoc on everything from your workouts to your bathroom habits to your sex life. Let’s talk about it. First, What Is the Pelvic Floor? Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective ti

Menopause can feel like a rollercoaster ride for many women, filled with unexpected twists and turns. With all the physical changes happening, it’s easy to see why pelvic pain can show up as an annoying hitchhiker you never asked for. Navigating this phase with a clear understanding of what’s happening to your body can really help you keep your spirits up and quality of life on track. As estrogen dips during menopause, a range of symptoms can crop up, including that pesky pel

Imagine This Have you ever found yourself wrestling with constipation, trying every remedy under the sun and feeling defeated? What if the key to finding relief isn’t hidden in the aisles of your local pharmacy, but rather in the very coordination of your pelvic floor muscles? Pelvic floor therapy for constipation is emerging as a powerful, yet often overlooked, solution for this common issue. This refreshing therapy not only sheds light on the muscle dysfunction that can lea

Pelvic floor therapy is overlooked, but can be a very effective tool when it comes to sexual health. This type of therapy can significantly enhance sexual function and intimacy, offering a solution to individuals suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction. This article delves into the role of pelvic floor therapy in improving sexual health. Understanding the Pelvic Floor The pelvic floor is a complex network of muscles, tissues, and joints that supports your bladder, bowel, and

You don't need to wait 6 weeks after having a baby in order to start returning to exercise, Here's why!

What exactly is the pelvic floor? The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that sit at the base of your pelvis. These muscles form a sling or hammock across the pelvic cavity, and are crucial for supporting the organs within the pelvis, including the bladder, intestines, and, for women, the uterus. The pelvic floor muscles and internal organs from a side view. Anatomy There are two different layers of muscle in your pelvic floor – the superficial and the deep layer, each compos

Coughing or sneezing causing bladder leaks? Discover the causes and how pelvic floor therapy can restore your confidence.

Uncover 5 surprising facts about your pelvic floor, its role in your health, and how to keep it strong and functional for overall well-being