Gestational Diabetes risk factor for Diastasis Recti

Diastasis Recti (DRA)  is normal neurophsyiological process that occurs in pregnancy. The linea alba widens as the baby grows. It’s a beautiful adaptation. For some women, their Linea Alba doesn’t return to baseline ( less than 3 cm of inter recti distance) after 12 months postpartum. There are all sorts of hypotheses as to why. […]

Diastasis – Stop log rolling!

Stop Log Rolling! Your Rectus abdominis muscles aren’t injured but they may be weak. Strengthening them will NOT make DRA worse. If you have been told not to use your rectus, let me tell you that we know better now. For instance, research has shown that activating the “deep core” and Tr Ab  muscles actually […]

Keep strength training through menopause

  WOMEN ARE STRONG! The performances of women weightlifters have improved over the last 25 yr and even more drastically in the last 5 years! Therefore previous research publications do not reflect the current physical capabilities of women. Ladies, YOU ARE STRONG and research needs to catch up with just how strong you are! Did […]

Best self management for ankle sprain

  Ankle sprains occur at the most inopportune moments! A week before he was to compete at the California State high jump track meet, my son sprained his ankle in practice.  The next 6 days were fraught with grief, anxiety, pain, grit, determination, and yet glimmers of hope. It was his senior year and he […]

Tendon(itis) – rest isn’t always best

  Tendon issues are tricky. The progress can be slow and frustrating. In athletes, the most common tendinopathies occur at the Achilles tendon, and Patella tendon, but it can occur in the hips, elbows, and shoulders as well. The self management advice has generally been toward rest and conservative care. However,  the latest evidence in […]

Can your running shoes prevent injury ?

A few weeks ago I received a phone call regarding foot mechanics and injury risk. The person had taken their son to a shoe store and was fitted for a shoe based on their foot posture. The experience at the store left them concerned about their son’s feet and potential for future injury. This is a […]

The truth about low back pain

Low back pain is the leading cause of global disability. It therefore requires more thoughtful consideration of scientific evidence in comparison to the stories we’ve been sold. Back pain is complex and no one persons back pain is the same as the other. Therefore blanket statements like, “do xyz to cure your back pain” are […]

Moving beyond Kegels – how to train jumping

When it comes to treating the pelvic floor there are 2 types of female athletes I see. 1) Those who avoid plyo day altogether because they leak and 2) Those who participate in plyo day while experiencing leaking during some or most of the exercises. Both groups grow increasingly frustrated because they want to advance […]

Diastasis Recti – How it started vs How it’s going

How it started In the last 10 years of understanding more and more about Diastasis Recti, quite a shift has happened. It started with a focus on fixing the gap. Surgery can close the gap in the abdominal wall; however, focusing solely on the gap is a narrow mindset that doesn’t provide people with options. […]

How to tell the difference between pain and injury.

Recently I had a client say that she was worried that all her studying for school was setting her up for back pain in the future. We then discussed what causes injuries and how resilient the body is. This video helps give you a break down of the difference between pain and injury with some […]