Sarina Karwande PT, DPT, CAFS

Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Certification in Applied Function Science

Sarina (she/her/hers) earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona CA. After graduation, she worked in a variety of settings treating all ages and working her way to specializing in pelvic floor dysfunctions. Sarina’s passion for pelvic floor physical therapy began when she was a teenager as a patient herself. After years of experiencing pelvic pain, she became an advocate among her friends, family and now her patients to find the care they need. 

A very important component of any running program, ranging from a 5 km (3.1 miles) race to an ultra-marathon (anything more than a marathon which is 26.2 miles), is adequate recovery.

Many people neglect this portion of their training because it doesn’t involve getting sweaty or doing high intensity intervals or weights. However, building in a solid recovery routine is crucial to helping your body bounce back after training as quickly as possible. A good recovery routine also helps prevent injury, decreased immune system function, and muscle mass loss. A recovery routine encompasses a cool-down activity, nutrition, and exercises like hatha-based yoga, foam rolling, and/or stretching the major muscle groups used during your workout. Although not discussed here, getting good quality sleep is critical to recovery as well!

My Post-run Recovery Routine:

Let's Talk Pilates for Urinary Incontinence and Low Back Pain

"Physical Therapy is the first line of treatment for any type of urinary incontinence."

Incontinence, or unwanted urinary leakage, is commonly experienced by women, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. Experts often state, and research supports, it occurs in 1 in 3 women. While this may be common, it is not normal, and it is treatable! Physical therapy is the first line of treatment for any type of urinary incontinence. In fact, pelvic floor muscle training for women with stress urinary incontinence is six times more likely to result in a cure or a significant improvement.  For all other types, women are twice as likely to report significant improvement or completely resolve their urinary incontinence. As you can imagine, getting help can dramatically improve their quality of life. 

Before I was referred to Heather Jeffcoat I was living in a nightmare. I had been married to my husband for three years and I was suffering from Vaginismus. That all changed when I visited my OBGYN and she said she knew of someone with a great success rate. To be honest I was hesitant at first because my first doctor had already told me that all I needed to do was order dilators from the internet and I should overcome my problem. She was wrong because I had followed the book on how to use the dilators with absolutely no advancements in my condition. However, that all changed when I went in for my first visit and Heather took the time to explain my condition and how we were going to work together to overcome it.

I remember leaving her office with a glimmer of hope that I could live a normal life. As my sessions continued I began to see immediate results. With only four sessions and a strict dedication to my home programs I was cured of Vaginismus. In the beginning of this process I was made aware that my health insurance company might not cover the costs, which was disappointing but today I can say one hundred percent that it was the best money I ever spent. Now thanks to Heather I am finally enjoying my life to the fullest with my husband. Thank you Heather, I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate all that you have done for me. I will never forget it. Those who are suffering from these types of conditions don’t be afraid because she makes you feel so comfortable and the end result is worth it. Good luck to you all and I hope you experience the success I have.