Weight Loss Resistance: 8 Causes and How to Overcome Them

“Last month I went in to see my doctor for my yearly check-up appointment and weighed in at my heaviest recorded weight as an adult at 237 lbs (when in high school I possibly weighed no more than 135 lbs). For a woman who is 5’6”, that’s MORBIDLY OBESE. When I first saw the number…
Do I Need An X-ray or MRI For My Back Pain?

“I injured my back about a month ago lifting my granddaughter out of her car seat. I’ve been doing all the home treatment that my doctor recommended: ice, walking, anti-inflammatories, and rest from activities that bother me. I went to a local physical therapist where they taught me how to lift properly and protect…
What’s the Difference Between Mat and Reformer Pilates?

I got emailed a question last week and I wanted to share it with you. it’s a common question I get asked about the difference between Mat vs. Reformer Pilates?) … And most ladies are wanting to know this: “Hi Dr. Andalon! I’m hoping for a bit of guidance. I have friends who have enjoyed…
What Exercises NOT to do After Hysterectomy

Let’s answer a pressing question which a new client recently emailed in asking for the answer to: “Dr. Dawn, I am now 8 weeks post total hysterectomy and my doctor has released to begin exercising except I would like to know what exercises should I not be doing after my hysterectomy?” – Hayley, 62, Carlsbad,…
Back Pain: The ONE Thing That Makes Sciatica Worse and What to Do About It

“Dr. Dawn, I have been having horrible, miserable, and sleepless sciatica for the past 2 months now. My doctor has done little to help me and the muscle relaxers he prescribed are really weak!!! I tried a Chiropractor with no success. Aleve and a Tens unit don’t do a thing. I have been able to…
Pilates: Is it Good for People with Lower Back Pain or Sciatica?

Let’s answer a pressing question which a new client recently called in asking for the answer to: “Dr. Andalon, I recently read in a health magazine that Pilates exercises can help the pain in my lower back and eliminate the agonizing sciatica pain I feel down my leg. My sister swears by it because it…
Why Physical Therapy Can Help With Bladder Leakage

Do you suffer from an overactive bladder or bladder leakage? We describe an overactive bladder (OAB) as a more frequent than “average” urge to urinate throughout the day. People who suffer from this condition tend to wake up and visit the bathroom 3-4 times per night. Sometimes more. And, unfortunately, it can also lead to…
How Can I Strengthen My Pelvic Floor?

Do you want to learn how to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles? Pelvic floor issues are common in both men and women, but because of the effects of childbirth and labor, we do tend to see them more often in women. However, they can and do regularly occur in both sexes at any time, utterly…
What Causes Painful Sex?

Do you live in fear of painful sex? Is pain during or after sex ruining your sex life? Are you worried about what may be causing it? Any pain or discomfort you feel in the pelvic region, vagina, or labia during or after sex is known as dyspareunia. The word derives from Greek, meaning “difficulty…
Reduce Back Pain After Pregnancy

After the birth is over, and your child has been born, you have surely passed the worst discomfort that pregnancy can throw at you. Right? However, this is not always the case. Some women have more tenderness and irritation coming their way – in the form of postpartum back pain. The physical changes that cause…