Bringing a new baby into the world is a joyous experience, but for many women, postpartum recovery can be challenging. Pregnancy and childbirth significantly strain the body, particularly the core and pelvic floor muscles. Many mothers experience issues such as back pain, weakened abdominal muscles, and bladder control challenges. Fortunately, physical therapy at Clear Lake Physical Therapy and Rehab Specialists (CLPTRS) can play a crucial role in postpartum recovery, helping women regain strength, stability, and confidence in their bodies, no matter how much time has passed since they delivered.

During pregnancy, the core muscles, including the abdominals and pelvic floor, stretch and weaken to accommodate a growing baby. After delivery, these muscles may struggle to support the spine and bladder effectively. Let’s talk about some of the possible issues this can cause.

Bladder leakage (urinary incontinence): Many women experience leaking when they sneeze, cough, or exercise due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.

Pelvic pain or pressure: Weakness or misalignment in the pelvic area can cause discomfort or a feeling of heaviness.

Diastasis recti: This condition occurs when the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy, creating a gap in the midsection that can contribute to core instability and back pain.

Lower back and hip pain: With core weakness, the body compensates in other areas, often leading to strain and discomfort.

Targeted physical therapy can help address these issues by restoring strength and function to the core and pelvic floor, even if you delivered years ago! A skilled physical therapist at CLPTRS can assess a woman’s core and pelvic floor function and develop a personalized treatment plan. This may include:

Pelvic floor strengthening. While Kegel exercises are a common recommendation, they aren’t the only solution. A physical therapist can guide women in performing pelvic floor contractions correctly, ensuring they engage the right muscles without overcompensating with surrounding areas.

Core rehabilitation: Strengthening the deep core muscles, such as the transverse abdominis, helps stabilize the spine and reduce issues like diastasis recti. Exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing, gentle abdominal bracing, and functional movements can gradually restore strength.

Bladder Control Strategies: If bladder leakage is a concern, our therapists can teach techniques like timed voiding, pelvic floor coordination, and strengthening exercises to improve bladder control.

Safe Return to Exercise: Many women are eager to return to fitness after delivering a baby, but jumping into high-impact workouts too soon can worsen postpartum issues. A physical therapist can provide a structured, safe progression back to exercise.

Every woman’s postpartum recovery is different. If you experience ongoing pelvic discomfort, bladder leakage, back pain, or difficulty engaging your core, physical therapy can help. At CLPTRS, our experienced team is here to support your recovery, helping you regain strength and confidence in your body.

If you’re dealing with pain or an injury, you might think surgery is your only option. But what if you could avoid the operating room and still get relief? In many cases, physical therapy is just as effective; without the risks, high costs, and long recovery times that come with surgery. At Clear Lake Physical Therapy & Rehab Specialists (CLPTRS), we help people regain strength and mobility without surgery.

Surgery can be life-changing when absolutely necessary, but it’s not always the best first step. Physical therapy is often the better option for these reasons:

• It’s non-invasive. No incisions, no anesthesia, no hospital stays—just hands-on care and guided exercises.
• You recover faster. Physical therapy helps you heal naturally, often getting you back to normal life sooner than surgery would. 
• There are fewer risks. Surgery can come with complications like infections, blood clots, and long recovery times. Physical therapy avoids all of that.
• You build long-term strength. Physical therapy focuses on fixing the root cause of pain, so you don’t just heal, you get stronger and prevent future issues.

A lot of common conditions respond well to physical therapy and no surgery is needed. Let’s look at some examples of injuries and pain when physical therapy might be the best choice, allowing you to avoid an operation.

Many people suffer from joint pain and arthritis. Think you need a knee or hip replacement? Maybe not. Physical therapy can help by strengthening the muscles around your joints, improving mobility, and teaching you pain management strategies.

Chronic back or neck pain is often caused by weak muscles, poor posture, or disc issues. Surgery isn’t always the only answer. CLPTRS can ease pain with targeted exercises, hands-on therapy, and movement adjustments.

If you have shoulder pain from a rotator cuff issue, don’t rush into surgery. Many people regain full movement and strength with physical therapy alone.

Any injury from overuse might be repaired through physical therapy. Issues like tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome can often be treated with physical therapy instead of surgery. The key is reducing inflammation, strengthening the area, and fixing movement patterns.

Sometimes, surgery is the right call. Like when there’s a complete ligament tear or severe structural damage. But even in those cases, physical therapy certainly plays a crucial role in recovery. Pre-surgical therapy can help you go into surgery stronger, and post-surgical therapy ensures you heal properly.

Not sure if physical therapy is the right call for your pain? At CLPTRS we can help you figure out the best treatment plan. Whether it’s rehab, surgery, or a combination of both, we’ll guide you every step of the way. 

At Clear Lake Physical Therapy & Rehab Specialists (CLPTRS), one of the many services we provide to restore human performance is dry needling. But just what is dry needling? 

Dry needling is a cutting-edge technique designed to ease pain and improve mobility. It involves the use of thin, sterile needles inserted into trigger points or tight bands of muscle tissue. These trigger points can cause localized pain or contribute to referred pain in other areas. The goal is to release muscle tension, enhance blood flow, and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.

Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on modern Western medical principles and is performed by specially trained physical therapists.

Dry needling offers a wide range of benefits for people experiencing various musculoskeletal conditions and can help in several ways.

One of the primary benefits of dry needling is its ability to provide significant pain relief. By targeting trigger points, dry needling reduces muscle tightness and alleviates chronic pain associated with conditions like back pain, neck pain, sciatica, and more.

For individuals dealing with stiffness or limited mobility, dry needling can help relax tight muscles, making it easier to move without discomfort. This benefit is especially useful for athletes recovering from injuries or individuals managing conditions like frozen shoulder or post-surgical stiffness.

Dry needling also promotes faster recovery by increasing circulation to the treated area. Improved blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissues, accelerating the healing process.

Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders causes many headaches and migraines. Dry needling can address these trigger points, often providing immediate relief.

When paired with other physical therapy techniques, such as manual therapy or therapeutic exercises, dry needling becomes part of a holistic approach to wellness, addressing both the symptoms and root causes of discomfort.

The feedback from our patients has been overwhelmingly positive. Sometimes even astonishment, with one patient recently declaring, “Why isn’t everyone talking about this? It’s amazing!”

At CLPTRS, we are committed to staying at the forefront of rehabilitation and wellness. Currently, we have two Doctorate of Physical Therapy staff, Tessa Traynor and Nada Abouelnaga, who provide dry needling therapy. We are excited to expand our dry needling services in 2025, with Kyle Larson undertaking continuing education courses to join the team of our certified dry needling practitioners. 

Our goal is to ensure that everyone in our community has access to the best care possible. Whether you’re an athlete, a working professional, or someone managing chronic pain, dry needling may be the solution you’ve been searching for.

Schedule an appointment today and discover why so many patients are calling dry needling a game-changer for pain relief and mobility. At CLPTRS, we’re not just treating conditions; we’re restoring human performance and helping you live your best life. 

Clear Lake Physical Therapy and Rehab Specialists (CLPTRS) is excited to announce a new service dedicated to treating pelvic floor dysfunction, a common yet often overlooked issue that can greatly affect quality of life. 

Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs when the muscles in the pelvic area (your core muscles and saddle area) aren’t working correctly, leading to issues like urinary or bowel changes, pelvic pain, or difficulty with everyday activities like walking. This condition can affect both men and women, often leading to social avoidance and a diminished ability to engage in everyday activities.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is an essential tool for many, particularly postpartum women, as part of their recovery. While this therapy is gaining recognition in the United States, acceptance and awareness remain lower here compared to many European countries, where pelvic floor therapy is a standard part of postpartum care. 

Anyone can experience pelvic floor dysfunction, not just postpartum women. Men and women alike may develop symptoms because of a variety of causes, such as abdominal surgery (appendectomy or gallbladder removal), chronic back pain, or perineal trauma. This condition can manifest as issues with bladder or bowel control, making some people avoid social situations due to the anxiety of potential accidents. CLPTRS strives to be a valuable resource for anyone in this situation, helping bring back confidence.

CLPTRS encourages pregnant women, in particular, to be proactive in their recovery journey. The earlier a woman begins pelvic floor therapy, even before childbirth, the better her chances of a positive outcome in recovery. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent them from becoming long-term concerns, empowering women to return to their routines with confidence and comfort.

Physical therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction focuses on re-educating pelvic muscles, helping patients learn how to control and strengthen them to improve both comfort and function. Pelvic floor physical therapy at CLPTRS is a personalized experience tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Therapists work closely with patients to address their symptoms, whether they are related to muscle strength, coordination, or even breathing techniques. This approach ensures a comprehensive, effective therapy that meets each patient where they are, helping them progress steadily toward recovery.

Whether the cause of pelvic floor dysfunction stems from childbirth, surgery, injury, or chronic pain, CLPTRS is here to help. This treatment can make a profound difference in day-to-day life by improving muscle control, reducing discomfort, and restoring independence. With the introduction of pelvic floor therapy, Clear Lake Physical Therapy & Rehab Specialists is proud to be a local leader in providing compassionate, forward-thinking care for those in need.

If you or someone you know is struggling with pelvic floor dysfunction, contact CLPTRS today to learn more about how this therapy could help. We offer this therapy at any of our four locations.

As the school year begins and sports seasons kick off, it’s important to make sure student athletes stay safe. At Clear Lake Physical Therapy (CLPTRS), we are committed to helping young athletes in our community stay healthy and strong, so they can play their best and avoid getting hurt.

We’re excited to partner with Clayton and Prairie Farm school districts as their sports medicine providers. This partnership helps us make sure that student athletes get the care they need, right at school. By offering onsite care, easy access to physical therapy, and expert advice, we’re helping athletes play safely and reach their full potential.

Kyle Larson, DPT is at Prairie Farm High School every Monday from 3:30-4:30, and Emily Monson, PT is at Clayton High School every Wednesday from 3:15-4:30. These visits allow athletes to get quick attention for any injuries, so they can receive treatment right away.

But we know injuries can happen anytime, not just when a therapist is at school. That’s why student athletes can also make appointments at any of our CLPTRS offices if they need to be seen sooner. Our therapists can help decide if an athlete is ready to play again, if they need to see a doctor, or if they should start physical therapy.

We have offices in Amery, Clear Lake, Prairie Farm, and Turtle Lake, so we can help athletes from a large area prevent injuries and recover from injuries and surgeries.

Our therapists work as a team to make sure every athlete gets the right care and a recovery plan that fits their needs, so they can play their best for their team.

Our performance center in Clear Lake is also an important part of our care. It is a nice, sizable space for agility training and other fun exercises that help athletes get better and improve their skills.

Playing sports in school isn’t just about winning games. It’s about learning, growing, and staying healthy. Having sports medicine services in schools helps prevent injuries, teaches safe practices, and supports athletes as they develop their skills.

As the school sports seasons continue, let’s focus on safety and well-being. With the right care and support, our student athletes can enjoy the game, get better at their skills, and stay healthy.

On the sunny morning of June 29, the town of Clear Lake came alive with the vibrant energy of the FastBreak 5K, hosted by Clear Lake Physical Therapy and Rehab Specialists (CLPTRS). This annual event, which has become a staple in the community since 2012, brought together fitness enthusiasts, families, and local supporters for a day filled with fun, laughter, and a shared commitment to health.

The festivities began with the eagerly anticipated Kids Fun Run, generously sponsored by Northern Roots Family Spinal Care. The young participants, full of energy and excitement, set the tone for the day. Watching the kids sprint across the starting line, cheered on by family and friends, was a heartwarming reminder of the importance of community and healthy living.

With the Kids Fun Run wrapped up, attention shifted to the main event. Thirty-eight individuals, ranging from avid runners to casual walkers, gathered at the starting line, each participant ready to contribute to the spirit of the event. The race showcased not only the competitive spirit of the runners but also the camaraderie that defines Clear Lake.

Race Results

Congratulations to the top finishers in each category:

Male 19 & Under

1. Ian Findlay
2. Elijah Perry
3. Will Brantner

Female 19 & Under

1. Jordyn Perry
2. Jade Juedes

Male 20-44

1. William Laursen
2. Ben Traynor
3. Andrew Riess

Female 20-44

1. Alexandra Simeon
2. Josey Wood
3. Brittany Roiger

Male 45+

1. Mike Findlay
2. Mark Monson
3. Ralph LaDue

Female 45+

1. Kari Best
2. Elizabeth Riess
3. Andrea Jilek

The incredible support of our volunteers and sponsors made the success of the FastBreak 5K possible. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated volunteers: CLPTRS staff, Sam Larson, Carrie Blanchard, Bailey Blanchard, and the Clear Lake Student Athletes, whose efforts helped the event run smoothly.

A special mention goes to our Platinum Sponsors: Culligan, Grosskreutz Insurance, Specialty Coatings Systems, and T. J. Freight. Their generous contributions helped to make the event a success. CLPTRS also extends our gratitude to our Gold Sponsors: Clear Lake Clinic, CR Convenience, DC Delivery-Courier Service, Irma’s Place, Midway Bar, Nextgen Broadband (Clear Lake Telephone), Overby Financial Services, Pillar Bank, Sawmill Pizza & Brew Shed, and The Plumber. Additionally, we thank CB Styles and True Value for their support.

Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of our runners and the generous support of our sponsors, we raised over $2,200. These funds will go a long way in supporting Clear Lake student athletes!

The FastBreak 5K was more than just a race; it was a celebration of community spirit and a testament to the collective commitment to health and fitness in Clear Lake. As CLPTRS looks forward to next year’s event, we are excited to build on this success and continue fostering a strong, active, and connected community. Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and cheered us on. Here’s to many more years of fitness, fun, and community togetherness!

Clear Lake Physical Therapy and Rehab Specialists (CLPTRS) is excited to announce the 11th anniversary of the FastBreak 5K, taking place on June 29 during Clear Lake Heritage Days weekend. This community-wide event is a fantastic way to support our local athletes, as all funds raised will be donated to the Clear Lake Athletic Department.

The day kicks off at 8:00 am with a Fun Run/Walk for kids, sponsored by Northern Roots Family Spinal Care. This event is free and a perfect way for the youngest members of our community to get involved.

Immediately following the kids’ run, the FastBreak 5K will begin at Clear Lake High School. This timed event features a smooth, flat, out-and-back course that winds through town. Whether you’re an avid runner or prefer a leisurely walk, the FastBreak 5K welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels. We have participants who have trained for this run, and we have participants who leisurely walk with friends or push a stroller. We encourage all to join us!

We are always in need of volunteers to help make this event a success. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact CLPTRS at 715-263-4103.

A big thanks to our Gold Sponsors: Clear Lake Clinic, DC Delivery – Courier Service, Midway Bar, Pillar Bank, Nextgen Broadband, Irma’s Place, Sawmill Pizza and Brew Shed, Overby Financial Services, CR Convenience, and The Plumber. We would also like to thank our Platinum Sponsors: Culligan Water of Rice Lake, Grosskreutz Insurance, Specialty Coating Systems, and T.J. Freight. We couldn’t hold this event without you.

To register, please go to our Facebook page, Clear Lake Physical Therapy & Rehab Specialists, or stop at any of our office locations in Clear Lake, Turtle Lake, Amery, or Prairie Farm. You can register on race day as a walk-up, but please note that t-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and we cannot guarantee their availability.

There are many benefits of participating in a 5K:

• Get a health boost. Running or walking a 5K can improve your cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and boost your overall fitness.
• Experience community spirit. Join friends, family, and neighbors in a fun, supportive environment. Feel the camaraderie and make new connections!
• Hit a goal. Training for a 5K helps you set and achieve personal fitness goals. It’s a perfect milestone for beginners and seasoned athletes alike.
• Need some stress relief? Exercise is a fantastic way to reduce stress and boost mental well-being. Enjoy the endorphin rush and clear your mind!
• Support a cause. Many 5Ks, like the FastBreak 5K,  support local charities and community projects. Your participation can make a positive impact.

Come out, have fun, meet some new people, and support a great cause! We look forward to seeing you there.