Karine’s Professional Journey:
Karine started her journey as a physiotherapist in 2005, treating patients in a wide variety of settings at the National University Hospital in Reykjavik, as well as at local hospitals in Longmont and Boulder, CO. In 2016, a course in Pelvic Health ignited her passion to specialize in this field. Since then Karine has attended numerous advanced courses on Pelvic Health and Obstetric Physical Therapy through the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) and the Academy of Pelvic Health.
In 2019 she developed a Pelvic Health program for early postpartum mothers at Boulder Community Health (BCH). This program ensures that each postpartum woman at the hospital is seen by a PT within 24 hours of giving birth. These moms receive education on early mobility, body mechanics, early Pelvic Floor muscle activation, scar massage (perineal or C-scar), diastasis recti assessment, and a stretching program, to name a few. Last year alone, over 600 women benefited from this program.
In addition, she developed a workshop “Pregnancy Fitness Essentials and Pelvic Floor Health.” The class is offered once a month at BCH.
Karine is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy.
Currently, she is completing a Certification of Achievement in Pelvic Health, as well as a Certification of Achievement in Obstetrics through the APTA and the Academy of Pelvic Health. She is also completing her Certification as a Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist.
Who Is Karine:
Karine is a woman of the world. She was born and raised in Tajikistan, a beautiful mountainous country. Her family had to flee the country in 1995 after the collapse of the USSR. She was a refugee in Sochi, Russia until 2000, at which time she moved to Finland in pursuit of a new life and more opportunities.
After obtaining a degree in Physiotherapy, Karine made Reykjavik, Iceland, her home. While working as a physiotherapist at the National University Hospital of Reykjavik she met her American husband. The newlyweds moved to Boston in 2009. Being outdoor enthusiasts, they were drawn to the mountains and have made Boulder their home since 2013.
Karine states: Being a refugee has given me unique life experiences. Through travels I learned a few important lessons: appreciation of little things, humility, patience, and most importantly the fact that all of us strive to be heard and validated. Everyone has their story to share. All we need to do is to be fully present with those around us. I do my best to incorporate these principles with my patients daily.
These days, Karine enjoys knitting, reading, camping, spending time with her husband, their two daughters and her amazing community of friends.