Karine Gulyamova shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Karine, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I enjoy knitting, sitting in an uncluttered, cozy space at the end of my busy day, surrounded by tea candles everywhere, a very traditional Scandinavian way of living:).
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I believe that our personal journeys shape who we become. I consider myself a Citizen of the World. I was born and raised in Tajikistan, a breathtakingly beautiful mountainous country in Central Asia. In 1995, following the collapse of the USSR, my family was forced to leave our homeland. I spent several years as a refugee in Sochi, Russia, before starting a new chapter in Helsinki, Finland in 2000, guided by hope, resilience, and a desire for new opportunities.
My path then led me to Reykjavik, Iceland, where I worked as a physiotherapist at the National University Hospital. While in Iceland, I met my American husband, and together we began a new adventure, first in Boston in 2009, and then in the scenic mountain town of Boulder, Colorado, where we have been happily rooted since 2013.
In 2016, a course in Pelvic Health inspired me to specialize in this field. Since then, I have completed numerous advanced courses in Pelvic Health and Obstetric Physical Therapy through the APTA and the Academy of Pelvic Health, and other professional organizations.
In 2019, with the support of my colleagues I spearheaded a Pelvic Health program for early postpartum mommas at Boulder Community Health in Boulder, CO, helping over 600 women each year with mobility, pelvic floor activation, scar care, diastasis recti assessment, stretching, etc. We also created a monthly workshop, Pregnancy Fitness Essentials and Pelvic Floor Health, tailored toward pregnant women.
Pelvic Health is evolving daily. My goal is to make sure every person has access to Pelvic Floor PT. My approach is holistic, meaning that I take into account every patient’s bio-psycho-social well-being. I will never stop learning to serve my patients.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Being a refugee, starting over in a new country and culture helped me learnt a few important life lessons. Through travels and while learning and adapting to a new culture in a new country I learned a few important lessons: appreciation of little things, humility, patience, and most importantly the fact that all humans strive to be happy, heard and validated. Everyone has their story to share. We all need to practice kindness as our “religion”, and be present with one another without judgement. I do my best to incorporate these principles with my patients daily.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Losing my home and fleeing my motherland was one of the most heartbreaking experiences of my life. The hardest part was knowing I might never return. I was leaving behind the country I loved and saying goodbye to friends I had grown up with—many of whom were also fleeing elsewhere. Starting over was incredibly difficult.
Over time, I realized that memories have the power to heal. Reconnecting with many of my old friends (thank you, world wide web!) and reminiscing about our shared past reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Knowing others had walked this same path brought comfort and helped me see the quiet strength and collective resilience that exist in the world.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I grew up in a collective society, where everyone looked out for one another. I vividly remember having “three moms” who guided, disciplined, and encouraged me to do better. Looking back, I see how deeply that culture shaped me—it made me a community builder. I don’t believe anyone should have to navigate life alone. Though I now live in the U.S., I still value and nurture the close-knit community I’ve built over the years. In a culture that often prizes individuality, I believe fostering connection and support truly matters.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
Not doing what I do now – helping my Pelvic Floor patients get better.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pelvicarept.com
- Instagram: pelvicare_pt
- Facebook: PelviCare Physical Therapy
Image Credits
Lena Bennett, Boulder, CO
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