Advertise on podcast: Below the Belt and Beyond with Dr. North

The Lipedema Summit is a collection of speakers presenting medical research, groundbreaking procedures for treatment and management of the condition, and firsthand experience. Dr. North shares highlights from the summit in the first part of a two part summary of her notes from the event.

Dr. North explains the tiers of support for treating pelvic floor symptoms, what to expect with each level of care, and when to know whether working with a specialized pelvic floor physical therapist is right for you.

Jennifer Summer, sexologist, sex coach, and perimenopause and menopause health coach, joins Dr. Shirlea North for a sex talk. They discuss what sexology is, how it is different from sex therapy, and how it can be a powerful tool for individuals and couples.

Dr. Shirlea North and Lena Landis, Certified Nutrition Specialist and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, discuss how diet plays into each aspect of wellness and how functional medicine is a useful tool for targeting the root causes of symptoms. Lena explains her philosophy and outlines what to expect when working with her. Many physical therapy clients benefit from nutrition support by collaborating with their providers to reach their wellness goals and reduce symptoms.

Meghan Robinson, Sexologist, LPC, CST, joins Dr. Shirlea North on this episode to talk about where their two worlds collide: the pelvis. Sexual trauma, dysphoria, nervous system regulation and many other things can impact both mental and physical sexual wellness and require expert guidance to guide the healing process and help you get even more out of your physical therapy sessions. Working in tandem with providers who advocate for their clients' wellness offers support for comprehensive, individualized care and recovery.

In this episode, Dr. North shares her clinical perspective on GLP-1/GIP's effect on health, focusing on how they affect lipedema weight management, bone health, hormonal balance, sexual function, and their inherent connection with pelvic and lymphatic health.

Summary In this episode, Dr. North breaks down the insurance-speak many clients struggle to navigate, talks about what it means to be an out-of-network provider, and shares what she is able to offer as an out-of-network provider that insurance-based practices cannot. She helps shed light on the complicated ins and outs of coverage and billing within healthcare and encourages her listeners to be their own health and wellness advocates.

Summary In this episode of the North Star Physical Therapy Podcast, Shirlea North discusses the intersection of pelvic health and lymphatic health, particularly focusing on lipedema. She emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to treatment, the need for proper screening and referrals, and the collaboration between different health specialists to optimize patient care. Shirlea also highlights the common symptoms associated with lipedema and pelvic health issues, advocating for a comprehensive understanding and management of these conditions.

In this episode, Shirlea North discusses dyspareunia, or pain with penetration, exploring its significance in sexual health and intimacy. She emphasizes the importance of open dialogue between providers and clients, the complexities of assessing and treating dyspareunia, and the need for a comprehensive approach to pelvic health. Shirlea highlights that experiencing pain during penetration is not normal and encourages individuals to seek help, whether through pelvic floor therapy or other medical interventions. The conversation aims to destigmatize discussions around sexual health, particularly in the context of Valentine's Day, and to empower individuals to pursue pleasurable and pain-free intimacy.

In this episode, Dr. North reflects on the past year, discussing the advancements in healthcare and personal growth. She emphasizes the importance of setting goals for the new year, focusing on refinement in both personal and professional aspects of life. Dr. North encourages listeners to take time for self-reflection and to create a balanced life that includes wellness, fun, and strong relationships. Takeaways: Reflecting on the past year helps in setting future goals.Establishing a word of the year can guide personal growth.Refinement in personal and professional life is essential.Setting achievable and measurable goals is crucial.Celebrate small wins to maintain motivation.Balance between work and personal life is important.Community involvement enhances professional relationships.Continuous education is vital for clinicians.Self-reflection can lead to positive changes.Carving out time for self-care is necessary.

In this episode of the North Star Physical Therapy podcast, Shirlea North reflects on the past year, discussing personal and professional growth, the challenges of managing stress during the holiday season, and the importance of active stress management techniques. She emphasizes the need for self-care and mindfulness, especially during busy times, and encourages listeners to take moments throughout their day to regulate their nervous system. As the year comes to a close, she invites listeners to reflect on their experiences and prepare for a healthier new year. Takeaways: Reflecting on the year can lead to personal growth. Managing stress is crucial during the holiday season. Active stress management techniques can improve well-being. Taking moments throughout the day for self-care is essential. Breathing exercises can help regulate the nervous system. Mindfulness can enhance daily experiences and reduce stress. Setting goals for the new year can foster motivation. Recognizing triggers for stress can aid in symptom management. Building resilience helps in managing future stressors. Engaging with health professionals can provide personalized strategies. Check out the website (www.northstardpt.com) for the services we perform or send me a message at Facebook or Instagram!

Hey there, welcome to the NorthStar Physical Therapy podcast! In this episode, I'm focusing on something that doesn't get talked about nearly enough: men's pelvic health. November is the perfect time to recognize that pelvic health isn't just for postpartum women or those going through menopause — it's for everyone, including men and anyone assigned male at birth. The truth is, male and female pelvic anatomy is remarkably similar, and the pelvic floor plays critical roles in urinary function, bowel function, sexual function, organ support, pelvic stability, and lymphatic health — no matter your anatomy. Yet so many men suffer in silence for years, dealing with symptoms like urinary leakage, hesitancy, incomplete emptying, bowel issues, erectile dysfunction, or pain during sex. These symptoms are often dismissed as "normal aging" or never brought up at all due to stigma or embarrassment. But here's the truth: these are treatable conditions, and pelvic health physical therapy can help. Let's get into: Why men have pelvic floors too — and why they matterCommon urinary, bowel, and sexual symptoms men experienceHow pelvic health connects to hip pain, low back pain, and mobilityThe role of stress, nervous system regulation, and lifestyle habitsWhy internal pelvic assessments can be game-changingReal client success storiesHow to find a men's pelvic health specialistBreaking the stigma around male pelvic healthCheck out the website for the services we perform or send me a message at Facebook or Instagram! If you have any questions about this episode or anything related to the services that we offer, please feel free to reach out so we can help you. If you have other topics in mind that you want me to talk about, hit me up and I’ll make sure to consider it for my next podcast! See you in 2 weeks!

Hey there, welcome to the NorthStar Physical Therapy podcast! I am your host, Dr. Shirlea North and I dive into lymphedema, lipedema, and various pelvic health dysfunctions. My goal is to provide to you a better way to understand these conditions so that you empower yourself with knowledge to advocate for yourself. Let NorthStar Physical Therapy guide and navigate you on your journey to optimal health! In this episode, I tackle one of the most common — yet often misunderstood — symptoms I see in the clinic: urinary urgency and frequency. I explain why this isn't just a postpartum issue or a normal part of aging, how multiple body systems can contribute to these symptoms, and why tracking your patterns is the most powerful tool you have for getting answers. From understanding what's actually "normal" for bladder function to uncovering hidden triggers like posture, nervous system tension, and lifestyle habits, this episode is essential listening for anyone dealing with constant bathroom trips or that "gotta go NOW" feeling. Let’s get into: What urinary urgency and frequency really meanWhy this happens to anybody — not just those who are postpartum or perimenopausalNormal vs. abnormal urination patternsThe detective work behind pelvic health evaluationsHidden triggers: posture, stress, medications, and moreThe pelvic floor's role (and why Kegels aren't always the answer)Why tracking is your most powerful toolHow lifestyle tweaks can reduce symptomsWhen to seek help from a pelvic health PTCheck out the website for the services we perform or send me a message at Facebook or Instagram! If you have any questions about this episode or anything related to the services that we offer, please feel free to reach out so we can help you. If you have other topics in mind that you want me to talk about, hit me up and I’ll make sure to consider it for my next podcast! See you in 2 weeks!

Hey there, welcome to the NorthStar Physical Therapy podcast!  I am your host, Dr. Shirlea North and I dive into lymphedema, lipedema, and various pelvic health dysfunctions. My goal is to provide to you a better way to understand these conditions so that you empower yourself with knowledge to advocate for yourself. Let NorthStar Physical Therapy guide and navigate you on your journey to optimal health! In this episode, I dive into one of the most important — and fastest-growing — trends in physical therapy: the powerful connection between pelvic health and lymphatic health. I explain why clinicians who understand both systems are becoming increasingly sought after, how this dual expertise allows for more comprehensive care, and why more patients are seeking out specialists who can see the body as an integrated whole rather than in separate parts. From understanding how the pelvic floor acts as a lymphatic pump to the importance of ongoing professional education and multi-system assessment, this episode is a must-listen for both patients and providers who want to understand the “why” behind this emerging, whole-body approach to care. Let’s get into: Introduction to today’s topicA new trend in physical therapyUnderstanding lymphedema and lipedemaThe need for comprehensive, whole-body carePelvic floor as a lymphatic pumpHow pelvic and lymphatic therapy overlapTraining and scope of careThe role of education and advocacySpecialized care for complex conditionsHow NorthStar PT bridges the gapA message to clinicians and clientsCheck out the website for the services we perform or send me a message at Facebook or Instagram!  If you have any questions about this episode or anything related to the services that we offer, please feel free to reach out so we can help you.  If you have other topics in mind that you want me to talk about, hit me up and I’ll make sure to consider it for my next podcast!  See you in 2 weeks!

Hey there, welcome to the NorthStar Physical Therapy podcast!  I am your host, Dr. Shirlea North and I dive into lymphedema, lipedema, and various pelvic health dysfunctions. My goal is to provide to you a better way to understand these conditions so that you empower yourself with knowledge to advocate for yourself. Let NorthStar Physical Therapy guide and navigate you on your journey to optimal health! In this special anniversary episode, I reflect on three years of NorthStar Physical Therapy — from humble beginnings as a mobile practice to now being a thriving brick-and-mortar clinic serving Northern Virginia and beyond. I also open up about the challenges of being a small business owner in healthcare, our  journey toward building a concierge-style practice, and why our mission to provide expert, compassionate, and holistic pelvic and lymphatic care continues to guide everything we do.  Further, I highlight October as both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Physical Therapy Awareness Month, sharing how these observances connect directly to our specialties in pelvic and lymphatic health at NorthStar Physical Therapy, and why holistic, one-on-one care matters for survivors and all clients alike. Let’s dive into: Introduction to today’s topicStarting the practice - From mobile visits across Northern Virginia → to subleasing space → to building a permanent brick-and-mortar clinic.Why concierge care mattersChallenges of small business ownershipOctober celebrationsPelvic health & breast cancer connectionImportance of specialized therapyThe fascia connectionHolistic screening approachThe NorthStar differenceClosing gratitudeCheck out the website for the services we perform or send me a message at Facebook or Instagram!  If you have any questions about this episode or anything related to the services that we offer, please feel free to reach out so we can help you.  If you have other topics in mind that you want me to talk about, hit me up and I’ll make sure to consider it for my next podcast!  See you in 2 weeks!