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 matter
• Common urinary, bowel, and sexual symptoms men experience
• How pelvic health connects to hip pain, low back pain, and mobility
• The role of stress, nervous system regulation, and lifestyle habits
• Why internal pelvic assessments can be game-changing
• Real client success stories
• How to find a men's pelvic health specialist
• Breaking the stigma around male pelvic health

Check 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 mean
• Why this happens to anybody — not just those who are postpartum or perimenopausal
• Normal vs. abnormal urination patterns
• The detective work behind pelvic health evaluations
• Hidden triggers: posture, stress, medications, and more
• The pelvic floor's role (and why Kegels aren't always the answer)
• Why tracking is your most powerful tool
• How lifestyle tweaks can reduce symptoms
• When to seek help from a pelvic health PT

Check 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 topic
• A new trend in physical therapy
• Understanding lymphedema and lipedema
• The need for comprehensive, whole-body care
• Pelvic floor as a lymphatic pump
• How pelvic and lymphatic therapy overlap
• Training and scope of care
• The role of education and advocacy
• Specialized care for complex conditions
• How NorthStar PT bridges the gap
• A message to clinicians and clients

Check 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 topic
• Starting the practice - From mobile visits across Northern Virginia → to subleasing space → to building a permanent brick-and-mortar clinic.
• Why concierge care matters
• Challenges of small business ownership
• October celebrations
• Pelvic health & breast cancer connection
• Importance of specialized therapy
• The fascia connection
• Holistic screening approach
• The NorthStar difference
• Closing gratitude

Check 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 will explore what it really takes to safely return to running, sport, or impact activities after pregnancy — and why these principles apply to anyone getting back into higher-level movement after time away.

From pelvic floor recovery to orthopedic alignment, footwear, and strength training, I will share how our Return to Sport/Return to Run screen helps identify imbalances and prepare the body for long-term success.

Whether your goal is running a marathon, joining group fitness, or just playing hopscotch with your kids without leakage, this episode gives you a roadmap to getting back to the activities you love with confidence!

Let’s talk about:

• Introduction to today’s topic
• Why pelvic floor evaluation (internal and external) plus orthopedic screening are essential before impact activity.
• The role of footwear, belly bands, and bras in supporting tissue during pregnancy and recovery.
• A 12–15 activity assessment including squats, planks, bridges, single-leg drills, lunges, and running mechanics.
• All about running: Training must reflect that to build strength and reduce injury risk.
• How parents wanting to play on trampolines or jog in emergencies benefit from impact prep
• Why analyzing gait and videoing runs at the point symptoms can reveal key imbalances
• How training endurance, trunk strength, calf function, and multidirectional movement supports long-term goals
• Why true return-to-sport rehab must include endurance, footwear checks, impact tolerance, and functional drills
• In-person and virtual consultations to bring return-to-sport care to more people
• Conclusion

Check 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 another NorthStar Physical Therapy podcast!

In this special awareness episode, I will highlight two important health observances that fall in September: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Lymphoma Awareness Month. With my unique dual specialty in pelvic health and lymphatic health, I will explore with you how these conditions overlap, what symptoms to watch for, and why it’s critical to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system.

I will also share how pelvic floor and lymphedema therapy can help cancer patients not only survive but thrive — addressing quality-of-life concerns like bladder, bowel, and sexual function, along with swelling, pain, and fatigue from treatment.

This is an empowering call to action: listen to your body, seek answers, and know that holistic, specialized care is available to support you!

Let’s discuss:

• Introduction to today’s topic
• Why awareness months matter
• Ovarian cancer and pelvic health
• Role of pelvic PT in cancer care
• The lymphatic system explained
• Lymphoma and lymphatic dysfunction
• The unique overlap
• Advocacy tips
• Conclusion

Check 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 another NorthStar Physical Therapy podcast!

In this episode, I break down the newer, more accurate terminology that's revolutionizing how we understand hormonal changes and pelvic health symptoms.

Discover why "vaginal atrophy" and "geriatric vagina" are outdated, harmful terms, and learn about Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause and Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation. I explain how estrogen affects your entire pelvic region, why you might feel like you have chronic UTIs that keep testing negative, and what you can actually do about these very common symptoms.

If you've been told your symptoms are just "normal aging," been prescribed unnecessary antibiotics for negative UTI tests, or feeling dismissed about hormonal changes, this episode will give you the knowledge and terminology to advocate for proper care.

Let’s talk about:

• Understanding the new terminology: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause vs outdated terms
• Why perimenopause symptoms can start 10 years before actual menopause
• The hormonal rollercoaster: estrogen and progesterone fluctuations explained
• Common urinary symptoms that aren't actually UTIs
• Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation and postpartum hormonal changes
• Why vaginal estrogen might be the solution you've been looking for
• The importance of internal pelvic exams with qualified providers
• Breaking the cycle of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions

Check 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 will reveal the powerful connection between lipedema, lymphedema, and pelvic health — a connection that most healthcare providers miss entirely.

Discover why your pelvic floor muscles are literally acting as a lymphatic pump and how connective tissue dysfunction ties these conditions together. Dr. North explains why hypermobility, bladder issues, sexual dysfunction, and chronic pain might all be connected to the same underlying problem.

If you've been dealing with lipedema, unexplained pelvic symptoms, or feeling like providers aren't seeing the "whole picture," this episode will give you the missing pieces to understand your body holistically.

Let's talk about:

• The 6 core functions of your pelvic floor
• Understanding the real connective tissue dysfunction behind painful nodules and medical gaslighting
• The hypermobility connection
• Why tight isn't always right
• The trampoline analogy
• Breaking down pain with penetration, orgasm difficulties, and why pelvic exams shouldn't hurt
• How hypermobility affects tearing risk and delivery outcomes
• Manual lymphatic drainage secrets
• Why I always check pelvic health when treating lipedema and lymphedema patients
• The surprising list of people who should get regular pelvic floor evaluations (spoiler: it's almost everyone)

Check 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!