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Discover why "vaginal atrophy" and "geriatric vagina" are outdated, harmful terms, and learn about Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause and Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation.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• Understanding the new terminology: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause vs outdated terms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!