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!