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 eye-opening episode, I tackle one of the most misunderstood diagnoses in men’s health: prostatitis. While pelvic pain in men is often automatically labeled as prostatitis and treated with antibiotics, I will explain why this may be misdiagnosed, and how pelvic floor dysfunction, nerve tension, lymphatic congestion, or even constipation might be the real root cause.

With compassion and clarity, let me walk you through how to properly evaluate and address male pelvic pain, why antibiotics aren't always the answer, and why pelvic floor physical therapy should be first-line care in these situations.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Introduction to today’s topic
• What is prostatitis, really?
• Why pelvic pain without infection should NOT be treated with antibiotics
• Differentiating prostatitis from constipation, pelvic floor tension, and nerve entrapment
• How pelvic floor PT helps
• Erectile dysfunction, bladder hesitancy, and pain with sex
• Encouraging men to speak up, ask questions, and seek out a pelvic floor physical therapist
• Lymphatic involvement in male pelvic pain
• 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 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 honor of Men’s Health Month and Father’s Day, let me shed some light on a topic that’s often overlooked: pelvic health for men. In this open and informative conversation, I break down what the male pelvic floor does, why it's important, and how issues like urinary urgency, constipation, erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, and more can be treated — not just tolerated.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone with male anatomy or those supporting someone who does. Whether you're navigating prostate concerns, recovering from surgery, or dealing with unexplained pain or function issues, I will help you understand how pelvic floor therapy can make a life-changing difference!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Introduction to today’s topic
• Men have pelvic floors too - Bladder, bowel, and sexual function are just as important in male anatomy.
• Common symptoms that need attention
• Tension vs. weakness
• Prostatitis and misdiagnosis
• Respectful, clear care for male clients
• The role of hip mobility and global body mechanics
• Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular health
• Normalizing pelvic health conversations

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 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 heartfelt episode of North Star Physical Therapy Podcast, I take a meaningful pause from my usual medical-focused content to celebrate Pride Month and discuss the importance of inclusive healthcare. Everybody has a pelvis and everybody has a lymphatic system - all deserve optimal care regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

This episode highlights my passion for celebrating diversity while maintaining expertise in pelvic and lymphatic health. Tune in as I share real client stories and emphasize that respect and understanding are fundamental to healthcare!

In this episode, you'll also learn:

• Why Pride Month matters in healthcare settings
• The importance of inclusive language in medical practice
• Pre- and post-surgical pelvic floor therapy for gender-affirming procedures
• How to address sexual function concerns regardless of anatomy or orientation
• The complexity and beauty of working with diverse client histories
• Why trauma-informed care includes asking about pronouns and preferred terminology
• How lifestyle factors affect pelvic health across all populations
• Dr. North's personal journey of learning from the LGBTQ+ community

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!

In this episode, Dr. Shirlea North discusses the important — and often overlooked — pelvic and lymphatic health considerations during the transition from menstruation through perimenopause to menopause.

Dr. North dives into how hormonal changes, tissue health, lymphatic flow, and lifestyle factors all impact pelvic floor function and whole-body well-being during this transformative stage of life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complex (and often confusing) journey of perimenopause and beyond.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Introduction to today’s topic
• What is perimenopause and when does it start?
• Genetics, lifestyle, and hormone changes
• Pelvic floor tissue changes during perimenopause
• The importance of lymphatic health
• Manual lymphatic drainage and compression strategies
• Pelvic floor therapy during perimenopause
• Active stress management techniques
• Holistic view: Whole body, whole life
• Being your own health advocate

Welcome to the NorthStar Physical Therapy Podcast — your go-to resource for understanding lymphedema, lipedema, pelvic health dysfunctions, and empowering you to take control of your health and advocate for yourself.

In this episode, Dr. Shirlea North, pelvic floor and lymphatic health specialist, shares her expertise on the vital role pelvic floor and lymphatic therapy plays throughout the peripartum journey — from fertility to postpartum recovery.

Whether you’re trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or navigating postpartum life, this episode explores how a whole-body approach to therapy can help manage symptoms, support healing, and empower you to take control of your health in ways not typically covered by standard care.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The importance of pelvic floor therapy before conception, during pregnancy, and postpartum.
• How lymphatic care supports healing and circulation during pregnancy.
• What to check for before trying to conceive, including scar tissue, soft tissue flexibility, and movement.
• Strategies to optimize labor and reduce injury through movement, mechanics, and breath.
• How early intervention can address pelvic congestion and venous insufficiency.
• Why postpartum recovery takes time, and how pelvic PT can guide functional movement and tissue healing.
• The benefits of virtual postpartum visits for early support, even before the six-week check-up.
• Why the postpartum journey is about more than pelvic floor exercises, including breastfeeding and lymphatic drainage.

Tune in to learn how pelvic floor and lymphatic care should be part of your peripartum health strategy and how to take charge of your wellness from fertility to beyond birth.

Welcome to the NorthStar Physical Therapy Podcast — your go-to resource for understanding lymphedema, lipedema, pelvic health dysfunctions, and empowering you to take control of your health and advocate for yourself.

In this episode, Dr. Shirlea North, PT, DPT, revisits the debate surrounding Kegels — a common but often misunderstood recommendation for pelvic floor health. Are Kegels really the answer for everyone? Dr. North explores when Kegels are beneficial, when they may cause harm, and alternative approaches to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor.

If you’ve been told to do Kegels or you’re struggling with issues like urinary leakage, pelvic pain, or core instability, this episode will guide you through a more personalized approach to pelvic health.

In this episode, you’ll also learn:

• What Kegels are and how they became a go-to solution
• The difference between a tight (hypertonic) and weak (hypotonic) pelvic floor
• Who should benefit from Kegels, and who should avoid them
• Alternatives to Kegels for pelvic health and functional strength
• The role of Kegels in postpartum recovery and prostatectomy rehabilitation
• The truth about machines that promise Kegel exercises without effort
• When to seek professional help from a pelvic floor therapist

Tune in to understand when Kegels are helpful and when they’re not, and learn the best strategies for your unique pelvic health needs.

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 be sharing with you my guesting in the podcast “Empowered with Ash.” Together, we dive into why the pelvic and lymphatic systems are so interconnected and how addressing pelvic floor function can improve overall health, reduce pain, and even enhance fertility.

I also share my holistic approach to treating patients, breaking down common myths about pelvic health, the importance of lymphatic drainage, and how proper care can help with postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and beyond.

This episode is packed with valuable insights, humor, and actionable advice to help you advocate for your health. Make sure to listen to this episode and share with someone you know will love to hear about what we have to say!

Let’s discuss:

• Introduction to today’s topic
• What is pelvic health and why does it matter?
• The keystone of the body
• Common misconceptions about pelvic floor issues
• How pelvic floor therapy helps at every stage of life
• The surprising connection between the pelvic floor and the lymphatic system
• Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and why it’s trending
• The truth about Kegels
• Sexual health & pelvic therapy
• How to be your own health advocate
• Virtual consultations available with Dr. North

Ashleigh is an online health and fitness coach who helps busy women repair their metabolism, lose fat, and build confidence through sustainable habits. She focuses on two main groups: women who’ve neglected themselves and want to become a priority again, and women who are working hard but not seeing results. Using a holistic health approach, she helps clients integrate workouts, nutrition, and mindset shifts in a way that fits their lifestyle. Her method emphasizes long-term sustainability and well-being, covering areas like movement, sleep, and mental health. She also shares strategies, education, and mindset tips through her podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-empowered-with-ash-podcast/id1705070175

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, we explore the powerful connection between lymphatic health and pelvic floor function. As a specialist in both areas, I explain how lymphatic congestion can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction, bloating, urinary issues, and even pain with intercourse.

I also discuss how pelvic floor muscles act as a natural "sump pump" to move lymphatic fluid and why a holistic approach is crucial for treating both conditions effectively.

Hope that you find this episode helpful!

Let’s discuss:

• Introduction to today’s topic - Exploring how lymphatic health and pelvic floor function are closely linked
• Anatomy Basics: The lymphatic system and pelvic floor muscles
• The pelvic floor as a "sump pump"
• Common causes of lymphatic congestion
• Symptoms of pelvic lymphatic congestion
• Manual lymphatic drainage techniques
• Collaboration between pelvic health and lymphatic specialists
• Kegels: Helpful or harmful?
• Genital lymphedema and post-surgical swelling
• 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!