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!