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!