Below the Belt and Beyond with Dr. North

The Lipedema Summit is a collection of speakers presenting medical research, groundbreaking procedures for treatment and management of the condition, and firsthand experience. Dr. North shares highlights from the summit in the first part of a two part summary of her notes from the event.

Dr. North explains the tiers of support for treating pelvic floor symptoms, what to expect with each level of care, and when to know whether working with a specialized pelvic floor physical therapist is right for you.

Jennifer Summer, sexologist, sex coach, and perimenopause and menopause health coach, joins Dr. Shirlea North for a sex talk. They discuss what sexology is, how it is different from sex therapy, and how it can be a powerful tool for individuals and couples.

Dr. Shirlea North and Lena Landis, Certified Nutrition Specialist and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, discuss how diet plays into each aspect of wellness and how functional medicine is a useful tool for targeting the root causes of symptoms. Lena explains her philosophy and outlines what to expect when working with her. Many physical therapy clients benefit from nutrition support by collaborating with their providers to reach their wellness goals and reduce symptoms.

Meghan Robinson, Sexologist, LPC, CST, joins Dr. Shirlea North on this episode to talk about where their two worlds collide: the pelvis. Sexual trauma, dysphoria, nervous system regulation and many other things can impact both mental and physical sexual wellness and require expert guidance to guide the healing process and help you get even more out of your physical therapy sessions. Working in tandem with providers who advocate for their clients' wellness offers support for comprehensive, individualized care and recovery. 

In this episode, Dr. North shares her clinical perspective on GLP-1/GIP's effect on health, focusing on how they affect lipedema weight management, bone health, hormonal balance, sexual function, and their inherent connection with pelvic and lymphatic health.

Summary

In this episode, Dr. North breaks down the insurance-speak many clients struggle to navigate, talks about what it means to be an out-of-network provider, and shares what she is able to offer as an out-of-network provider that insurance-based practices cannot. She helps shed light on the complicated ins and outs of coverage and billing within healthcare and encourages her listeners to be their own health and wellness advocates.

Summary

In this episode of the North Star Physical Therapy Podcast, Shirlea North discusses the intersection of pelvic health and lymphatic health, particularly focusing on lipedema. She emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to treatment, the need for proper screening and referrals, and the collaboration between different health specialists to optimize patient care. Shirlea also highlights the common symptoms associated with lipedema and pelvic health issues, advocating for a comprehensive understanding and management of these conditions.

In this episode, Shirlea North discusses dyspareunia, or pain with penetration, exploring its significance in sexual health and intimacy. She emphasizes the importance of open dialogue between providers and clients, the complexities of assessing and treating dyspareunia, and the need for a comprehensive approach to pelvic health. Shirlea highlights that experiencing pain during penetration is not normal and encourages individuals to seek help, whether through pelvic floor therapy or other medical interventions. The conversation aims to destigmatize discussions around sexual health, particularly in the context of Valentine's Day, and to empower individuals to pursue pleasurable and pain-free intimacy.

In this episode, Dr. North reflects on the past year, discussing the advancements in healthcare and personal growth. She emphasizes the importance of setting goals for the new year, focusing on refinement in both personal and professional aspects of life. Dr. North encourages listeners to take time for self-reflection and to create a balanced life that includes wellness, fun, and strong relationships.

Takeaways:

• Reflecting on the past year helps in setting future goals.
• Establishing a word of the year can guide personal growth.
• Refinement in personal and professional life is essential.
• Setting achievable and measurable goals is crucial.
• Celebrate small wins to maintain motivation.
• Balance between work and personal life is important.
• Community involvement enhances professional relationships.
• Continuous education is vital for clinicians.
• Self-reflection can lead to positive changes.
• Carving out time for self-care is necessary.