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 will be talking about the basics about compression garments for lymphedema and lipedema. As a Physical Therapist and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, this is something I talk about, educate, and help prescribe all the time. This is to make sure your Lymphatic system is optimized and can help reduce further issues or to prevent one from happening! 

Let’s discuss:

• Introduction to the topic
• What you need to know about getting compression garments 
• Simple considerations on getting compression garments for Lymphedema 
• Types and options as to compression garments for Lymphedema
• Other areas of our body that need compression garments 
• Compression garments for Lipedema 
• Medical Grade Compression Garments 
• Certified Lymphedema Therapists can guide you on the best compression garment to get 
• Getting Medical Grade Compression Garments are an investment 
• Summary

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 will be talking about the basics about the Pelvic Floor. By listening to this podcast, you will be able to gather some really good information and tie these to your day-to-day lives to optimize your pelvic health!

Let’s discuss:

• Introduction to the topic
• What is the Pelvic Floor and where is it
• The four main function of the Pelvic Floor
• Your breathing technique and posture in relation to the Pelvic Floor
• Prior orthopedic history within certain regions in relation to the Pelvic Floor
• How your hydration level and diet are related to the Pelvic Floor
• Common Misconceptions about the Pelvic Floor
• 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 this episode, we will be talking about Manual Lymphatic Drainage or MLD. As a Physical Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT), this is a huge part of what I do in every single treatment. So, I will be sharing what MLD is, when it can be useful for you, and how to appropriately deliver MLD to help get that lymphatic fluid moving!

Let’s discuss:

• Introduction to the topic
• When MLD can be useful for you
• How MLD helps move lymphatic fluid
• Why MLD absolutely needs to be performed by a CLT
• How MLD helps when the lymph nodes are no longer running efficiently or present
• Advocating clients with manual draining or with the help of a compression pump
• MLD videos are a great start but it doesn’t replace what a CLD can do for you
• Peeing during or after an MLD session     

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 will be talking about the differences between lymphedema and lipedema. I know that many people get confused by these two medical conditions or even think that they are one and the same. They are actually very different and I will share with you, too, how they can both be treated and managed!

Let’s discuss:

• What is lymphedema?
• What is lipedema?
• Lipedema is found 99 percent of the time in women
• Lipedema is associated with big changes in hormones
• Lipedema is not cellulite, it is not just fat
• The changes that happen in women who have lipedema
• How is lymphedema treated?
• What is crucial for lymphedema treatment
• How is lipedema treated?
• What I do for lipedema patients
• Post-procedures for lipedema are not lifetime
• The common grounds of lymphedema and lipedema  

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, PT, GCS, CLT answers the question what is lymphedema? She dives into the causes, who is involved, and treatments for this chronic and possible progressive condition that is a mystery to most healthcare providers but is extremely prevalent.

In this episode, Hank Shaw, from BioTAB HealthCare introduces what a sequential pneumatic compression pump is, how to use it, recommended frequency and duration and several other quick tips. This episode offers a brief overview of compression pumps and how a compression pump vendor is another integral member of the interdisciplinary team for those diagnosed with lymphedema or lipedema for proper self-management. 

What is an occupational therapist? What is the difference between physical and occupational therapy? That will be answered during this podcast. Many outpatient therapists network within their field and with other allied healthcare professionals to better collaborate and help their clients achieve their optimal health. Often I found myself working with my occupational therapy colleagues and they have the most creative minds! As a physical therapist, I fully support my occupational therapy colleagues, especially my guest speaker, Tara Connor, MOTR/L, CAPS. Enjoy!

This episode is not only a kick start to my launch of NorthStar Physical Therapy, but also a kick start for you to set your mind right for optimal wellness!  Joining me is Tiffany Chen, a certified NASM-CPT, 200-YT, and COTA who is passionate about holistic health and prioritizing mental health in order to obtain optimal wellbeing.  She gives amazing tips on how to make quality stillness to give you the momentum to achieve your optimal health, mind and body.  Let NorthStar Physical Therapy guide and navigate you holistically and collaboratively to your optimal health!