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In this episode of The Functional Medicine Radio Show, Dr. Carri’s special guest Dr. Theresa Larson talks about the warrior within, eating disorders, fitness, and feeling confident.
Theresa was born and raised in a log cabin on the outskirts of Seattle, fostering a love of the outdoors and an active lifestyle. After losing her mother to cancer at the age of 10, Theresa developed a resilient perseverance and determination that led to a collegiate scholarship and semi-professional softball career, top awards as a fitness competition contestant, and an appointment to Lieutenant in the Marines, where she led an entire platoon while deployed in Iraq. Her service was cut short when she was voluntarily evacuated due to an ongoing struggle with bulimia.
Theresa’s journey to wellness required the bravery to ask for help, to take care of herself first, and abandon the idea of “perfect”. She is now a Doctor of Physical Therapy and the founder of Movement Rx, a physical therapy and wellness company that offers support to wounded warriors and individuals with health and movement issues. Theresa hopes that through sharing her story, she will help inspire others to empower themselves, embrace their inner warrior and re-define and acknowledge their strength.
Main Questions Asked:
- How did your book Warrior come about?
- What are some things you can share that will empower the listeners?
- What is breathwork?
- What are some of the big life lessons you learned while writing your book?
- What made you start your business?
- What other advice do you have for the listeners?
Key Points Made by Theresa Larson:
- Writing a book can be difficult but also therapeutic.
- Having an eating disorder can be very isolating, you are not alone.
- Try not to hold yourself to impossible standards, therapy and meditation can help.
- Look at your life and identify the areas you need help with, be honest.
- Most people don’t value their health until they are sick.
- Take 30 to 60 minutes for yourself each day, start with 5 if it’s too hard.
- Breath slowly and deliberately through your belly/diaphragm for a few minutes each day.
- It can take time before you are comfortable being alone with your thoughts while being still, an app like Headspace can help. Start with 5 minutes and then work your way up. Focus on something physical like your shoulders.
- Life is a marathon, not a race. You control the pace of your life.
- Even if you don’t write a book, start a journal.
- 80% of adults have lower back pain at some point in their life.
- Focus on the five major movements to have a healthy mechanical body, hinge, push, pull, squat, and carry.
- Belief that you can change is very important.
- Be open and ready to accept help.
- You can build a lot of internal strength while building external strength.
Resources Mentioned:
Book – Reclaim Your Energy and Feel Normal Again
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