Don’t Slouch on This One! Functional PT & CF

In this episode, we talk with Karen von Berg, a physical therapist at Johns Hopkins who’s spent her career helping people with cystic fibrosis navigate movement, function, and the realities of living in their bodies over time.

We go beyond what most people might expect from physical therapy, diving into posture, breathing mechanics, and our favorite, exercise as snacks (really!). We also talk about the pelvic floor (yep, you have one) and its connection to incontinence, pain, and why so many people don’t bring it up.

We get into what actually makes an exercise plan stick, why it’s so hard to know where to start, and how the all-or-nothing mindset gets in the way when energy, time, symptoms, or blood sugars don’t cooperate.

Andrea and Lauren share their own experiences: what it’s like to lose momentum, struggle with motivation, and find movement that doesn’t look anything like a traditional workout.

Also in this episode: weighted hula hoops, backstage bourbon, and Jane Fonda—naturally.

Karen von Berg received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Utica College. She has worked with children and adults with cystic fibrosis at The Johns Hopkins Hospital for over 20 years. Dr. von Berg developed the outpatient physical therapy (PT) program at Johns Hopkins CF Center, enjoys mentoring PTs from across the county to help optimize their role on the CF care team, and currently serves as Co-Facilitator of the PT Mentor Program.

She has presented at national and international conferences and has provided university lectures and continuing education courses on the role of physical therapy in CF care. She has contributed to textbooks on the topic of CF and has co-conducted research on various aspects of exercise and CF. Dr. von Berg is certified by the Academy of Communication in Healthcare and serves as a facilitator with the CF Foundation’s Partnership Enhancement Program.