The Optimal Body - podcast cover

The Optimal Body

Dr Jen Fraboni & Dr Dom Frabonijen.health
Join top-40 Physical Therapy Influencer, Doc Jen, and her Physical Therapy husband Dr. Dom, as they bring you the body tips and PT Pearls you need to help you understand your body, relieve your pains and restrictions, and answer your questions. Along with expert guests, the goal of The Optimal Body is to help you discover what optimal means in your own body.
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Episodes

413 | Sensory Sapiens: Optimizing Our Health through our Feet with Dr Emily Splichal

VivoBarefoot Discount: We cannot talk about back issues without talking about restrictions in feet and ankles. Improve your foot and ankle health and therefore everything up the chain by wearing ⁠ VivoBareoot shoes ⁠ to improve the mobility and strength in your toes, feet, and ankles. There’s one for every occasion, including weddings, hiking, a grocery walk and casual wear, or shoes for your active lifestyle. Use code " OPTIMAL20 " to get 20% off your ⁠ VivoBarefoot Shoes ⁠ ! **Vivo offers a 10...

Jun 16, 202548 minEp. 413

412 | The Lies That Linger: Harmful Diagnoses Medicine Won’t Let Die

Pelvic Floor Foundations Community Challenge! We just got started with a HUGE community on our Pelvic Floor Foundations course to move through it together this month! If you missed out on the Early Bird Discount, not to worry! As a podcast listener, you can use code OPTIMAL20 to still get the Early Bird price! Hundreds of people will be moving through this together over the next couple of weeks. There is even a private Instagram chat available to have your questions personally answered by Doc Je...

Jun 09, 202526 minEp. 412

411 | Nutrition from Conception to 2 Years of Newborn Babies with Dr. Fede Amati

Pelvic Floor Foundations Community Challenge: Community Challenge Time! If you are someone looking for some more connection with your pelvic floor, but don’t know where to start, we have the perfect course for you! Our Pelvic Floor Foundations Course on Jen Health offers a deep dive exploration into your pelvic floor connection. It will help you build and develop dynamic and integrated function when it comes to how your pelvic floor works within your movement patterns. The course is on Early-Bir...

Jun 02, 202559 minEp. 411

410 | Foot Q&A | Bunions, Toe Spacers, Plantar Fasciitis and More!

Pelvic Floor Foundations Discount: If you are someone looking for some more connection with your pelvic floor, but don’t know where to start, look no further! We are starting a community challenge with our Pelvic Floor Foundations Course and go on a deep dive exploration into your pelvic floor connection. It will help you build and develop dynamic and integrated function when it comes to how your pelvic floor works within your movement patterns. We will be starting all together on June 8th and o...

May 26, 202526 minEp. 410

Episode 409 | The Myths & Facts of Nutrition During Pregnancy and Postpartum with Dr. Jessica Knurick

Needed Discount: Although the journey of pregnancy is so personal and individual, Jen's number one question goes back to what she did to help her conceive and maintain the pregnancy. While there were a myriad of factors that contributed, she reliably counted on Needed supplements that supported her journey! Men need support as well via sperm support and men's multivitamins. While women are supported by egg quality supplementation, CoQ10, prenatal Omega 3, iron, and choline in tablet or powder fo...

May 19, 202550 minEp. 409

408 | Neck Adjustments: Helpful or Hurtful?

LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase! Fuel every system within the body and the brain with LMNT ! Keep yourself hydrated on a cellular level by replenishing the sodium, potassium, and magnesium that our body needs for basic cellular processes like nerve signaling, smooth muscle contractions, unnecessary fatigue, aches and pain, brain fog, and recovery! Get a free gift with every purchase and try some new flavors as you stay hydrated! ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get Your Free Gift! Free Week of the Jen Health Mem...

May 12, 202516 minEp. 408

407 | How Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Optimize Health for Men & Women with Dr. Greg Brannon

VivoBarefoot Discount: We cannot talk about back issues without talking about restrictions in feet and ankles. Improve your foot and ankle health and therefore everything up the chain by wearing ⁠ VivoBareoot shoes ⁠ to improve the mobility and strength in your toes, feet, and ankles. There’s one for every occasion, including weddings, hiking, a grocery walk and casual wear, or shoes for your active lifestyle. Use code " OPTIMAL20 " to get 20% off your ⁠ VivoBarefoot Shoes ⁠ ! There's a bonus pr...

May 04, 202548 minEp. 407

406 | Listener Q & A | Hip Flexors, SI Out of Place, Mobility & More!

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, co-hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, answer listener questions on physical therapy, body mechanics, and pain management. They debunk myths about bunions, joint alignment, and hip pain, emphasizing the importance of strength, mobility, and proper footwear. Doc Jen highlights the benefits of barefoot shoes for foot health, while Doctor Dom clarifies misconceptions about the sacroiliac joint. They also discuss pain sensitiza...

Apr 28, 202522 minEp. 406

405 | Why I Hired A Doula and What They Do With Soul Shine Birth

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore the crucial role of doulas in the birthing process with Kelsey and Aurora from Soul Shine Birth. They discuss how doulas provide emotional, physical, and educational support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. The conversation highlights the benefits of having a doula, such as improved birth outcomes and a more empowered birthing experience. Kelsey and Aurora emphasize the importance of advocacy in hospital se...

Apr 21, 202552 minEp. 405

404 | My Healing Journey Postpartum

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen shares her postpartum journey following her second childbirth, a vaginal birth, contrasting it with her first cesarean experience. Joined by Doctor Dom, they discuss the physical and emotional challenges of postpartum recovery, emphasizing the importance of support, pelvic floor health, and proper nutrition. Doc Jen highlights the use of supportive products and the significance of a strong mindset. They also address managing an older child whi...

Apr 14, 202553 minEp. 404

403 | The Real Factors That Effect Our Biological Age, Pain and Disease with Nikolina Lauc

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom engage in an enlightening conversation with Nikolina Lauc, CEO and co-founder of Glycanage. They explore the groundbreaking methods Glycanage uses to measure biological age through advanced blood biomarkers, focusing on glycans' role in inflammation and aging. Nikolina discusses the balance between genetic and environmental factors in aging, the potential for early disease prediction, and the importance of lifestyle choice...

Apr 07, 202555 minEp. 403

402 | Our Birth Story | A VBAC Success Story

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen shares her inspiring journey of having a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) for her second child, Luca. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges she faced, the importance of mindset and preparation, and the invaluable support from her midwives and partner, Dr. Dom. Dr. Jen emphasizes the significance of hydration, nutrition, and mental readiness during pregnancy and postpartum. Her story highlights the empowerment that comes from b...

Mar 31, 20251 hr 5 minEp. 402

401 | Solving Vertigo & Dizziness with Dr. Paige Day

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom welcome Dr. Paige, an expert in vestibular therapy. They explore the vestibular system's role in balance and motion detection, and discuss common dysfunctions like vertigo. Dr. Paige shares her journey into vestibular therapy, emphasizing the quick fixes achievable for conditions like BPPV. She highlights the importance of consulting a vestibular physical therapist for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The episode also covers...

Mar 24, 202542 minEp. 401

400 | Should I Get an Inversion Table?

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, focus on the use of inversion tables for back pain relief. They explore the associated risks and short-term benefits of inversion therapy, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of pain through active rehabilitation and lifestyle changes. The discussion encourages a holistic approach to health, combining practical advice with professional insights to promote long-term well-bei...

Mar 17, 202514 minEp. 400

399 | Optimizing Nutrition for Women's Health and Hormones with Lauren Papanos

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom chat with Lauren Papanos, a registered dietitian nutritionist, about nutrition and hormone health. Lauren shares her journey into the field, driven by personal experiences with hormone issues. They discuss the impact of chronic inflammation on conditions like PCOS and Hashimoto's disease, and the importance of comprehensive testing. Lauren offers practical advice on managing blood sugar levels, especially during pregnancy, and e...

Mar 10, 202540 minEp. 399

398 | Exercise for Osteoporosis

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, co-hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore osteoporosis, emphasizing its impact on women as they age. They advocate for a comprehensive approach to bone health that goes beyond calcium supplements to include exercise, nutrition, and professional guidance. Doctor Dom explains the importance of loading bones through high-intensity training to stimulate bone density. Doc Jen highlights the benefits of combining axial loading with strength training. They als...

Mar 03, 202522 minEp. 398

397 | Bunions Aren't Just Genetic | New Research with Gourgen Gevorgyan

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, delve into the importance of foot health with guest Gourgen, co-founder of My Foot Function. They discuss the benefits of barefoot shoes, emphasizing how traditional footwear can negatively impact foot function and overall movement. Gourgen shares his journey into foot health, highlighting the significance of a wide toe box and the role of toes in stabilizing the foot. The conversation un...

Feb 24, 202549 minEp. 397

396 | The Best Exercise for Longevitiy

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, co-hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, discuss the best exercises for longevity. They emphasize the importance of maintaining strength and muscle mass as we age, debunking myths about exercise restrictions for older adults. The episode highlights the benefits of strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in combating age-related declines in muscle mass and bone density. The hosts also provide practical ti...

Feb 17, 202529 minEp. 396

395 | How Nutrition Changes through a Woman's Lifespan with Dr. Federica Amati

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom delve into the critical role of nutrition in women's health with guest Doctor Frederica Amati, a leading nutritionist at Zoe. The discussion highlights how dietary choices impact fertility, pregnancy, and menopause. Doctor Amati emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fermented dairy, oily fish, and plant-based foods. The conversation also addresses the global fertility crisis, the benefits of th...

Feb 10, 202554 minEp. 395

394 | Does a Vibration Plate Help Prevent Muscle & Bone Loss?

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore the benefits and drawbacks of whole body vibration plates. They discuss claims about these devices enhancing muscle gain, weight loss, and bone health, while emphasizing the need for critical evaluation of research. The conversation highlights the importance of balance and proprioception, especially as we age, and the sensory benefits of being barefoot. They caution against potential ne...

Feb 03, 202520 minEp. 394

393 | The Myths and Facts of Red Light Therapy with Forrest Smith

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom engage with Forrest Smith, CEO and co-founder of Kineon, to explore the benefits of red light therapy for chronic pain management and overall health. Forrest shares his personal journey of discovering red light therapy after an MCL tear and chronic inflammation, emphasizing its scientific backing and practical applications. The discussion covers the importance of proper dosing, the differences between light therapy devices...

Jan 27, 202549 minEp. 393

392 | What is an adjustment or manipulation? Is it putting me back in place?

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore the phenomenon of joint adjustments, often associated with the sounds of "snap, crackle, and pop." They explain the science behind these sounds, emphasizing that they result from pressure changes and gas release in the joints, not bones being realigned. The hosts stress that while these adjustments can provide temporary relief, long-term pain management requires understanding the ...

Jan 20, 202529 minEp. 392

391 | Our Service Trip to Peru and the Pelvic & Sexual Health Disparities Across the Globe with Heather Florio

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, are joined by Heather Florio, the second-generation owner of Desert Harvest and a women's health advocate. They discuss their trip to Peru in August 2024, intended to educate women about pelvic and sexual health. Despite facing challenges like lost luggage and cultural barriers, they pivoted to educate local clinicians and had a very successful trip. The conversation highlights global dis...

Jan 13, 202551 minEp. 391

390 | Our Top 3 Recommendations to Prevent Pain & Injury in the New Year

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, share practical tips for enhancing physical health and wellness as we enter the new year. They emphasize the importance of downregulation for the nervous system, mobility training, and the benefits of barefoot living. Doc Jen highlights the role of prenatal vitamins in postpartum recovery, while Doctor Dom discusses the advantages of barefoot shoes and mobility exercises to prevent injuri...

Jan 06, 202522 minEp. 390

389 | Fixing Your Metabolism to Fix Your Health with Vince Pitstick

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom welcome Vince Pitstick, a pioneer in functional and holistic nutrition coaching. Vince shares his personal journey of overcoming early health challenges and how it shaped his holistic approach to health. He emphasizes the importance of addressing root causes and the interconnectedness of bodily systems, critiquing the fragmented nature of Western medicine. Vince advocates for a more integrated healthcare approach, offering...

Dec 30, 202454 minEp. 389

388 | Best Exercises to Prevent Running Injuries

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy , explore running injuries and prevention strategies. They highlight the importance of foot strength, especially the use of Vivo Barefoot shoes, and discuss the benefits of structured exercise programs. A key study is reviewed, showing that hip and core strength training significantly reduces running injuries compared to foot and ankle training. The episode underscores the complexity of injury p...

Dec 23, 202420 minEp. 388

387 | Pelvic Floor Therapy Post Abdominal Surgeries with Dr. Joselyn Wallace

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both physical therapists, welcome Dr. Jocelyn Wallace, a pelvic health specialist. The discussion centers on pelvic health, particularly following abdominal surgeries like myomectomy and hysterectomy, and issues related to fibroids. Dr. Wallace shares her personal journey of undergoing multiple surgeries due to fibroids, highlighting the lack of support and education in pelvic health. The episode emphasizes the importance...

Dec 16, 202439 minEp. 387

386 | Should I Use A Psoas Release Tool for my Tight Hip Flexors

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore the topic of psoas release tools and hip flexor health. They express concerns about the safety and effectiveness of hard psoas release tools, highlighting potential risks to vital organs and nerves. Instead, they advocate for a holistic approach to addressing hip flexor tightness, emphasizing proper movement patterns, breathwork, and the use of gentler tools like the Coregeous Bal...

Dec 09, 202420 minEp. 386

385 | How to Maintain a Healthy Gut, Prevent Colon Cancer and Reverse Aging with Dr. Roshini Raj

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, engage in an enlightening discussion on gut health with guest Doctor Roshini Raj, a board-certified gastroenterologist. Doctor Raj shares her journey into gastroenterology and her expertise on the gut microbiome. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced gut for overall health, offering practical advice on diet, hydration, and stress management. The episode also touches on t...

Dec 02, 202453 minEp. 385

384 | QL Causing Low Back Pain or Tightness?

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore the often-misunderstood quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle, frequently blamed for low back pain. They explain the QL's role in the body, emphasizing its interactions with other muscles and fascia. The hosts discuss the importance of proper breathing techniques, particularly diaphragmatic breathing, to alleviate QL tension. They also share self-care strategies, including using tools like a Coregeous ball and foam roller, and ...

Nov 25, 202422 minEp. 384
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