In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore the transformative power of martial arts and meditative practices with guest Jeff Patterson, a martial arts expert with over 36 years of experience. Doc Jen highlights the importance of foot health and barefoot shoes, while Jeff shares his journey into martial arts and the benefits of meditation. The discussion covers how meditative practices can enhance athletic performance, manage stress, and improve overall well...
Nov 18, 2024•40 min•Ep. 383
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, discuss overcoming the fear of movement, or kinesiophobia, often experienced after injury. They emphasize the psychological barriers to recovery and offer practical strategies for gradually reintroducing movement. Topics include the importance of adaptive exercises, such as virtual reality and aquatic therapy, and the role of patient education and cognitive behavioral therapy. The speakers also...
Nov 11, 2024•21 min•Ep. 382
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, welcome Dr. John Kim, a functional medicine pharmacist. Dr. Kim shares his transformative journey from traditional pharmacology to integrative medicine following a significant health crisis. He discusses the importance of understanding root causes of chronic illnesses and the role of lifestyle changes in health management. The episode emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical, cellular, ...
Nov 04, 2024•51 min•Ep. 381
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore chronic mid-back pain. They clarify that chronic pain can be intermittent and discuss the lack of specific guidelines for mid-back pain compared to neck and low back pain. They reference a study showing that while manual therapy combined with exercises offers quicker relief, exercises alone provide long-term benefits. Emphasizing movement and strength, they share practical exercis...
Oct 28, 2024•23 min•Ep. 380
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom introduce an exciting new course on body wellness and self-assessment. They then welcome guests Jennifer Mann and Karden Rabin. Jennifer, a mind-body practitioner, shares her journey of overcoming severe chronic fatigue through trauma-informed healing, leading her to co-found Chronic Fatigue School. Karden, a nervous system medicine expert, discusses his experiences with chronic pain and the importance of the nervous system i...
Oct 21, 2024•51 min•Ep. 379
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore the benefits of ancestral supplements with guest Craig McCloskey, a certified health coach and holistic nutrition expert. Doc Jen shares her positive experiences with beef liver supplements, particularly during and after pregnancy, noting improvements in her hair and nails. Doctor Dom discusses the broader health benefits of ancestral supplements. Craig delves into the historical ...
Oct 14, 2024•48 min•Ep. 378
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom welcome Karena Dawn, co-founder of Tone It Up and a New York Times bestselling author. Karena shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood with a mentally ill mother to becoming a successful entrepreneur and mental health advocate. She discusses her struggles with depression, substance abuse, and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Karena emphasizes the power of movement, meditatio...
Oct 07, 2024•44 min•Ep. 377
In this episode, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore back pain during pregnancy. Doc Jen shares her personal pregnancy journey, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and supplements from Needed. They discuss the prevalence of back pain among pregnant women, highlighting the physiological changes and biomechanical shifts that contribute to discomfort. The hosts stress the benefits of maintaining physical activity, referencing updated guidelines that encourage exerc...
Sep 30, 2024•33 min•Ep. 376
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom are joined by Nadine Artemis, an author, beauty philosopher, aroma ecologist, and creator of Living Libations. The discussion delves into skin health, the benefits of essential oils, and the importance of sun exposure. Nadine shares her expertise on using natural oils like coconut, olive, and jojoba as "sun harmonizers" and the role of vitamin C in skincare. She emphasizes a balanced approach to sun exposure, advocating fo...
Sep 23, 2024•47 min•Ep. 375
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, co-hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore the common issue of shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, prevalent among runners and those engaged in high-impact activities. They emphasize the importance of foot health, the benefits of barefoot shoes like Vivo Barefoot, and the necessity of maintaining strong muscles in the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Key points include understanding shin splints, load managemen...
Sep 16, 2024•23 min•Ep. 374
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom welcome back Doctor Josh Axe, a functional medicine expert and bestselling author, to discuss his new book, "Think This, Not That." Doctor Axe shares his personal journey of overcoming a severe back injury through various treatments, including stem cell therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, gratitude, and holistic health practices in his recovery. The conversation highlights the po...
Sep 09, 2024•48 min•Ep. 373
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore the intricacies of the rotator cuff, focusing on its anatomy, function, and common injuries. They emphasize the importance of shoulder stability and discuss effective rehabilitation strategies. The episode highlights the significance of thoracic mobility, muscle balance, and core coordination in preventing and treating rotator cuff injuries. Practical demonstrations and exercises are provided to improve posture and...
Sep 02, 2024•23 min•Ep. 372
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, are joined by Shana Spence, a registered dietitian nutritionist. Shana discusses the pervasive influence of diet culture and the importance of a balanced approach to nutrition. She emphasizes the need to move away from restrictive diets and instead focus on nourishing the body with a variety of foods, including processed options when necessary. The conversation also highlights the signifi...
Aug 25, 2024•46 min•Ep. 371
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore cervical genic headaches, which originate from neck issues. They discuss the prevalence of headaches and emphasize the importance of identifying underlying causes. The hosts highlight the role of physical therapy, neck stability, and mobility in treatment. They also discuss the benefits of aerobic exercise, hydration, and combining therapies for enhanced relief. The episode underscores the biopsychosocial model of pain, ...
Aug 19, 2024•30 min•Ep. 370
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom welcome Rachel Shear, a certified functional medicine practitioner and founder of Rachel Scheer Nutrition. Rachel shares her compelling journey of overcoming severe gut health issues that nearly led to the removal of her entire large intestine. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of bodily systems and introduces her four pillars of gut health: nutrition, lifestyle, mindset, and community. The di...
Aug 12, 2024•52 min•Ep. 369
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, discuss MCL (medial collateral ligament) strains. They explain the anatomy and function of the MCL, common injury mechanisms, and the grading of MCL injuries. Emphasizing the importance of foot health and mobility for knee stability, they outline the rehabilitation process, highlighting the role of physical therapy in recovery. The episode underscores the significance of proper rehabilita...
Aug 05, 2024•25 min•Ep. 368
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom discuss imposter syndrome with guests Doctor Jamie La Pena and Doctor Alexandra Anderson. They explore how feelings of inadequacy affect physical therapists despite their qualifications. The conversation highlights research findings, revealing that 93% of surveyed therapists experience intense imposter syndrome. They discuss the impact of education, experience, and mental health on these feelings. Let's dive in to the importance...
Jul 29, 2024•49 min•Ep. 367
In this episode, DocJen and Dr. Dom delve into the difference between flexibility and mobility, providing insight into increasing hamstring range of motion. They dive into the role of flexibility as an addition to mobility to improve quality of life as we age, as well as the research insights on the physiological effects of different types of mobility training. Let's dive in! Free Week of the Jen Health Membership: Looking for a movement community that gives you the plan specific to your body? N...
Jul 22, 2024•29 min•Ep. 366
Could reciting your past trauma be more detrimental than beneficial? Let's discuss the current approaches in Western talk therapy and how we can begin to transform personal development more effectively, through a nervous system lens. From diving into the value of personal development and self-reflection to honing into tools to start your personal development journey, Thais identifies how you can identify subconscious limiting beliefs, find the piece of meaning that will inform your re-programmin...
Jul 15, 2024•46 min•Ep. 365
In this episode, DocJen and Dr. Dom delve into degenerative disc disease, what is happening within the body, and what the diagnosis entails. As they dive into some critical research around degenerative disc disease and back pain, they empower you with the tools and education to gain control over your back pain and spine health again! Let's dive in! LMNT Discount Code: Fuel every system within the body and the brain with LMNT ! Keep yourself hydrated on a cellular level by replenishing th...
Jul 08, 2024•25 min•Ep. 364
If the normal prescriptions for your pain (i.e. rest, mobility, strength, sleep, nutrition) aren't affecting you and your pain is still recurring, this one is for you! Missy did all the things she was recommended and advised to do for her knee pain to a tea and she lived her life with knee pain as her new normal until she was directed towards neurology. From Missy's story to defining neurology, navigating ankle sprains, diving into eye work and sense of smell, as well as playing around with neur...
Jul 01, 2024•49 min•Ep. 363
In this episode, DocJen and Dr. Dom delve into cold laser treatment and how it affects the body physiologically. They dive into the latest proposed mechanisms and the research behind their efficacy, exploring when cold laser treatment is best used and for what scenario. In doing so, they discuss how placebo interventions play a role! Let's dive in! LMNT Discount Code: Fuel every system within the body and the brain with LMNT ! Keep yourself hydrated on a cellular level by replenishing the ...
Jun 24, 2024•23 min•Ep. 362
Join Dr. Bill in this insightful episode as he dives into the world of cosmetic dentistry and oral hygiene. He discusses his passion for cosmetic dentistry and emphasizes how oral hygiene is crucial for overall health, touching upon the importance of verniers in maintaining oral health. Dr. Bill explains what constitutes good oral hygiene and addresses common dental concerns, such as whether cavities can be reversed and factors contributing to rapid tooth decay. He also delves into the topic of ...
Jun 17, 2024•42 min•Ep. 361
In this episode, DocJen and Dr. Dom delve into tight knots and what is happening within the body to cause the tension and pain. Differentiating trigger points and tight knots, they discuss the role of the nervous system and how biopsychosocial components may be related to the sensations your are experiencing. Finally, they touch base with the power of breath, touch, and posture through mobility, as tools to change your symptom experience! Let's dive in! Vital Proteins Discount: Do you love coffe...
Jun 10, 2024•29 min•Ep. 360
In this episode, Dr. Christina delves into the nuanced aspects of strength training across different stages of life from dispelling myths to navigating pregnancy and postpartum concerns. She uncovers the historical misconceptions surrounding heavy lifting for females, provides the latest recommendations and guidelines for safely resuming strength training after pregnancy, and empowers expecting mothers to embrace strength training safely and confidently. Delve into the truth about diastasis rect...
Jun 03, 2024•57 min•Ep. 359
In this episode, DocJen and Dr. Dom delve into hip arthritis, focusing on its incidence and prevalence. They discuss key findings from the Framingham study, shedding light on the rates of hip arthritis and the predictors of its poor progression. They provide proactive measures to manage the condition, emphasizing the importance of supervision in treatment, addressing the considerations surrounding hip replacement surgery, and postures to avoid to prevent further aggravation, and a summary of the...
May 27, 2024•27 min•Ep. 358
In this episode, Dr. Stephanie delves into the various factors that influenced her career path and discusses the critical ways in which nutritional and training needs evolve as we age. She explains why you might notice weight gain in your 40s despite maintaining the same routine and explores the importance of meal timings and how to maximize the benefits of exercise. Dr. Stephanie also addresses the role of intermittent fasting, the benefits of HIIT and cardio as we get older, and how to determi...
May 20, 2024•50 min•Ep. 357
Heard of Dry Needling? DocJen and Dr. Dom give you the rundown on what Dry Needling is, the effect it has on the body physiologically, and who might need it! They discuss the limitations of measurement bias in research, the benefits of dry-needling, how long it lasts, and what it means to have expectations and beliefs about dry-needling, also considering the role of supervision and emotions. Let's dive into all things dry needling and what the systematic reviews say about Dry Needling! VivoB...
May 13, 2024•25 min•Ep. 356
Devin takes a deep dive into the complexities of sleep, beginning with his personal journey towards understanding its significance. He explores the development of insomnia and its implications for individuals. Continuing, Devin sheds light on the physiological processes our bodies undergo during sleep, emphasizing its importance. He also highlights common mistakes people make regarding sleep and offers insights into addressing these errors. Transitioning to practical advice, Devin shares screen ...
May 06, 2024•45 min•Ep. 355
Have you heard of Blood Flow Restriction? DocJen and Dr. Dom dive into the researcher who developed the method of Blood Flow Restriction training, their story of innovation and the science behind its effects on the body. Diving into its clinical implications associated with sarcopenia, cardiovascular complications, muscle growth and pain perception, they provide you with the latest research insights into Blood Flow Restriction Training. LMNT Discount: Fuel every system within the body and the...
Apr 29, 2024•18 min•Ep. 354
