The Optimal Body

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 misconcept...

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. Kels...

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 o...

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...

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 p...

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 therap...

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 practica...

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 o...

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 ben...

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 ...

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 ...

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 conversati...

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 sens...

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 importanc...

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 tempor...

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 h...

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 adva...

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. Vi...

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 a...