The Optimal Body

In this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, Doctors of Physical Therapy, interview Julie Sawayah, co-founder of Needed. They discuss the critical gaps in prenatal nutrition, highlighting common deficiencies in standard prenatal vitamins and the importance of optimal dosing and quality ingredients in prenatals. Julie explains Needed’s approach to comprehensive, research-backed supplements for women and...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen PT, DPT and Dr Dom PT, DPT, physical therapy experts, compare high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT), answering questions from their Jen Health community. They discuss the benefits and challenges of each method, especially for women in perimenopause and post-menopause, and emphasize the importance of individualizing workouts for optimal health....

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom welcome Gina Conley, founder of MamasteFit, to discuss prenatal exercise and postpartum fitness. Gina shares her personal journey, debunks common myths about exercising during pregnancy, and highlights the importance of tailored movement for pelvic health and pain relief. The conversation emphasizes listening to one’s body, gradual postpartum recovery, and the need fo...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore the benefits and considerations of using weighted vests during walking, especially for individuals in menopause. They discuss how weighted vest walking can help improve bone density, especially for women post menopause, and offer practical tips for safe use. The hosts emphasize that while weighted vests can enhance fitness routines, strength training remain...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom interview Dr. Emily Splichal, a functional podiatrist, foot health expert, and author of "Sensory Sapiens." They discuss the vital role of sensory awareness—especially through the feet—in movement, emotional well-being, and fall prevention. Dr. Splichal shares practical tips for enhancing sensory connections, highlights the impact of footwear on foot health, and encou...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, doctors of physical therapy, discuss how medical diagnoses like "degenerative disc disease" and "chondromalacia patella" can be misleading, unnecessarily alarming, and detrimental to our optimal health journey. They explain that imaging often shows abnormalities in people without pain, emphasizing the importance of focusing on pain management and functional improv...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, delve into the critical first thousand days of a child's life, from conception to two years old. They highlight the importance of prenatal and postpartum nutrition for women's health. Guest speaker Dr. Federica Amati, head nutritionist at Zoe, emphasizes the lasting impact of early nutritional choices on a child's health. Sh...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, co-hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore essential foot health topics, focusing on bunions and plantar fasciitis. They discuss the benefits of toe spacers, the importance of foot strength and stability, and how exercise can potentially reverse bunions. They emphasize understanding foot health's role in overall body function and offer practical advice for...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, doctors of physical therapy, welcome Dr. Jessica Knurick, a registered dietitian with a PhD in physical activity, nutrition, and wellness. The discussion focuses on pregnancy and postpartum nutrition, debunking common myths and providing evidence-based guidelines on nutrition for women throughout different phases. Dr. Knurick emphasizes the importance of person...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, delve into neck adjustments, commonly known as "neck cracking." They debunk myths about spinal alignment, what neck adjustments actually do, and explain that the cracking sound is due to gas bubbles releasing in the joints, not bones realigning. They highlight the temporary pain relief and endorphin release from these neck adjustment...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, delve into hormone health with guest expert Dr. Greg Brannon, an MD specializing in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Dr. Brannon discusses the critical roles of testosterone and estrogen in overall well-being, addressing the alarming decline in testosterone levels due to environmental factors like plasticizer...

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...