The Optimal Body

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 100-Day trial period. If you are not completely satisfied, you can send the shoes back and get a refund.Free Week of the Jen Health Membership:Looking for a movement community that gives you the plan specific to your body? Need accountability and a plan that is specific to your restrictions?! Come grab a free week of our Jen Health Membership! You'll have access to 12 plans that were all curated by Doc Jen, Dr of Physical Therapy. We make sure you get set up with the plan that will be best for your goals and the rest is laid out for you to follow! Come check it out today! You can even get a discount on your first month using code OPTIMAL at checkout!Gina's Resources:"Training for Two" BookMamasteFit WebsiteMamasteFit InstagramMamasteFit YoutubeMamasteFit FacebookWe think you’ll love:Get A Free Week on Jen Health!Pelvic Floor Foundations CourseJen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube ChannelFor full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/415What You Will Learn from Gina:04:28 Gina shares her first pregnancy experience, lack of resources, and how she started MamasteFit.07:24 Gina describes forming a supportive community of new moms and developing her fitness programming.09:54 Discussion of prevalent myths about exercising during pregnancy and why they are untrue.13:24 Clarifies safe exercise practices, including laying on your back, twisting, and avoiding high fall-risk activities.19:21 Advice for both sedentary and active individuals on starting or modifying exercise during pregnancy.24:47 Discussion on how symptoms can change with each pregnancy and the importance of exercise for support.26:05 Gina explains the role of myofascial slings in preventing pelvic pain and supporting the body during pregnancy.32:40 Debunking the usefulness of Kegels and outlining more effective pelvic floor and mobility exercises.40:34 Advice on prioritizing rest, gentle movement, and self-compassion in the early postpartum period.43:17 Suggestions for gentle mobility, supportive garments, and gradual return to activity after birth.47:27 Writing the Book: “Training for Two”

Jen Health Annual Membership Discount:Don’t miss out! We are having a massive discount on our Annual Membership on Jen Health! As our podcast listener, you’ll get the best discount of all using code OPTIMAL10 at checkout! If you’ve been considering getting started on one of our 12 Therapy Plans, now is the time! You’ll get over a 50% discount when you use OPTIMAL10 to start your free trial of the Annual Membership. Come move with us!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!We think you’ll love:Strong Healthy Joints ProgramJen Health Membership DiscountJen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube ChannelFor full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/414

Dr. Emily Splichal, a functional podiatrist and author, dives into the fascinating connection between feet and overall health. She discusses how sensory awareness impacts movement and emotional well-being. The conversation highlights the importance of mindful practices like toe spreading for trauma recovery and advocates for minimal footwear to enhance sensory perception. Dr. Splichal also explores how sensory experiences influence muscle function and stress management, emphasizing holistic approaches to better health and longevity.

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 Jen! Come joint us!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!We think you’ll love:Pelvic Floor FoundationsJen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube ChannelFor full show notes and resources go to https://jen.health/podcast/412What You'll Learn:2:45 Discussion on how overused diagnoses and imaging can be more harmful than helpful.3:22 Explaining that age-related changes on imaging are common and not always linked to pain.4:21 How people identify with diagnoses and the importance of not letting them define you.6:32 Research shows structural knee changes are common and not always related to pain; term “chondromalacia patella” is outdated.7:57 Studies show patellar alignment changes on MRI have minimal association with pain or function.9:53 A listener’s story about anxiety from imaging results and the pitfalls of overemphasizing degenerative disc disease.11:51 Studies show high rates of disc herniation and degeneration in people without back pain.14:48 Rotator cuff tears are common on imaging, often found in people without shoulder pain.16:04 Routine imaging for shoulder pain is discouraged unless there are specific severe symptoms.19:20 “Shoulder impingement” is often misdiagnosed; structural changes don’t always cause pain.21:01 Research shows surgery for impingement isn’t always better than physical therapy.22:49 A listener avoided surgery and recovered from a severe disc herniation with time and rehab.

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-Bird Promo this week only! As a podcast listener, you can get a special discount using code PELVICVIP at checkout. Learn more and sign up here!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 form. Used by over 4000 health professionals, Needed is available to support pregnancy, fertility, and postpartum, as well as women's and men's health in general. Check out needed if you know there's a gap in your nutrition via code ⁠⁠OPTIMAL⁠⁠ for 20% off.Dr Federica's Resources and Links:Dr Federica's InstagramDr Federica's WebsiteLearn More About ZOEZOE Science and Nutrition PodcastWe think you’ll love:Free Week of Jen Health MembershipJen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube ChannelFor full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/411What You Will Learn From Dr Fede:04:29 Dr. Amati emphasizes the importance of the first thousand days in shaping a child's future health.06:56 Dr. Amati explains the concept of "windows of opportunity" in early life nutrition and health.08:29 Discussion on the significance of nutrition in the 90 days before conception for both partners.10:42 Dr. Amati highlights the importance of nutrition in building the baby and placenta during pregnancy.12:55 Dr. Amati discusses the detrimental effects of added sugars during pregnancy on future health.14:30 Importance of iron and nutrient-dense foods in a pregnant woman's diet for optimal health outcomes.16:14 Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods during pregnancy worsens outcomes for mothers and children.19:04 Following a Mediterranean diet improves fertility and pregnancy outcomes, supported by extensive research.23:44 Good nutritional status before conception aids embryonic development and supports early pregnancy health.25:53 Cold foods and bland options can help manage pregnancy-related nausea and ensure nutrient intake.29:41 Mode of delivery affects gut microbiome exposure, impacting the baby's immune system development.32:23 Breast milk provides essential nutrients and immune support, acting as a secondary immune system for newborns.34:25 Comparison of breastfeeding education and practices in different countries, emphasizing community support.39:16 Explanation of how a baby's nutrition in early life affects their immune system and allergy risks.41:20 Recommendation for early introduction of allergens to potentially reduce allergy risks in children.42:26 Encouragement to wean babies on whole foods instead of processed baby food products.44:31 Discussion on the prevalence of ultra-processed foods in children's diets and its implications.47:31 Advice on allowing toddlers to make choices about their food to foster independence and agency.49:20 Discussion on offering healthy food options to picky eaters and their natural hunger cues.51:15 Importance of establishing a home food environment that encourages healthy eating habits in children.54:50 Building an environment that supports health, including food choices and lifestyle adjustments.

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 our Early-Bird discount ends soon! Come join us and feel the difference you can make in your pelvic health!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 form. Used by over 4000 health professionals, Needed is available to support pregnancy, fertility, and postpartum, as well as women's and men's health in general. Check out needed if you know there's a gap in your nutrition via code ⁠⁠OPTIMAL⁠⁠ for 20% off.We think you’ll love:Pelvic Floor FoundationsPlantar Fasciitis GuideJen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube ChannelFor full show notes and resources, please visit: https://jen.health/podcast/410What You Will Learn: 3:05 Discussion on foot health's complexity and its significance in daily life.6:24 Study findings on how toe spacers can help improve bunions and toe alignment.7:52 Discussion on foot structure and how traditional footwear affects foot health.9:49 Addressing the possibility of calming and potentially reversing bunions through exercises.12:14 Critique of the belief that bunions cannot be changed and encouraging proactive care.14:39 Beginning the discussion on plantar fasciitis and its underlying causes.16:46 Emphasis on the necessity of movement in the healing process for plantar fasciitis.19:10 Techniques for strengthening the foot, including heel raises and toe elevation.20:15 Importance of analyzing walking patterns and their effects on foot health.22:25 Advice on maintaining foot health and strength during pregnancy.

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 form. Used by over 4000 health professionals, Needed is available to support pregnancy, fertility, and postpartum, as well as women's and men's health in general. Check out needed if you know there's a gap in your nutrition via code ⁠⁠OPTIMAL⁠⁠ for 20% off.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 100-Day trial period. If you are not completely satisfied, you can send the shoes back and get a refund.Free Week of the Jen Health Membership:Looking for a movement community that gives you the plan specific to your body? Need accountability and a plan that is specific to your restrictions?! Come grab a free week of our Jen Health Membership! You'll have access to 12 plans that were all curated by Doc Jen, Dr of Physical Therapy. We make sure you get set up with the plan that will be best for your goals and the rest is laid out for you to follow! Come check it out today! You can even get a discount on your first month using code OPTIMAL at checkout!Dr Jessica's Resources and Links:Dr Jessica's InstagramDr Jessica on TikTokDr Jessica's SubstackDr Jessica's Facebook PageDr Jessica's BlogWe think you’ll love:Free Week of Jen HealthJen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube ChannelFor full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/409What You will Learn From Dr Knurick:07:05 Dr. Jessica discusses common myths surrounding food and nutrition during pregnancy.10:32 Dr. Jessica highlights the importance of personalized dietary advice over blanket recommendations.14:05 Current guidelines on caffeine intake during pregnancy are discussed, emphasizing moderation.15:52 Discussion on the importance of third-party tested protein powders for pregnant women to avoid unlisted additives.17:04 Exploration of the risks of consuming raw milk and cheese during pregnancy due to food borne illness.19:04 Differentiation between raw fish and other food risks, emphasizing sourcing quality for sushi safety.21:03 Explanation of the timing and process for gestational diabetes testing during pregnancy, including risk factors.25:08 Discussion on the importance of understanding gestational diabetes testing as a positive identification, not a failure.32:24 Debunking myths around food and activities claimed to induce labor, emphasizing evidence-based practices.36:56 Transitioning to postpartum nutrition, discussing formula versus breastfeeding and common misconceptions.42:10 Explaining the presence of seed oils in infant formulas and their nutritional relevance.44:07 Discussing dietary strategies to optimize breast milk supply during the postpartum period.46:59 Discussion on the pressures new moms feel to lose weight postpartum and the importance of focusing on health instead.

Delve into the truth behind neck adjustments and their misconceptions. Discover the surprising ways spinal manipulations can affect pain perception. Learn about the broader benefits of manual therapy while challenging outdated beliefs. Explore alternative techniques for neck pain relief, such as gentle mobilizations and breathing methods. The discussion also touches on a study linking manipulative care to significant improvements for tension headaches. It's an insightful examination of neck care that promotes informed decisions on treatment options!

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 promo going on until May 15th! You can get a special 25% off using code TOB25 at checkout. This code works on all shoes that are not discounted and doesn't work on the Senus Slide, Senus Yin, and  Gobi Sneaker.**Vivo offers a 100-Day trial period. If you are not completely satisfied, you can send the shoes back and get a refund.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 Membership:Looking for a movement community that gives you the plan specific to your body? Need accountability and a plan that is specific to your restrictions?! Come grab a free week of our Jen Health Membership! You'll have access to 12 plans that were all curated by Doc Jen, Dr of Physical Therapy. We make sure you get set up with the plan that will be best for your goals and the rest is laid out for you to follow! Come check it out today! You can even get a discount on your first month using code OPTIMAL at checkout!Dr Brannon's Resources and Links:Optimal Bio WebsiteDr Brannon's InstagramOptimal Bio Youtube ChannelOptimal Bio Facebook PageFree Hormone HandbookWe think you’ll love:Free Week of Jen HealthJen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube ChannelFor full episode show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/407What You'll Learn from Dr Brannon: 02:55 Dr. Brannon shares his journey and the founding of Optimal Bio, focusing on hormone health.04:54 Dr. Brannon discusses the misconceptions about women's mental health related to hormonal changes.06:10 Emphasis on testosterone's crucial role in overall health and its decline over the years.08:38 Dr. Brannon explains how testosterone affects every cell in the body and its importance for mental health.11:47 Exploration of how environmental endocrine disruptors affect hormone levels and health.15:43 Dr. Brannon identifies major environmental chemicals that disrupt hormone balance and their consequences.17:05 Discussion on the rising infertility rates among men and the shared responsibility in infertility issues.18:00 Environmental Impact on HormonesExploration of environmental factors, like phthalates, affecting hormone health and fertility.24:18 Introduction to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and its advantages over synthetic options.27:16 Recommendation for beginning hormone therapy at age 18 for optimal health benefits.30:14 High retention rate of patients seeking hormone optimization and their satisfaction with results.33:04 Dr. Greg shares his journey from skepticism to belief in the benefits of hormone therapy.34:42 Dr. Greg outlines five key factors for optimal health: sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and hormone restoration.35:42 Comparison of synthetic and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, highlighting safety and efficacy.39:44 Emphasis on the necessity of certain supplements due to nutrient depletion in modern diets.

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 sensitization and the complexities of hip issues, advocating for a holistic approach to understanding and treating pain.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 promo going on until May 15th! You can get a special 25% off using code TOB25 at checkout. This code works on all shoes that are not discounted and doesn't work on the Senus Slide, Senus Yin, and  Gobi Sneaker.**Vivo offers a 100-Day trial period. If you are not completely satisfied, you can send the shoes back and get a refund.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!Jen Health Annual Membership Discount:Don’t miss out! We are having a massive discount on our Annual Membership on Jen Health! As our podcast listener, you’ll get the best discount of all using code OPTIMAL10 at checkout! If you’ve been considering getting started on one of our 12 Therapy Plans, now is the time! You’ll get over a 50% discount when you use OPTIMAL10 to start your free trial of the Annual Membership. Come move with us!We think you’ll love:Jen Health Monthly DiscountBarefoot Mini CourseJen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube ChannelHead to this link for full show notes and resources: https://jen.health/podcast/406What You'll Learn: 3:22 Addressing misconceptions about joint alignment, particularly regarding the acromioclavicular (AC) joint.4:39 Discussing how pain is often due to sensitization rather than actual misalignment of joints.7:36 Explaining how manipulative techniques provide temporary relief through neurological responses, not realignment.9:29 Strategies for reducing pain through improved mobility and understanding core coordination.11:50 Exploring ilio psoas bursitis, its causes, and the importance of assessing mobility versus strength.13:51 Understanding the intricate movements of the hip joint and their connection to core stability.15:53 Discussion on how mobility routines can cause soreness for those who are not used to activity.17:33 Body Guarding and Pain Sensitization20:32 Overview of a foot and ankle plan included in the membership to address restrictions and plantar fasciitis.