

The Optimal Body
Dr Jen Fraboni & Dr Dom Fraboni
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 12, 2021 • 36min
101 | Making Fitness Accessible & Fun At Any Stage of Life with Simone De La Rue
Hate traditional forms of cardio but love dancing? Feeling unmotivated during quarantine? Dwelling under the social media pressures to “bounce back” post-pregnancy? Simone De La Rue, founder of Body By Simone and trainer on Khloe Kardashian’s show Revenge Body, breaks it all down in this episode. Through her personal dance career, Simone De La Rue found a career shift, from ego-driven to service-driven, in purpose. Simone guides you through the power of dance as a form of “therapy, creative outlet, and form of expression,” as a means of physically manifesting the internal beauty and strength we hold within us. She explores the physical aspects of dance as a fun and engaging way to boost cardiovascular health, and expanded into the mind-body connection dance encourages, especially through the mirrors that surround a studio room. Through this perspective. Simone reveals her top recommendations on how to start dance at home and how to stay motivated. By honing the importance of small and easily achievable habits, as well as, taking the pressures away from commitment, she emphasizes everyone to just move and have fun! Moreover, she reveals her takeaways from Revenge Body, prioritizing the deeper root causes and the inner work before being able to see true changes on the outside. Finally, she dives into her newfound respect, empathy, and compassion for pregnant women and postpartum women after having her son. She talks about the power of realism on social media and holding space for the journey during and after pregnancy. It is more about the feeling and not the appearance. Touch base and feel invigorated with Simone as she leads you through her learnings and advice.
Vivobarefoot Shoe Discount:
We also mention VivoBarefoot throughout the episode. As summer approaches, explore nature on a hike with the new breathable, natural, Wild Hide leather, and water-resistant hiking boots collaborated with the Michelin © Esc Sole. Experience real grip and free feet with the Tracker Forest Esc. Use code “TOB” for a 15% discount at checkout.
What You Will Learn In This Interview with Simone De La Rue:
4:03 – What drives Simone’s passion?
5:50 – Dance for the physical & mental.
7:57 – Making dance more than just the body.
10:33 – Simone’s top tips for starting dance at home.
11:49 – Simone’s tips to staying motivated.
14:32 – How to make fitness fun.
17:30 – Shifting from coaching aesthetics to lifestyle.
19:57 – First steps to addressing the inner work.
22:41 – Approaching changes in the body from a fitness standpoint.
25:43 – Pregnancy Portrayal on Social Media.
30:54 – What motivated Simone post-pregnancy.
34:20 – Learn more with Simone.
About Simone De La Rue:
After a successful dance career performing on Broadway, London’s West End, and her native Australia, Simone transitioned to the fitness industry becoming a certified NASM CPT, Pre/PostNatal specialist, and Certified Life Coach. Simone's clients include Oscar® and Grammy® winners, supermodels, and moms. She is the Creator of Body By Simone, which Forbes named 'Hollywood’s hottest workout Empire,’ and is recognizable from her work as a featured Trainer on E! Network’s Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian. Simone’s Fitness Empire includes studios in both LA and NY, cobranded apparel, equipment, DVDs, and the award-winning Body By Simone App.
Items mentioned in this episode include:
Simone’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonedelarue.official/
Body By Simone App & Website: https://www.bodybysimone.com/
Simone's Blog: https://www.simonedelarue.com/blog
To learn more about Simone and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/101
Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 10, 2021 • 37min
100 | Answering YOUR Questions + Bonus Giveaway!!
“Pain is our protector…the goal is not to feel pain. It is how we are going to move through life with pain signals,” says DocJen. DocJen & Dr. Dom take a deep dive into 3 of your questions! Firstly, through the biopsychosocial lens, DocJen & Dr. Dom address chronic pain and how it relates to fear-of-missing-out (FOMO), selective attention, and our sense of purpose or self-worth. They talk into the importance of mindset, breathwork, and compassion, approaching chronic pain through a why-centered and purpose-driven lens to move forward and manage its effects on life. Secondly, they distinguish between soreness (or DOMs), injury, and pain. They hone in on the importance of recovery as a prime contributor to progression, how these different sensations may present, and what to do about them. Thirdly, they speak into whether or not individuals with chronic pain will ever be pain-free, highlighting the concept of neural tagging, “neural disrupting,” and how pain signals serve in protecting us. Finally, DocJen & Dr. Dom highlight their top 3 favorite guests in the last 100 episodes. Tune into our episode special, now!
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 currated 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!
What You Will Learn in this PT Pearl:
3:12 – Approaching chronic pain, self-worth, and quality of life.
6:48 – Shifting your mindset.
10:17 – Approaching post-exercise soreness.
13:21 – The power of recovery.
15:20 – Soreness vs Pain.
16:51 – Will I ever be pain-free?
20:01 – Developing “neural disrupt.”
23:44 – Pearls of Dr. Kelly Starrett on Episode 3.
19:12 – Pearls of Julia Glanz on Episode 29.
30:00 – Pearls of Molly Parker on Episode 7.
34:03 – Pearls of DocJen & Dr. Dom’s Story on Episode 2.
36:27 – Giveaway.
To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://youtube.com/watch/
Items mentioned in this episode:
FREE Week of the Jen Health Membership
We think you’ll love:
FREE Low Back Pain Course!
Jen’s Instagram
Dom’s Instagram
YouTube Channel
Find the full show notes and resources here: https://jen.health/podcast/100
Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 5, 2021 • 42min
99 | Exercise & Therapy for Pregnancy & Post-Partum with Physical Therapist, Lashonda Jones
Curious about pelvic floor health? Need some pregnancy or postpartum core guidance? Heard Kegels are your one-stop solution? Lashonda covers it all from rehabilitating that core for pregnancy to diastasis recti to incontinence. To kick off the episode, Lashonda discusses how and why she came to specialize in the field of pregnancy and postpartum as a physical therapist. As a mother of two, Lashonda talks about how she bounced back from her core and pelvic floor issues post-pregnancy. Moreover, she discusses her top tips on healing from diastasis recti and connecting with the pelvic floor, and her thoughts on Kegels and what they mean. She describes the importance of using yoga blocks or a stability ball, your hands, and different types of visual cues to help educate you and enhance your mind-body connection. Through these techniques, she walks you through her favorite way to reconnect with her pelvic floor and her favorite breath pattern that works in conjunction with any mind-body connection activity. Finally, she addresses how you can explore balance in the pelvic floor, distinguish between pelvic floor tightness and weakness, and how you know if you are working your core enough. Through all her recommendations, she highlights the importance of education as the number one tool to empowerment and foundation of all her programs, emphasizing the importance of truly finding your individualized solution for your body. Listen in for the best of Lashonda’s tips!
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 currated 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!
What You Will Learn In This Interview with Lashonda Jones
3:33 – Lashonda’s passion.
8:35 – How did Lashonda bounce back after pregnancy?
11:28 – First steps to healing Diasthesis.
13:57 – Kegels.
14:20 – How to build Pelvic Floor Awareness.
17:24 – Exercises to try right now.
20:11 – The best breath pattern.
22:21 – How long and how often? Not 24/7.
25:22 – Distinguishing tightness, weakness, and more awareness.
29:45 – Beginning step to addressing diastasis rectus.
33:15 – How do you know if you’re working the core enough?
36:53 – Fear that comes with new experiences.
39:06 – Learning more with Lashonda.
About LaShonda Jones:
Lashonda Jones is a licensed physical therapist, certified personal trainer, pre/postnatal corrective exercise specialist & owner of Core Elevation Fitness & Wellness. She has 15 years of experience in outpatient & inpatient orthopedics with a more recent transition into women's health once she became a mom of 2.
After working hard to heal her own Diastasis & seeing the lack of education moms were given about their postpartum healing she developed an online program that allows women to work 1 on 1 with her online to receive the individualized education & exercises.
Items mentioned in this episode include:
Lashonda’s Website: http://coreelevationfitness.com/
Lashnda’s free 5-day challenge: https://core-elevation-fitness-wellness.ck.page/free5daychallenge
Lashonda’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptrainershonda/
To learn more about Lashonda and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/99
Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 3, 2021 • 23min
98 | Strength, Mobility, or Corrective Exercises? What Should You Do Daily?
What is the Optimal Body really about? This PT Pearl breaks down all the components of the Jen Health Membership. Dr. Jen & Dr. Dom talk about how the 30-day challenges can be used as a guide to kickstart your personalized journey and help you navigate what true health looks like for you. Furthermore, they dive into using Jen Health as a toolbox to develop true awareness of your body, and how you can begin to adapt and incorporate what your body really needs. As the Optimal Body library grows the longer you’re in it, the program provides you with the ability to persist with the basics or progressively overload when you’re ready. Dr. Jen & Dr. Dom hone in on the importance of foundation and consistency, through true focus and awareness in the most basic exercises, to challenge the body and the nervous system in a different way. Tune into a breakdown of the Optimal Body Mobility Flows, Muscle Activation, Core, and HIIT, and how you can begin to approach and implement these tools in your day. Finally, Dr. Jen wraps up the episode by explaining how she personally implements the aspects of the Optimal Body in her day. Yet, this journey is about you, your needs, your experiences, and your health. Explore, gain awareness, try, and start now!
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 currated 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!
What You Will Learn in this PT Pearl:
2:00 – The Optimal Body Membership library.
3:34 – How The Optimal Body can empower you!
5:10 – Guide of the 30-day challenge.
5:50 – Mobility is more about consistency.
8:37 – Willingness to Explore.
12:40 – Core.
17:00 – Going back to the Basics.
17:43 – HIIT.
19:12 – How Jen implements it all.
To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://youtube.com/watch/
Items mentioned in this episode include:
Jen Health Membership: https://jen.health/freetrial
For research and full show notes, visit the full website at https://jen.health/podcast/98
Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apr 28, 2021 • 57min
97 | The Importance of Telemedicine with Physician Dr Shani Muhammad
Finding it difficult to address your medical issues and navigate the traditional health care system? Feel rushed or like there is never enough time? Perhaps it is the fact that you don’t feel heard? You are not alone. Dr. Shani takes you through her brief, yet insightful story on what inspired her to be a physician, why she switched into telemedicine, and how the Steady MD platform allows her to practice in a fulfilling and truly helpful manner. Dr. Shani takes on the patient’s perspective, discussing the importance of being listened to. As she addresses the common faults within the traditional health care system, she provides you with some simple tools to make the most of your appointments and the system. On the flip side, she acknowledges the difficulties doctors face within the system. Through this dual perspective, she discusses how Steady MD has facilitated her ability to approach patients with her lifestyle change method. She hones in on her ability to validate her patients and their concerns, fully connect, and build a committed relationship. Finally, as she dives into her work with weight loss, perimenopause, and menopause, she accentuates the importance of providing doctors space to not know, and for doctors to acknowledge their line of expertise. As she considers the interplay between the doctor-patient relationship, tune in to find out how Steady MD may be your way to effectively addressing your health.
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 currated 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!
What You Will Learn In This Interview with Dr. Shani Muhammad:
2:25 – What inspired Dr. Shani to be a physician?
5:00 – The importance of being listened to.
9:46 – Navigating time constraints inpatient care.
21:15 – The switch from a traditional to a virtual system.
26:35 – Dr Shani’s Lifestyle change approach.
37:20 – Pairing & Matching at SteadyMD.
40:47 – Perimenopause & Menopause.
50:34 – Approaching help when things feel unknown.
52:58 – Finding out more with Dr Shani.
About Dr. Shani Muhammad:
Dr. Shani Muhammad, MD is board certified in family medicine and has been practicing for over ten years. Dr. Muhammad trained at a large county hospital system in Cleveland, Ohio, and treated a wide variety of medical conditions with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication therapy.
Dr. Muhammad has a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate, loves hiking, using her treadmill, and riding her Peloton bike at home. She has lost over 60 pounds through lifestyle changes.
Dr. Muhammad believes that health is a spectrum of wellness to illness and we can move the needle towards wellness with lifestyle changes that are sustainable.
Items mentioned in this episode include:
Steady MD: http://www.steadymd.com/docjenfit
Dr. Shani’s Steady MD Profile: https://www.steadymd.com/doctor-shani-muhammad/
Dr. Shani’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaniife/?hl=en
To learn more about Dr. Shani and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/97
Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apr 26, 2021 • 20min
96 | Knee Osteoarthritis? Reduce Pain & Improve Function
Feeling pain in your knees? Worried about getting knee osteoarthritis? When we think of knees, bones, and aging, osteoarthritis seems to be what we fear most. But, it does not have to be that way. Dr. Jen & Dr. Dom address the fears associated with the diagnosis and the physiology of what is happening in the body. It is important to recognize that your scan does not necessarily correlate with the symptoms you are experiencing. Dr. Jen & Dr. Dom hone in on the importance of exercise and systemic strength, through research, to create different tendencies around the knee, prevent prolonged symptoms or symptoms from arising, and for the knees to feel something different. Let’s dig into how you can begin to address your perspectives around knee osteoarthritis, pain, and fears around movement with pain.
15% OFF Vivo Barefoot Shoes!
We also mention Vivo Barefoot. Your feet thrive doing everything from walking and running to jumping and dancing. Our feet are our foundation connecting us to the earth. They should not be compromised. Let’s build that natural strength back in those feet. It is never too late to start. To get your next wide and highly flexible footwear to free your feet, use code ‘TOB’ at checkout.
What You Will Learn in this PT Pearl:
3:35 – Introducing physiological responses to heat
2:40 – What is Knee Osteoarthritis
3;31 – What is actually causing the pain?
6:10 – The power of movement.
8:40 – Exercise & Chemical Messengers.
10:47 – Negative feedback loop of pain.
12:43 – The importance of increasing muscle mass
14:42 – Bow Legged vs Knocked Knees?
17:55 – Realities of pain
To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://youtube.com/watch/
Items mentioned in this episode include:
Jen Health Membership - Free Trial: https://jen.health/freetrial
For research and full show notes, visit the full website at: https://jen.health/podcast/96
Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apr 21, 2021 • 42min
95 | Understanding the Gut Stuff from the Mac Twins
Curious about or fascinated by the Microbiota? Feeling bloated too often than not? Struggling to figure out whether you are allergic or intolerant? Take a deep dive into your gut bugs with the Mac Twins, founders of the gut stuff. As identical twins, the Mac Twins began their fascination with the gut as participants in the American gut study for the several differences in diagnoses for medical conditions they received amongst them, like juvenile chronic arthritis. Through a brief introduction into the origins of their passion for the gut, the Mac Twins hone in on the importance of education when understanding how the gut relates to a plethora of systems in the body: the nervous system, the immune system, and metabolism, to name a few. Through their discussion, they speak to the differences between allergy, intolerance, and sensitivity, Moreover, analogous to a festival, the Mac Twins dig deep into exploring and assessing your microbiota and gut, particularly focusing on fiber and holistic health factors. Finally, they delve into all things poo, and how informative your poop can be in relation to the status of your health. “You do your poo,” says the Mac Twins. Tune in to find out how you can begin to optimize your gut bugs and empower yourself with gut education!
PaleoValley Discount:
We also mention PaleoValley throughout the episode. Struggling to find a nutrient-dense, high-quality, and satiating snack? We guarantee you can trust the ingredients and know exactly what’s in your snack. Know what you’re putting into your body. So, get your next 100% grass-fed beef stick for a 10% discount using code “OPTIMAL” at checkout.
What You Will Learn In This Interview with The Mac Twins:
2:33 – The Mac Twins & their passion for the gut.
7:06 – Approaching how physical presentations relate to the gut.
8:36 – What is the Microbiome?
9:56 – Tapping into your gut.
12:50 – Are food-sensitive tests valuable?
16:44 – Fiber & Bloating.
17:48 – How to get fiber throughout the day.
22:16 – Allergy vs Sensitivity.
24:49 – What your poop indicates.
29:17 – The link between the gut and mental health.
32:15 – Tools to help with gut awareness.
36:00 – Final remarks about gut love.
39:58 – Diving Deeper with the Mac Twins.
About The Mac Twins:
The Gut Stuff was launched in 2017, following Alana and Lisa Macfarlane’sinvaluable participation in a ground-breaking piece of research into whether gut health is determined by genetics or environmental factors, led by an expert in genetics and nutrition Professor Tim Spector of King's College London. It was in sharing 100% of their DNA that made Alana and Lisa's participation vital to the results. Despite being identical, the bacteria in their guts were just 30% the same. They’ve since grown an expert team of scientists, nutritionists, dieticians, and doctors to keep us all on the right side of the tracks, creating a six-film YouTube series to raise awareness and empower everyone to make better everyday choices for their health.
Items mentioned in this episode include:
The Gut Stuff Website: https://thegutstuff.com/
The Gut Stuff Book: https://thegutstuff.com/the-gut-stuff-book/
To learn more about the Mac Twins and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/95
Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apr 21, 2021 • 25min
94 | How To Mobilize Throughout Your Day
Dr. Jen & Dr. Dom are huge on mobility. Dr. Jen released the Mobility Method to reach more people, through an affordable plan, and empower individuals within the walls of your own home. “Self-assess, don’t guess.” Mobility is the foundation you need to address the experiences you are feeling in your body, to create a more optimal environment for your body, and to bulletproof your body from the restrictions that may be contributing to your pain. You are unique and there is no one program that will fit everyone. Dr. Jen & Dr. Dom explain the differences between mobility and flexibility, ultimately walking you through the tools in the Mobility Method, how to approach the program, and how you can implement the exercises in YOUR day for YOUR body. As Dr. Jen & Dr. Dom walk you through how they approach mobility throughout the day, they provide you with the tips to truly dig deep, understand your “why,” and create change within your body through your own means. Let’s get mobile!
Mobility Foundations Course:
Want to get to the root of those mobility restrictions that might be contributing to your aches and pains?! We have the course for you! Mobility Foundations starts by helping you assess your restrictions and then build that mobility systematically to get rid of them once and for all! Check out the course and take a special discount with code OPTIMAL20 at checkout!
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 currated 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!
What You Will Learn in this PT Pearl:
1:04 – Why did Dr.Jen release the Mobility Method.
2:47 – Your Mobility Plan for pain.
4:43 – There’s no one program for everyone.
5:40 – The difference between mobility and flexibility.
7:00 – How to use the Mobility Method.
7:57 – How to implement mobility in your day.
12:48 – The best position is the next position.
13:35 – How Dr. Dom implements mobility throughout the day.
18:55 – The power of intention and education.
19:50 – How Dr. Jen implements mobility throughout the day.
23:00 – Tummy time is for everyone.
To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://youtube.com/watch/
For research and full show notes, visit the full website at https://jen.health/podcast/94
Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apr 14, 2021 • 44min
93 | Addressing the Root Cause of Pain & Treatment with Dr. Leada Malek
You are not defined by your injury, your pain, your diagnosis, or what the MRI scan depicts. Dr Malek emphasizes the significance of rapport and her ultimate goals of creating a brain-safe environment for all “athletes of life.” Through her unique and individualized method, Dr. Malek re-iterates how vital it is to explore novelty, optimal sensation, and what “good discomfort” feels like in your body By delving into what works for your body, Dr. Malek rediscovers the role of the brain and how the brain controls the way you perceive your circumstances, address your concerns, consider advice, and move. She discusses her holistic process in deviating focus away from a diagnosis or an MRI scan, but rather towards education and your biopsychosocial context. In her eyes, the brain directs the value and success of your physical therapy. Soon after, she dives into the realm of PT myths, dissecting common preconceptions around manual therapy and emphasizing mind-body connection. In light of her biopsychosocial approach, Dr. Malek speaks to how athleticism, as an aspect of identity, links to overtraining and the athlete trial concept. She explains symptoms of overtraining and the significance of seeking personalized help. Listen in as Dr. Malek inspires you to “trust that people care about you and want you to get better!”
Vivobarefoot Shoe Discount:
We also mention Vivo Barefoot in this episode. Experience how you can feel something different within the body by addressing the feet. The feet remain the foundations of our bodies. It’s time to free up those feet! Not only are Vivobarefoot shoes beneficial to your health, but the environment as well. Everyone will benefit from a pair (or two) of barefoot shoes! Get your next wide and highly flexible footwear to free your feet, use code ‘OPTIMAL‘.
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 currated 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!
What You Will Learn In This Interview with Dr. Leada Malek:
4:51 – What fuels Dr Malek?
6:54 – Why Dr. Malek continued to specialize.
8:20 – The importance of exploring your body.
12:49 – Why Dr. Malek steered away from diagnosing herself.
17:46 – Multiple approaches to one diagnosis.
21:10– The whole person vs their injury.
24:25 – Pain Science.
28:02 – Dissecting PT myths.
35:47 – Symptoms of overtraining.
39:10 – Advice for feelings of pain & hopelessness.
42:23 – Exploring more with Dr. Malek
About Dr Malek:
Dr. Leada Malek is a board-certified clinical specialist in sports physical therapy and has worked in outpatient sports & orthopaedics for the last 5 years. She recently started her own business offering virtual PT to help reach people who couldn't receive care in person due to the pandemic. While her primary patient population includes competitive athletes and dancers, she treats a wide range of orthopedic injuries. Her philosophy includes treating the whole person, not just the injury; health and fitness are a lifestyle for longevity and well-being, and mental and physical health are equally important and influence each other
Items mentioned in this episode:
Dr. Malek’s Website; https://www.drmalekpt.com/
Dr. Malek’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmalekpt/
To learn more about Dr. Malek and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/93
Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apr 12, 2021 • 25min
92 | TMJ (Jaw) Pain or Symptoms? What You Can Do
Do you get jaw pain when opening your mouth? Maybe pain associated with clicking noises from the jaw? Heard of TMJ pain? Dr. Jen & Dr. Dom explore TMD or temporomandibular disorders and address the factors that may contribute to the symptoms you are experiencing in and around the jaw. They kick it off by explaining the basic anatomy of the jaw, move into when you should address pops and clicks from the jaw, discuss soreness with habitual jaw clenching and teeth grinding, and how headaches, neck pain, and ringing in the ears may be associated with TMD. Zooming out, Dr. Jen & Dr. Dom address pain through the biopsychosocial lens, approaching stress, breath, sleep, technology, and food. Finally, they provide you with a few tools and exercises to explore, manage, and find your way through your symptoms. Tune in to find, understand, and overcome what you are experiencing. Hopefully, you can take that big burrito bite again!
PaleoValley Discount:
We also mention PaleoValley throughout the episode. We love PaleoValley because they use real ingredients, 100% grass-fed cows, and provide you with a complete protein that will keep you full until your next meal. Get your next 100% grass-fed beef stick for a discount using code ‘OPTIMAL’ at checkout.
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 currated 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!
What You Will Learn in this PT Pearl:
1:58 – Defining Jaw Pain & TMJ.
5:45 – A Clenching Jaw.
8:03 – Biopsychosocial model for pain.
9:35 – Functional Jaw Opening
11:15 – It may take a team to address your pain.
15:23 – Jaw Yoga
23:42 – The influence of technology
To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://youtube.com/watch/
Items mentioned in this episode include:
Free Week of Jen Health Membership: https://jen.health/freetrial
For research and full show notes, visit the full website at: https://jen.health/podcast/92
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