The Optimal Body

Feeling aches and tightness around your upper back, shoulders, and neck? Take a moment to reflect back on the last 24 hours and notice how many different positions you’ve moved into. We tend to find ourselves stagnant in one position for long periods of time. Our bodies crave movement. Doc Jen and Dr. Dom dive into the anatomy of rounded shoulders and why you find yourself in a rounded position. In 20 minutes, this episode provides insight into how the ribcage, thoracic spine, and shoulders contribute to your posture, as well as how you can change it up and relax into a less tensed and more optimal position. Let’s get moving! 15% off Vivobarefoot Shoes: We also mentionVivoBarefoot Shoes in this episode. To get your next functional and highly flexible footwear to finally free your feet from shoe prison use discount code ‘TOB‘ at checkout. Remember, if you want to feel something different in your feet, or throughout your body, it’s less about adding cushion externally, and more about supporting the body internally. Often, less is more beneficial and VivoBarefooti is the perfect (and stylish) shoe to get back in tune with your body! 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: 4:00 – Describing the Anatomy of Rounded Shoulders 5:00 –  What causes chronically rounded shoulders? 6:11 – Exploring your ribcage 8:17 – Exploring your thoracic mobility 12:30 – Muscle Activations 15:20 – Exploring the shoulders 18:03 – Checking back in with yourself 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/82 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.

Do you find yourself stuck in the past? Are you seeking but cannot seem to move on? Is your go-to solution to triggers and “undesirable” emotions to suppress and repress them? The truth is, we all suffer from trauma in some way shape or form. We live in a society that stigmatizes emotional behaviors and representations that consequently arise from our experiences of trauma. Shannon Algeo speaks the truth about distinguishing what we internalize from society and what the truths inside of us actually encompass. He guides the path of trusting and exploiting your inner-voice as a representation of your intuition and rightful ego. Through this journey, you will unveil the capacity and permission to just feel. Shannon shares his approach to accessing your truth through exploring the 7 chakras that align your body, and by delving into his NPFL, re-centring, and titrating tools to facilitate your process to self-discovery and self-trust. Get ready to feel invigorated, yet grounded, and be a part of the conversation as Shannon, Dr. Jen, and Dr. Dom shed light on their experiences with all things emotions, trauma, and what it meant for them to dive in and explore their truths. PaleoValley Discount: We also mentionPaleoValleythroughout the episode. To 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 Interview with Shannon Algeo: 4:10 – What drives Shannon? 6:46 – How do I start to dive into the discomfort? 9:35 – The Gut Intuition. 16:48 – Codependency. 19:04 – How do I recenter? 23:51 – Shannons tools to help you access your truth. 30:00 – All things Ego. 39:45 – How emotional suppression can present in the body. 46:50 – Shannon’s hope for the readers of his book. 49:50 – Exploring what Shannon has to offer. Shannon’s Trust Your Truth Book: https://www.soulumination.com/trust-your-truth-book To learn more about Shannon and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/81 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.

To ice or not to ice an injury? With different health professionals advising for and against using ice post-injury, you are not alone if you are feeling confused. From RICE to PEACE & LOVE, Dr. Jen & Dr. Dom uncover the evolution of the ice protocol, and simplify explanations surrounding the immunology behind inflammation and swelling. By honing in on the importance of allowing the body to mediate its natural healing mechanisms and processes, they provide insight into the benefits and considerations with using ice, considering the psychological influence of optimism. Finally, Dr. Jen & Dr. Dom shed light on the nervous system with regards to management and how healthy stressors highlight the adaptive capabilities of the body. Let’s dive in! Clearlight Sauna: We also mention Clearlight Sauna in this episode. To get your very own at-home spa that will surround you with wellness, use code ‘OPTIMAL’ at checkout or say Doc Jen and Dr. Dom sent you!  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: 2:17 – Understanding where you primarily move and how to relieve pressure. 5:20 – History of icing. 10:53 – What is the ice actually doing? 12:50 – P.E.A.C.E & L.O.V.E. 15:06 – Inflammation vs Edema. 17:10 – When is ice effective? 21:55  – Systemic Cryotherapy. 24:12 – The importance of exposure to healthy stressors. 28:25 – Ice Bath Protocols. 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/80 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.

Dr. Andy Galpin, a tenured professor at Cal State University with expertise in biomechanics, dives deep into the truth about fat loss. He debunks common myths surrounding diets and emphasizes the importance of personalized approaches. By comparing cooks to bakers, he explains how defining priorities and aligning commitments leads to sustainable weight loss. Galpin also discusses CO2 tolerance, linking it to recovery and anxiety management, while advocating for balanced exercise routines that fit individual lifestyles.

Do you feel pins and needles around your wrist and fingers more often than not? Feeling tingling sensations down your arm when you move your neck around? Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom may have your answer. Listen in as they lay out the specifics as to why you may be feeling the sensations you are feeling and what you can do about it. From symptoms of edema, burning and tingling sensations, along with uncomfortable sharp pain, they debunk the myth around the use of just using tools to relieve pain. By providing you with the tools to neuro-mobilize and create more space, you will generate awareness and understand your symptoms as your body is truly interconnected. 15% Off Vivobarefoot Shoes: We also mention Vivo Barefoot in this episode. To get your next wide and highly flexible footwear for a discount using code ‘TOB’  at checkout. What You Will Learn in this PT Pearl: 3:14 – What is Carpal Tunnel? 5:21 –  Carpal Tunnel Epidemiology. 8:02 – Differential Diagnosis for Carpal Tunnel. 10:21 – How exploring nerve-related issues are different. 13:05 –  What you can do to explore your Carpal Tunnel. 16:08 – Flossing and Tensioning techniques. 21:30 – The importance of prioritizing movement. 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/78 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.

Tired of reading all the contradictory perspectives on health and diet? Are you or do you know someone struggling to figure out their diet with a diagnosis, like epilepsy? This podcast is for you! This is your one-stop shop to your questions regarding diet and optimizing your health for top performance. Scott Sommer provides you with simple answers to holistic health, using your diet, which we’ve complicated with the products and by-products of the industrial revolution. Through his unique approach that merges western and eastern science and understanding about the body, Scott uses the analogy of a battery to describe the body and how his expertise in 30 different treatment modalities provides a synergistic and personalized approach to his clients’ needs. Foundationally, he expresses the importance of consuming organic and nutrient-dense food through his upbringing and comparisons between modern-era life to life nowadays. Scott reveals the epidemiology surrounding nutritional deficiencies and common health risks, promoting the Nutritarian diet as a holistic approach to optimizing longevity and performance. Tune in to discover more! PaleoValley Discount: We also mention PaleoValley throughout the episode. 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 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! What You Will Learn In This Interview with Scott Sommer: 4:21 – What “fuels” Scott to do what he does. 5:07 – Scott’s story. 14:53 – Role-models and behavior change. 16:49 – Gardening for Longevity. 18:36 – The importance of eating organic. 20:47 – The electricity of the body. 24:18 – How Scott approaches Chronic Pain. 28:10 – Common Nutritional Deficiencies. 36:28 – The Nutritarian Diet. 39:47 – Learn more with Scott. Items mentioned in this episode include: Scott’s Website: https://www.sommersholistichealth.com/ Scott’s Podcast “Life Changing Health Tips”: https://podcasts.apple.com Scott’s App “Sommer’s Holistic Health”: https://apps.apple.com Scott’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com To learn more about Scott and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/77 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.

“It’s natural and normal for the head to follow your gaze and your gaze to follow attention,” says Dr. Jen. But, do you find yourself staring down at your screen for hours at a time? As we progress further into the digital age, especially in times of a pandemic where everyone is working from home, we are almost all subject to being glued to our devices. However, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom describe how we can create small changes to optimize our posture and overall productivity. We are all victims of “text neck.” Instead of being self-critical, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom speak about getting comfortable, changing up the monitor environment, and ways in which we can enhance neck stability to sustain and endure the positions we put ourselves in. Ultimately, with no one “optimal” position, tune in to uncover the most optimal prescription to prevent the onset of tightness, pain, and stagnant discomfort in the body. Coba Board Discount: We also mention the Coba Board in this episode. To get your next at-home resistance set-up for a discount using code“DOCJENFIT” 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 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! What You Will Learn in this PT Pearl: 1:47 – Addressing the “text-neck” and pains that come with it. 2:57 –  The influence of your gaze in relation to posture. 4:46 – Creating environments to optimize your central nervous system responses. 7:53 – Modifying what you have control over. 11:34 – Monitoring your environment to make it more optimal. 13:37 – Getting comfortable. 14:51 – Exploring mobility that is specific to you. 15:50 - Exercises to put your neck in a different position! 17:28 - Temporary Relief Neck Stretches. 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/76 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 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.

Want to boost your brain health?! Looking for ways or reasons to spice up your physical activity? Listen in as Ryan Glatt explains why aerobic activity may not be the BEST exercise for brain health. He will guide you through what a “3 Macronutrients” approach is, a metaphor describing a holistic approach to exercise, which uses all the benefits of physical movement to maximize brain health. With exercise being an under-utilized prescription to prolonging or offsetting symptoms to brain-related and cognitive disorders, Ryan explains how modulating exercise can complement and ameliorate the quality of your life. Throughout this episode, Ryan breaks down the micro and macro-level effects and purposes of different types of exercise on the brain, in relation to neuroplasticity, brain metabolism, and cognitive enhancement. Kill two birds with one stone as you immerse yourself into game-changing exercise science that will add purpose and intention to your movement, and ultimately optimize productivity and your ability to maintain functional independence and identity in all aspects of your life through optimal brain health! Willy California Discount: Willy California! From date nights to workouts, to lounging at home, Dr. Dom’s swears by Willy California athleisure! Get 30% off using code ‘DRDOM30’ 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 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! What You Will Learn Interview with Ryan Glatt: 2:50 – What drove Ryan to his work today. 9:40 – Exercise as an under-utilized intervention to optimizing brain health. 18:55 – Prescribing exercise to improve quality of life. 19:52 –  Exercise macronutrients for brain health. 29:30 – How our current exercise regime carries over to old age. 32:13 – Copenhagen city heart study. 38:12  – “You use your brain to change your behavior”. 43:48 – Neuroplasticity. 47:58 – The “Jennifer Aniston” Neuron. 53:02 – Using exercise for brain health to manage pain. 58:46 – Where can we find out more about Ryan? About Ryan Glatt: Ryan Glatt is a psychometrist and Brain Health Coach at the Brain Health Center in the Pacific Neuroscience Institute. Ryan has an experienced background in exercise science and human health and uses his knowledge to create programs for individuals with dementia and Parkinson’s disease to name a few. Along with creating for the health and fitness industry, Ryan consults for brain-based tech companies such as SMARTFit. Ryan pursues continued education in exercise programs and works with subject matter experts in fields such as neurorehabilitation, neurorestoration, and cognitive enhancement. He continues to dedicate his time and energy towards coming up with solutions associated with neurodegeneration and its effects on health and wellness. Items mentioned in this episode include: Brain Health Trainer Course: https://www.brainhealthtrainer.com/pages/about Ryan Glatt’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glatt.brainhealth/ To learn more about Ryan and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/75 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.

Ever wonder why you feel your pinky tingling when you hit your funny bone? Feeling radiating pins and needles? We’ve all felt pins and needles in our feet and hands, but neurotension is a little different. Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom break down the knits and grits of different types of pain and how they may associate with neural tension, through the concept of neurodynamics. They describe possible reasons for your bouts of neural tension and how movement can prevent the onset of neural tension. By diving into the specifics of neurodynamics, both in the upper and lower extremities, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom direct attention towards neural gliding as a means of testing for neural tension and optimizing nerve functionality. Listen up as you gain insight into getting your nerves functional and not so static. 15% Vivobarefoot Discount code: We also mention Vivo Barefoot in this episode. To get your next wide and highly flexible footwear for a discount using code ‘TOB’  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 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! What You Will Learn in this PT Pearl: 0:40 – What are nerves? 2:39 –  Why does neural tension occur? 3:33 – Symptoms of Neural Tension. 6:02 – The concept of Neurodynamics. 8:40 – Movement to avoid neural sensation. 12:09 – Testing neural glides. 14:45 – The nerves of the arm. 15:18 – Perpetuating different nerve tensions. 18:25 – Specifics of Neurodynamics. 22:42 - Getting the nerves functional and not so static. 23:19 - Exploring Neurodynamics in the lower extremities. To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch For research and full show notes, visit the full website at: https://jen.health/podcast/74 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.

Need some reassurance that you’re not “crazy”? That what you feel is REAL and there could actually be solutions? Confused as to why your complications are persisting or might be driving your mind or mood down? Interested in the concept of  “disease reversal?” Perhaps you are or know of someone struggling with autoimmune disease. Hear Dr. Brooke Goldner, MD, as she walks us through her story with Lupus, an autoimmune disease, and how she reversed her symptoms, ultimately producing several Lupus-negative test results. As a “why-forward” and humane doctor who recognized her purpose early on, Dr. Goldner provides us with a story you can vicariously learn from. She mentions life-changing tools that can help you dig deeper and investigate your reasons and changes that will enable you to live a more fulfilling, joyous, and optimal life. Let’s dive in! Willy California Discount: Willy California! From date nights to workouts, to lounging at home, Dr. Dom’s swears by Willy California athleisure! Get 30% off using code ‘DRDOM30’ 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 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! What You Will Learn Interview with Dr. Brooke Goldner: 4:36 – What drives Dr. Goldner. 12:14 – Tips to managing inflammation. 16:48 – How Dr. Goldner managed her complications. 22:38 – Dr. Goldner’s Diet Shift. 33:53 – Dr. Goldner’s Negative Test for Lupus. 42:27 – Tools: How to get from intention to action. 45:17– Dr. Goldner still practices everything she did to get healthy 16 years later. About Dr. Brooke Goldner: Dr. Goldner is a board certified medical doctor and the author of 3 best-selling books, Goodbye Lupus, Goodbye Autoimmune Disease, and Green Smoothie Recipes to Kick-Start Your Health & Healing. She has been featured in multiple documentaries such as Eating You Alive, Whitewashed, and The Conspiracy Against Your Health. They have been featured on tv news and the Home & Family Show, along with many radio shows and podcasts. Dr. Goldner is a highly sought after keynote speaker, who shares the stage regularly with Dr. Ornish, Esselstyn, Bernard Greger and T. Colin Campbell, to name a few. Items mentioned in this episode include: Dr. Goldner Good-Bye Lupus Website: https://goodbyelupus.com Dr. Goldner Good-Bye Lupus Online Courses: https://goodbyelupus.com Dr. Goldner Instagram: Brooke Goldner, MD (@goodbyelupus) • Instagram photos and videos To learn more about Dr. Goldner and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/73 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.