The Body Nerd Show

Building strength in a safe and sustainable way will get you out of pain. But how does building strength actually work? And will you immediately "bulk up" like a bodybuilder? Well, in this brand spanking new episode of the Body Nerd Show, we're diving into the physiology of building strength. Because, if you're anything like me, understanding the WHY behind how something works makes it a lot easie...

Discover the surprising connection between your low back pain and your pelvic floor in this eye-opening episode. Dealing with nagging discomfort can be frustrating, especially when the usual remedies like stretching and heat only offer temporary relief. But here's something you might not know: your pelvic floor could be playing a role in your low back pain, and it's not just a topic for postpartum...

We're all too familiar with how media, fashion, advertising, and the fitness industry can make us feel less confident about our amazing bodies. So today - we're diving deep into the world of cellulite. Despite the substantial investments made in its treatment, the research landscape is a wild ride, with more focus on remedies than actually understanding its root cause. Cellulite is not a problem t...

Discover the secrets of snoring and how to find relief in this episode. Did you know that 45% of adults snore occasionally, while 25% snore regularly? Whether you're the snorer or sleep beside one, snoring can be more than just noise. It can disrupt your sleep, leaving you groggy, with a dry mouth, or a sore neck. So whether you're the snore-er or sleep next to someone who does, today's episode is...

Did you know that 8 out of 10 people will experience back pain at some point in their lives? If you've ever been there, you're not alone. But focusing solely on your lower back might not be the best approach. Our bodies are interconnected, meaning various muscles in and around the lower back can contribute to pain - not just the one that's currently screaming at you. In this episode, we're focusin...

Have you ever wondered what exactly a trigger point is and whether it can truly be "fixed" by simply massaging it harder? Prepare to be pleasantly surprised! Contrary to popular belief, the solution to trigger point pain is not about using a harder or spikier tool (ouch!). In fact, the real fix is far less painful and offers longer-lasting relief. So if you have knots in your upper back that feel...

In today's episode, we're delving into the intriguing world of hypermobility. Have you ever found yourself in one of two camps when it comes to flexibility? Either you're incredibly bendy, and love yoga and stretching, or you experience tightness and pain as your body tries to compensate for unstable joints. I used to be a yoga devotee until my increasing my flexibility just meant more pain. Hyper...

Are your shoulders feeling stiff or painful? It might be time to give them some love and attention. In today's episode, we're diving into the world of shoulder pain and how to find relief. If you're like me and spend a significant part of your day hunched over a screen, your shoulders could use some extra care. The good news is that simple movements and exercises can make a world of difference. So...

I've always been fascinated by the human body, how it works, and more importantly, what happens when it doesn't. So when I had the opportunity to step back into the anatomy lab after college, I was beyond excited. And to be honest, those 6 days forever transformed how I approach mobility and think about the human body. In this week's episode, we're covering all things anatomy - from my anatomy lab...

If you've ever searched for plantar fasciitis and foot pain, you've probably been hit with an overwhelming amount of advice to stretch your calves and ice the area. But let's be real, these methods may give you temporary relief, but they're not going to fix the root of the problem. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) have been the traditional go-to for treating pain but science has yet to...

If you're like most of us who spend long hours in front of a computer, you've probably heard about blue light-blocking glasses being the ultimate solution to dry eyes, eye strain, headaches and more. But let's be honest, with all the hype surrounding these glasses, it's easy to wonder if they're worth investing in or just another gimmick. As a self-proclaimed blue blocker enthusiast, I have to adm...

Whether you're a new listener or you've been with me for the last 4 years, we've covered a ton of topics together. From hydration and running, to journaling, meditation, and even the experiment where I gave up wearing glasses - we've explored it all! 🤓 But as we all know, change is inevitable, and I'm no exception. That's why in today's episode, I want to be completely honest with you about the s...

Let's talk about something we've all experienced: Hiccups. They can strike at any age, and for most of us, they're just an annoying inconvenience. But have you ever wondered what actually causes hiccups? Or if the old tricks of holding your breath or drinking water actually work? In this week's episode, we're diving deep into the weird science of hiccups. Did you know that premature infants can sp...

Sweating is an absolute superstar when it comes to keeping our bodies healthy and happy. Not only does it regulate our body temperature, but it also protects the skin against infections and helps clear out environmental toxins and cellular waste. I'm 100% pro-sweating. So much so that I have a sauna bag that I use a few times a week, that heats up to a toasty 160˚F! But let's face it, sweating get...

As a former soccer player, I know firsthand just how awful shin splints can be. The dull ache at the front of my shin made me feel like I was walking on glass shards. 😭 And don't even get me started on how clueless I was about stretching the front of my shin. Little me had no idea that was even a thing! So instead, I spent countless hours icing my shins, crossing my fingers, and hoping the pain w...

Are you tired of dealing with the pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion that come with frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis? A painful shoulder makes it super difficult to do everyday tasks like getting dressed (like hooking a bra 😭) or reaching for something on a high shelf. Now, here's the thing…frozen shoulder involves more than just inflammation. Fibrotic changes can occu...

Are you tired of feeling like your feet are trapped in a pair of foot coffins all day? Crocs, flip flops, Danskins, Converse - everyone seems to have an opinion on what the best type of shoe is for people with foot pain. Instead of just recommending a bunch of brands that may or may not work for you, I want to empower you with the knowledge to choose the best type of shoe for yourself. Because the...

I love nothing more than being (overly) prepared. But when it comes to surgery, you might only have a few procedures over your entire life. Regardless of your surgical experience, your doctor (hopefully) has way more - which can sometimes put you at a disadvantage when you're not sure what to even ask. Many of the clients I work with have had surgery - whether they are building up strength to prep...

Are you dealing with wrist pain? If so, you're not alone as almost 25% of US adults have experienced it at some time. And while it's common in people with physically demanding jobs, it can affect anyone. On this week's episode, we're talking about all things wrist pain, including different injuries and conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglion cysts, and Kienbock disease and the treatments...

In 200 episodes of the Body Nerd Show, I've learned a lot. I've changed my opinion on things (like bunions), learned which muscles contribute to the recurrence of pain (especially in the low back), and incorporated things I thought were scams into my regular routine after reading the science. So in today's episode, I'm sharing the top 5 things I've learned in the last 200 shows. So if you're ready...

Have you ever felt tightness or pain at the front of your hip? Hip flexor tension and pain are super common among people who spend time sitting (myself included). Beyond tension, hip flexor issues can also lead to low back pain or numbness along the top of the thigh. I know I'm not alone when it comes to tension in the hip flexors, so in celebration of the 200th (!!!) episode of the Body Nerd Show...

Long COVID is a serious issue. And in July 2021, it was added as a recognized condition that could result in a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. But what is Long COVID? And why are only some people affected by it? Emerging research has found a relationship between Phrenic and Vagus nerve changes and chronic COVID symptoms, which may be one of the causes of lingering symptoms li...

A few months ago there was a video circulating on social media of a "groundbreaking" new find that can boost metabolism just by doing something called the soleus push-up. You know I was intrigued. And the study was promising - research participants did show an improvement in local metabolism even for unfit volunteers. But if something sounds too good to be true, chances are it probably is. So are...

When it comes to joint pain, whether it's chronic or from a new sprain - the first tool I grab is always my mobility floss. But when I first learned of mobility flossing (aka voodoo bands), I gave it the side eye and dropped it in my basket of tools, thinking I probably wouldn't use it much. And then I sprained my ankle - a full-out bruised all along the bottom and not able to walk right sprain. I...

Is it better to sit or stand for work? Maybe you have a sit/stand combo desk that allows you to do both. Or maybe you've been looking at getting a treadmill so you can spend your workday moving. If you've heard the phrase "sitting is the new smoking" and now you're wondering how to keep working without having a negative impact on your physiology and mobility… I'm here to tell you all is not lost....