The Optimal Body

"61% of Americans don’t have someone to talk to when they need to get something off their chest” You may not need clinical intervention or therapy, but we all need someone to talk to. As a subclinical approach to mental health, Dr. Birnbaum and Adam dive into the mission behind the HearMe app as a peer-support app and what the app has to offer. They discuss the topic of connection and support in r...

Got Scar tissue? Is there anything you can do? DocJen & Dr. Dom distinguish external scars from internal scar tissue and explain how scar tissues from internal trauma or surgeries form in 4 steps. As they dive into hypertrophic or keloid scars as the least favourable scar, they explain the different types of scars and how topical creams, cryotherapy, and lasers work as techniques that address scar...

We’re rethinking rehabilitation for ruptures in the Achilles tendon with doctors of physical therapy, Dr. Stacie and Dr. Meghan. As Dr. Stacie, founder of the Physiofix, explains how she ruptured her Achilles tendon, she describes her initial perspective when she got injured. She reveals how beneficial it was to work with another physical therapist, Dr. Meghan, and together debunk the outdated pro...

Got ball of foot pain? DocJen & Dr. Dom have got you covered in the anatomy related to Metatarsalgia and causes that may be contributing to your symptoms. Then, they discuss how the walk or run cycle may affect the risk of Metatarsalgia or how having ball of foot pain may change your mechanics, as well as steps to consider to rehabilitate Metatarsalgia. Let's dive in! Preventative foot health! We'...

The hunger epidemic in the United States is a real issue. We have Samantha Pantazopoulos on to discuss why people in the US are going hungry, available resources for navigating the hunger epidemic,  and the impact of food banks. Samantha discusses how you can reduce food waste in relation to expiration dates and ger top hacks in preventing foods from going bad. Furthermore, she explains the idea o...

DocJen & Dr. Dom get real about 5 health misconceptions, discussing misinformation and the creation of fear. Firstly, they dive into the physiological mechanism of adjustments and whether or not structures are being put in place. Through this conversation, they emphasize the importance of following passive therapies with active movement.  Then, they debunk avoiding knees over toes to prevent knee...

Gut health is all the rave and we have Dr. Jessie Hoffman on to artificial sweeteners, leaky gut, gastrointestinal distress, bloating, food intolerances and sensitivities, detox, and metal binders. With an overarching emphasis on diet diversity, movement, hydration, and sleep, Dr. Jessie hones in on the lack of conclusive evidence to suggest the negative effects of artificial sweeteners on gut hea...

Will a strong core prevent back pain? DocJen and Dr. Dom dive into what the true core consists of and the most effective way of bracing your core,  analogous to creating a natural weightlifting brace. They describe how the core is not the whole story and the role mobility plays in your back pain, emphasizing the need to build control and resilience through ALL motions of the spine. Furthermore, th...

“The moment you make a better choice, you’re switching on a gene that is doing something wonderful to your body” Simplifying the mechanisms of genetics, Dr. Yael provides insights on the inability to change your genes, but the ability to impact the expression of genes. With a clear explanation of genetics, epigenetics, and nutrigenomics, Dr. Yael discusses medical genetics and the concept of "gene...

Pain around the ribcage? Diagnosed with Çostochondritis? DocJen and Dr. Dom break down what's happening in the body when diagnosed with costochondritis. They explain likely causes and what daily activities may exacerbate symptoms. With an emphasis on accessory breathing muscles, they provide insight into using different tools to approach and treat costochondritis. MAJOR DISCOUNT FOR JEN.HEALTH . S...

“Any bacteria can be good or bad. What matters is whether it's in balance” We have Dr. Heather Zwickey to provide you with Microbiome 101 education, explaining the 3 hallmarks of microbial composition and whether or not disease starts in the gut. Then, she explores mood and how different food compounds lead to the production of specific neurochemicals in the gut, from microbes. Additionally, she e...

Cramping at night? Perhaps after a long stretch or a big workout? DocJen and Dr. Dom dive into what cramping looks like, explaining the symptoms that might be experienced. Then, they name the potential contributing factors to muscle cramping, expanding beyond just the muscle itself. Furthermore, they provide insight into nocturnal cramping and how you can use breathwork, mobility, and a holistic a...

What is the best lube to use? What tools could help you relax the pelvic floor? Can specific products help prevent STIs? We have Dr. Laura and Heather on to discuss the best tools for pelvic health. With a brief introduction to pelvic floor anatomy and building pelvic floor awareness, they discuss vaginismus and how pelvic wands with a quality lubrication product can support vaginal pH and maintai...

Can't bend down without a spasm attach? DocJen and Dr. Dom discuss what is happening when you "throw out your back." Using the concept of microtraumas and hyperexcitable neurons, they explain why spasms occur and what the potential causes of back spasms are. They explain which back muscles are most affected by spasms and what the current research suggests about management. With a large emphasis on...

Can you trust the supplement industry? Dr. Levitan and Dr. Block unveil the truths about the supplementation industry, describing how vitamin deficiencies can manifest symptomatically or asymptomatically, indicating a basic requirement of trialling a supplement for 90 days to see or feel benefits in symptoms. Moreover, they explain how unregulated the industry is and what seals to look out for on...

Torn shoulder labrum? DocJen and Dr. Dom discuss the anatomy of the shoulder labrum and symptoms that may indicate a shoulder labrum injury. They discuss potential causes of the shoulder labrum tear, and the different types of tears: SLAP and Bankart. Furthermore, they describe tests for shoulder labrum tears, research on approaching shoulder labrum tears with physical therapy or surgery, and what...

What truly is personal growth? We have Jake Kauffman to discuss the relationship between personal growth, beliefs, and identity. As Jake explains what drew him to personal growth, he dives into how you can re-discover your identity by navigating personal limiting beliefs and re-surfacing subconscious beliefs that were embedded throughout childhood. Jake offers tools along the way to help you appro...

Diagnosed with hip dysplasia? DocJen and Dr. Dom discuss what the hip dysplasia diagnosis is and how it presents in the body.  They discuss its prevalence amongst females and newborns and what to do to support a baby's hip, especially considering the use of devices. Finally, they discuss safe management with a physical therapist in person with guidance on active mobility and strength of what is av...

Struggling with a disc herniation? Matt Hall discusses his perspective through rehabilitation and away from surgery. With a quick rundown of his previous symptoms throughout his professional baseball career, Matt explains his journey with different therapists and his hip restrictions. Then, he unveils his symptoms and the effect his beliefs had on his pain experience. With the use of epidurals, he...

Curious about Nerve Blocks? DocJen and Dr. Dom provide clarity about nerve blocks, explaining what a nerve block is, the pros of nerve blocks, as well as how epidurals work. They distinguish surgical and non- surgical types of nerve blocks, and how it’s effect in pain affects the duration of impact. Finally, DocJen and Dr. Dom dive into opioid use, and the importance of movement as a tool to inhib...

Could your pain points be fascia related? We have David Lesondak, a fascia expert, on to discuss what fascia is and its physiological function. As an integrative network of connective tissue, David shares how fascial manipulation has its own method of maneuver and how issues related to fascia can affect areas above or below the symptomatic area. Furthermore, David explains how to establish long-te...

Diagnosed with a Biceps Tendinitis? DocJen & Dr. Dom break down what biceps tendinitis is and the paradigm shift from tendinitis to tendonosis or tendinopathy. Furthermore, they discuss the pathophysiology behind its prevalence amongst overhead or throwing athletes, how bicep injuries may be associated with rotator cuff injuries, and who amongst the general population is most susceptible. Finally,...

#womenarenotsmallmen Wondering how to optimize your nutrition & training in and around menopause? Dr. Stacy Sims dives into what menopause is and how vital it is to consider the changes that occur through menopause. She speaks about hormonal replacement therapy and menopause therapy, as well as key behaviours to consider: nutrition and training. She discusses the cultural stigmatization around men...

Diagnosed with a Hip Labrum tear? DocJen & Dr. Dom breakdown what the hip labrum is and how a tear may have occurred. Explaining common characteristics of the diagnosis, they mention who is at most risk, symptoms of hip labrum tears, and explain the mobility and strength components of rehabilitation for a hip labrum tear. Let's dive in. Grab Jen Health Annual Membership at almost 50% off! Prevent...

Andrea Nakayama, functional nutritionist, explains her methods of strategically approaching symptoms from a root-cause based mindset. She discusses the 3 tiers of nutrition mastery and her best recommendation to identifying the source of your symptoms. With tracking in mind, she explains the importance of stool and elimination, and how the stool spectrum provides informative data about your health...