The Optimal Body

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, discuss MCL (medial collateral ligament) strains. They explain the anatomy and function of the MCL, common injury mechanisms, and the grading of MCL injuries. Emphasizing the importance of foot health and mobility for knee stability, they outline the rehabilitation process, highlighting the...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom discuss imposter syndrome with guests Doctor Jamie La Pena and Doctor Alexandra Anderson. They explore how feelings of inadequacy affect physical therapists despite their qualifications. The conversation highlights research findings, revealing that 93% of surveyed therapists experience intense imposter syndrome. They discuss the i...

In this episode, DocJen and Dr. Dom delve into the difference between flexibility and mobility, providing insight into increasing hamstring range of motion. They dive into the role of flexibility as an addition to mobility to improve quality of life as we age, as well as the research insights on the physiological effects of different types of mobility training. Let's dive in! Free Week of the Jen...

Could reciting your past trauma be more detrimental than beneficial? Let's discuss the current approaches in Western talk therapy and how we can begin to transform personal development more effectively, through a nervous system lens. From diving into the value of personal development and self-reflection to honing into tools to start your personal development journey, Thais identifies how you can i...

In this episode, DocJen and Dr. Dom delve into degenerative disc disease, what is happening within the body, and what the diagnosis entails. As they dive into some critical research around degenerative disc disease and back pain, they empower you with the tools and education to gain control over your back pain and spine health again! Let's dive in! LMNT Discount Code: Fuel every system within the...

If the normal prescriptions for your pain (i.e. rest, mobility, strength, sleep, nutrition) aren't affecting you and your pain is still recurring, this one is for you! Missy did all the things she was recommended and advised to do for her knee pain to a tea and she lived her life with knee pain as her new normal until she was directed towards neurology. From Missy's story to defining neurology, na...

In this episode, DocJen and Dr. Dom delve into cold laser treatment and how it affects the body physiologically. They dive into the latest proposed mechanisms and the research behind their efficacy, exploring when cold laser treatment is best used and for what scenario. In doing so, they discuss how placebo interventions play a role! Let's dive in! LMNT Discount Code: Fuel every system within the...

Join Dr. Bill in this insightful episode as he dives into the world of cosmetic dentistry and oral hygiene. He discusses his passion for cosmetic dentistry and emphasizes how oral hygiene is crucial for overall health, touching upon the importance of verniers in maintaining oral health. Dr. Bill explains what constitutes good oral hygiene and addresses common dental concerns, such as whether cavit...

In this episode, DocJen and Dr. Dom delve into tight knots and what is happening within the body to cause the tension and pain. Differentiating trigger points and tight knots, they discuss the role of the nervous system and how biopsychosocial components may be related to the sensations your are experiencing. Finally, they touch base with the power of breath, touch, and posture through mobility, a...

In this episode, Dr. Christina delves into the nuanced aspects of strength training across different stages of life from dispelling myths to navigating pregnancy and postpartum concerns. She uncovers the historical misconceptions surrounding heavy lifting for females, provides the latest recommendations and guidelines for safely resuming strength training after pregnancy, and empowers expecting mo...

In this episode, DocJen and Dr. Dom delve into hip arthritis, focusing on its incidence and prevalence. They discuss key findings from the Framingham study, shedding light on the rates of hip arthritis and the predictors of its poor progression. They provide proactive measures to manage the condition, emphasizing the importance of supervision in treatment, addressing the considerations surrounding...

In this episode, Dr. Stephanie delves into the various factors that influenced her career path and discusses the critical ways in which nutritional and training needs evolve as we age. She explains why you might notice weight gain in your 40s despite maintaining the same routine and explores the importance of meal timings and how to maximize the benefits of exercise. Dr. Stephanie also addresses t...

Heard of Dry Needling? DocJen and Dr. Dom give you the rundown on what Dry Needling is, the effect it has on the body physiologically, and who might need it! They discuss the limitations of measurement bias in research, the benefits of dry-needling, how long it lasts, and what it means to have expectations and beliefs about dry-needling, also considering the role of supervision and emotions. Let's...

Devin takes a deep dive into the complexities of sleep, beginning with his personal journey towards understanding its significance. He explores the development of insomnia and its implications for individuals. Continuing, Devin sheds light on the physiological processes our bodies undergo during sleep, emphasizing its importance. He also highlights common mistakes people make regarding sleep and o...

Have you heard of Blood Flow Restriction? DocJen and Dr. Dom dive into the researcher who developed the method of Blood Flow Restriction training, their story of innovation and the science behind its effects on the body. Diving into its clinical implications associated with sarcopenia, cardiovascular complications, muscle growth and pain perception, they provide you with the latest research insigh...

Diving into the pillars and levers of holistic health, Dr. Mahboubeh described why it is important to focus practice on holistic health and how you can begin to create the best environment to allow healing to occur. Then, she speaks about treating the body systemically and holistically, defining her phrase, "We are not what we eat but how we live." Then, she provides a guide to hydration, blood su...

Seen or been told your shoulder blade is in a funky position during exercise? Perhaps popping out a little bit? Heard that scapular winging will cause pain inadvertently? Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom have your back as they explore all things scapular and debunk the common myths surrounding scapular winging. Tune into how scapular winging occurs, how you can begin to explore scapular range of motion, and ho...

Stretching and strengthening may not be enough for Foot Health. Dr. Emily Splichal ⁠⁠⁠ dives into the missing piece: sensory awareness! Describing the 4 pillars of foot health, she provides insight into the importance of sensory input through the feet, potential causes of neuropathy, and tools you can use to gain awareness in the feet. With a simple test to gauge your risk of falls, she provides s...

Your one-stop shop to addressing your posture! DocJen and Dr. Dom dive into all things posture and how you can change your movement game to address your posture. Tapping into mobility, strength through range, and core control, they hone in on their best tips! Let's dive in! Jen Health Discount: Try something different. If you’ve been told to “stay away,” “stop [x],” “try [x] and it has not worked,...

Itching to exercise post-partum but have been told to wait? Or, wanting to exercise as a beginner and pregnant? We dive into how Brianna found passion in helping new mothers post-partum and through pregnancy with their fitness journeys. We dive into whether exercise is harmful during oreganacy and post-partum, post-partum expectations related to return to exercise, whether you need to avoid core e...

Do you cool-down? At times, cool-downs feel unimportant or a waste of time, however, DocJen & Dr. Dom break the confusion in this episode. With a high emphasis on specificity, they explain the importance of strategically cooling down the body to prepare the body for optimal recovery, addressing how to appropriately use breath and movement after exercise to kickstart that rest, digest, and recovery...

Struggling to navigate your kid's fever, eczema, or poop concerns? “If you’re putting that steroid cream on, that is just a bandaid.” We have Dr Elana Roumell, a doctor and naturopath specializing in paediatric, to address when to conventional and herbal medicine for fevers, specifically Tyenol and Ibuprofen, and her top herbal medicine recommendations. Then, she dives into the world of excema, di...

Do you warm-up? At times, warm-ups feel unimportant or a waste of time, however, DocJen & Dr. Dom break the confusion in this episode. With a high emphasis on specificity, they explain the importance of strategically warming up the body to prepare for the upcoming movement, how to appropriately activate the body before exercise sessions, whether stretching is really that bad before movement, and h...

#womenarenotsmallmen Wondering how to optimize your nutrition & training as a female? Lost a period? Struggling to figure out nutrition and exercise around menopause? Dr. Stacy Sims dives deep into hormones, nutritional, and training considerations during the menstruating phase of life, perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Dr. Stacy explains Amenorrhea, nutritional considerations during a...

In this episode, we delve into essential exercises and tips tailored to each trimester of pregnancy to support optimal mobility, stability, and overall well-being for expectant mothers. In the first trimester, we empower you with the hallmarks of mobility, as well as the importance of breathwork with pelvic floor awareness. In the second trimester, we address how you can work around the new sensat...