The Optimal Body

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, Doctor's of Physical Therapy, welcome Thoryn Stephens, a scientist and founder of Brain One, to discuss optimizing brain health and human performance. Thoryn shares insights on hydration, micro habits, and the role of wearables and AI in personalizing health protocols. The conversation highlights the importance of behavior change...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, physical therapists Doc Jen and Doctor Dom delve into sesamoiditis, an overuse injury that leads to pain in the sesamoid bones beneath the big toe. They discuss the risk factors and symptoms associated with sesamoiditis, highlighting the importance of an accurate diagnosis. The hosts detail conservative treatment options, including offloading, orthotics...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy, welcome Jennifer Gularson, a leading expert in women’s midlife health and functional medicine. Together, they discuss hormone replacement therapy, GLP-1 medications, and the challenges women face during perimenopause and menopause. Jennifer emphasizes individualized, science-based care, sha...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, discuss the challenges of creating habits around consistent exercise routines, especially as motivation fades after New Year’s resolutions. They emphasize starting small, using accountability, and creating habits through simple cues and systems rather than relying on motivation. The hosts share prac...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doctors of Physical Therapy Doc Jen and Dr. Dom interview Gabriela Rosa, a Harvard-awarded fertility specialist and founder of the Rosa Institute. Gabriela shares her journey into fertility work, the development of her evidence-based Fertile Method, and her dedication to individualized, root-cause-focused care for those experiencing fertility struggles...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, focus on body tips strategies for IT Band Syndrome and IT band pain at the hip—a less recognized but significant issue. They explain why traditional stretching and rolling are ineffective, highlighting the IT band’s anatomy and function in the context of IT Band Syndrome. Instead, they recommend evi...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Dr. Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy, interview neuro optometrist Dr. Bryce Appelbaum about the crucial difference between eyesight and functional vision. They discuss how functional vision is a brain-based process that impacts learning, behavior, and overall health, often mimicking ADHD or attention issues. Dr. Appelbaum explains the e...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, break down a new international consensus on stretching, helping listeners discover the best stretching practices for their needs. They explain the differences between static, dynamic, ballistic, and PNF stretching exercise, and discuss both the immediate and long-term benefits—such as increased rang...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts and Doctors of Physical Therapy Doc Jen and Dr. Dom welcome Dr. Margie Davenport, an exercise physiologist and leading expert on pregnancy and postpartum physical activity. Together, they discuss the latest research and Canadian guidelines on safe pregnancy exercise, debunk common myths, and highlight the benefits of movement for physical and ment...

In this first 2026 episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, doctors of physical therapy Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom discuss Jen Health, Dr. Jen’s platform for sustainable health and pain management. They explore how pain is multifactorial, debunk common movement myths, and emphasize empowerment through education and movement quality. The hosts share user success stories, highlight Jen Health’s diverse plans—m...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom interview Dr. John Rusin, a renowned strength coach and physical therapist. Dr. John Rusin shares his journey from coaching to physical therapy and back, emphasizing a pain-free, health-first approach to training. He discusses foundational movement patterns, injury prevention, and the importance of individualized, sustainable routine...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy, discuss the best exercises for strength and growth of the glutes, focusing on recent research comparing EMG muscle activation with actual peak muscle force. They explain why force production is more relevant than EMG for building glute strength and highlight the top exercises for targeting the glute...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy chat with neuroscientist Ariel Garten, co-founder of Muse. Together, they explore how brainwave-sensing technology can make meditation more effective, support stress reduction, and improve sleep and pain management. Ariel shares practical tips for building healthy habits, explains the science behi...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doctors of Physical Therapy Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom debunk the myth that deep squats are harmful to the knees and discuss their impact on knee health. They trace the misconception to outdated research and review recent studies showing deep squats are generally safe and beneficial for healthy adults, supporting overall knee health. The hosts discuss knee bio...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Dr. Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, sit down with Dr. Mary Alice Mina, a Harvard-trained dermatologist and host of The Skin Real Podcast. Dr. Mina shares her holistic perspective on skincare health, emphasizing how lifestyle factors such as sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mindset play a crucial role. She debunks common skincare myths,...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, Doctors of Physical Therapy, delve into the complexities of chronic low back pain. They discuss the latest research on both acute and chronic low back pain, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment plans. The hosts highlight the importance of exercise, the powerful role of mindset, patient-provider relationships, and suppor...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doctors of Physical Therapy Doc Jen and Doctor Dom welcome wellness expert Liz Plosser to discuss practical strategies for health at every stage of life. They explore topics like nutrition, strength training, hydration, and how to make healthy choices accessible. Liz shares insights on protein intake, building sustainable nutrition habits, and navigatin...

In this Optimal Body Podcast episode, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy, explore the science and clinical relevance of myofascial trains—continuous myofascial networks in the body. They discuss fascia’s anatomy, its role in movement and pain, and the impact of manual therapies like myofascial release. Emphasizing the nervous system’s influence, they caution against oversimplify...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy, interview Danielle Greenwich, clinical esthetician and CEO of Clear Stem. Danielle shares her personal journey with cystic acne and discusses the root causes of acne beyond traditional treatments, including genetics, diet, hormones, and the ingredients found in skincare products. The conversation...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy, discuss the sacroiliac joint (SI Joint), addressing common concerns about clicking, popping, and pain—especially during pregnancy and postpartum. They explain the anatomy, debunk myths about SI joint displacement, and share practical strategies for managing discomfort, including breathwork, progress...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, co-hosts Doc Jen and Dr. Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, are joined by Dr. David Clark to explore the origins and treatment of chronic neuroplastic pain. They discuss how stress, early life experiences, and emotional factors can reshape brain pathways, leading to real, persistent symptoms of chronic pain. The conversation highlights the importanc...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom—both doctors of physical therapy—address widespread myths and misconceptions surrounding neck pain and posture. They delve into the natural variation in cervical spine curvature, explaining that straightened neck curves and age-related degenerative changes are frequently seen on imaging and are often a normal part of the aging proces...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom are joined by fertility expert Dr. Natalie Crawford. They dive into a thorough discussion on women's health, focusing on fertility, menstrual health, and preparing for pregnancy. Dr. Crawford explains the menstrual cycle, addresses common misconceptions, and highlights the importance of self-advocacy, stress management, and lifestyle...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy, discuss patellofemoral pain syndrome, a common cause of pain at the front of the knee. They debunk myths about outdated treatments and explain patellofemoral pain syndrome as an overload condition, highlighting its prevalence among adolescents, women, and runners. The hosts outline a phased, evidenc...

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom interview Dr. Lance Frank, a pelvic floor physical therapist specializing in men’s health and LGBTQIA+ care. They discuss the underdiagnosis of pelvic floor dysfunction in men, common symptoms (such as pain, urinary and bowel issues, and sexual dysfunction), and the stigma preventing many from seeking help. Dr. Frank explains his pat...