The Optimal Body

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, welcome back Shannon Algeo, psychotherapist and author of The Power in Your Hands. Shannon explores how smartphone and social media use mirrors insecure attachment patterns, introducing the concept of technology attachment to explain how people unconsciously turn to technology to manage anxiety, avoid emotions, and seek connection. The conversation covers how virtual interactions lack the embodied cues essential for genuine human bonding, the dangers of solitude deprivation, and the societal nature of technology attachment and the pain of digital addiction. Shannon encourages listeners to exercise compassion, small behavioral experiments, and collective action to help reclaim presence, creativity, and authentic human connection.

Shannon's Resources:

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What You'll Learn from Shannon:

2:31 The Genesis of the Book

4:19 Attachment Theory and Technology Attachment

8:21 Virtual vs. Real World

10:51 Attachment Styles and Social Media

15:44 Negativity Bias Online

19:17 The Dangers of Instant Answers

22:10 The Importance of Solitude

30:08 Parenting in the Digital Age

36:25 The Grief of the Unlived Life

42:08 The Influencer's Dilemma

46:48 Is "Doomscrolling" Actually Relaxing?

52:15 Hope for the Future

58:07 How to Start Disconnecting

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/467

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore foot pain and injury through Dom's personal experience with a Lisfranc ligament tear and two surgeries. Dom shares how a recent pickleball injury during a session triggered sharp midfoot pain, prompting him to self-assess and begin conservative treatment. They discuss potential diagnoses, footwear adjustments, and rehabilitation strategies including mobility work, strengthening exercises, and balance training. The episode highlights the value of physical therapy, direct access care, and structured programs like Gen Health's foot and ankle roadmap for achieving safe, effective long-term recovery after a pickleball injury.

Jen Health Annual Membership Discount:

Huge discount on Jen Health Annual Membership! Podcast listeners get over 50% off with code OPTIMAL10. Access 12 Therapy Plans and start your free trial now—move with us!

We Think You'll Love:

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/466

What You'll Learn:

3:23 Doctor Dom begins to share his personal experience with his pickleball injury, a recurring foot injury, starting with his history of surgeries.

4:15 Dom details his high school Lisfranc ligament tear, the two surgeries he had, and the hardware placed in his foot.

5:59 Dom describes how a long session of pickleball likely triggered his recent foot pain, causing a sharp mid-arch pain.

7:23 Dom discusses ruling out plantar fasciitis and considering other potential diagnoses like a Lisfranc injury or arthritic flare-up.

9:46 Dom explains his reasoning for not immediately seeking a formal diagnosis, anticipating the likely conservative recommendations he would receive.

11:16 The speakers discuss how switching to more cushioned shoes for high-impact activities might have contributed to their recent foot issues.

13:34 Dom shares the first steps he took for relief, including toe spreading, manual mobilizations, and big toe mobility exercises.

16:06 Dom describes progressing his exercises to include short foot activations, isometric toe flexion, and single-leg stance work to normalize gait.

18:51 Dom explains why his rigid foot needs both mobility work and strengthening through its new ranges to prevent future injury.

20:45 A week after the injury, Dom details his current exercises, including heel raises, single-leg reaches, and what still causes pain.

24:52 The hosts advocate for seeing a physical therapist first for conservative treatment to potentially avoid costly and unnecessary medical procedures.

26:49 Dom outlines his plan to...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom welcome running expert Doctor of physical therapy Vikash Sharma to discuss how to run safely and effectively. They cover key topics like avoiding the "too much, too quickly" trap, using walk-run intervals for beginners, and following the 10% rule for mileage progression. Dr. Sharma also shares valuable advice on strength training exercise (especially calf and hip work), managing common running injuries and pain, and choosing the right footwear. Plus, there's helpful guidance for women returning to running postpartum. A must-listen for anyone looking to run smarter!

Zulu Weighted Vest:

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Needed Discount:

Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!

Dr Sharma's Resources:

We Think You'll Love:

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/465

What You'll Learn:

4:13 Dr. Sharma shares his personal history with running, which started in middle school and became a lifelong passion.

8:19 Dr. Sharma explains that the most common reason for running injuries is doing "too much, too quickly" without proper adaptation.

10:08 Recommendations for beginners include...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doctor Dom shares her personal experience of sustaining a minor back injury and developing sciatic pain while deadlifting. She and Doc Jen discuss how even fitness professionals aren't immune to pain and injury, emphasizing that stress, poor sleep, and rushing through movements increase the risk of experiencing issues like sciatic pain. They debunk the myth that deadlifts are inherently dangerous and clarify that disc bulges are common even in pain-free individuals, and not always linked to sciatic pain. Doctor Dom outlines her recovery approach, including breathing, relaxation, and gentle progressive movement. The key message: pain, including sciatic pain, isn't always a sign of serious damage, and mindful movement is essential for recovery.

Lifting for Longevity:

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What You'll Learn:

2:02 Doc Jen's Deadlift Injury

4:04 The Importance of Mindset After Injury

7:17 Deadlifts Aren't Inherently Dangerous

10:19 Pain vs. Actual Tissue Damage

10:57 Disc Bulges in Asymptomatic People

14:27 The Benefits of Deadlifting

16:06 Immediate Steps for Acute Back Pain

18:29 Reintroducing Safe Movement Patterns

23:49 The Reality of Long-Term Maintenance

24:42 Common Mistakes After an Injury

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/464

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In this episode of the Optimal Body podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom sit down with Doctor Aleksandra Gajer, an expert in sustainable weight loss, longevity, and women's midlife health. Doctor Gajer discusses her journey from emergency medicine to a focus on proactive, preventative care. Key topics include metabolic health, insulin resistance, peptides, hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause, and actionable lifestyle interventions such as post-meal walking and strength training. The discussion highlights GLP-1 medications, the role of peptides in therapy, and how peptide treatments can support metabolic, hormonal and women's health. Health tips including sleep optimization and the importance of personalized, compassionate care—rather than generic advice—are also emphasized for women navigating complex physiological changes, with a special focus on how peptides can be integrated into individualized health strategies.

Zulu Weighted Vest:

Upgrade your everyday movement with the ZULU Weighted Vest — designed to increase calorie burn, naturally engage your core, and improve posture with every step. Perfect for walks, workouts, and daily errands. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout.

Needed Discount:

Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!

Dr Gajer's Resources:

We Think You'll Love:

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/463

What You'll Learn:

3:21 Doctor Gajer explains her career...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore foot health, focusing on flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and bunions. They explain the three types of flat feet and emphasize treating symptoms over appearance. The hosts highlight exercises targeting the posterior tibialis, intrinsic foot muscles, and hip strength as key treatments. While orthotics can help manage pain, they caution against over-reliance, advocating for gradual barefoot training instead. They also stress that flat feet in children are normal and encourage natural foot development through barefoot time and flexible footwear.

Barefoot Mini Course:

We just added a brand new week to the Barefoot Mini Course! This is our foundational foot course that will help you fully assess and address the restrictions in your foot/ankle complex. It’s on discount now and podcast listeners can get a bonus discount with code OPTIMAL at checkout!

We Think You'll Love:

What You'll Learn:

3:03 An explanation of the three main types of flat feet: flexible, rigid, and adult acquired flat foot.

4:27 The hosts emphasize that foot structure, like an anterior pelvic tilt, does not automatically correlate with pain or dysfunction.

5:36 The discussion shifts to prioritizing foot function and symptom reduction over changing the physical appearance of the arch.

7:09 A more in-depth look at flexible, rigid, and adult acquired flat foot, including its relation to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

9:21 A review of research suggesting a correlation between moderate to severe flat feet and knee or low back pain.

11:03 The hosts conclude that fixing the arch's structure isn't necessary, as exercise alone can improve pain and function.

12:20 Discussion of top exercises, including posterior tibial strengthening, to improve foot function and support the arch.

13:38 Explaining how hip-focused neuromuscular training and glute strengthening can directly impact and improve foot mechanics and support.

15:27 Orthotics are discussed as a tool to be used in combination with stretching and strengthening, not as a standalone solution.

18:16 Explaining why flat feet are normal in young children and why allowing barefoot time is crucial for natural development.

19:45 Outlining situations where orthotics are not...

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/462

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom welcome Dr. Kelsey Barr, a physical therapist specializing in chronic pain and fall prevention. Kelsey shares her journey from fitness to PT, inspired by working with elderly patients and those with Parkinson's disease. She discusses how chronic pain affects the nervous system, the importance of strength and balance training and exercise for aging adults, and her comprehensive approach to fall prevention, including balance training, reactive training, and body awareness. Kelsey also introduces her online program, Safe and Stable Solutions, designed to help people live safer, more independent lives through effective balance training.

Zulu Weighted Vest:

Upgrade your everyday movement with the ZULU Weighted Vest — designed to increase calorie burn, naturally engage your core, and improve posture with every step. Perfect for walks, workouts, and daily errands. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout.

Needed Discount:

Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!

Kelsey's Resources:

We Think You'll Love:

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/461

What You'll Learn:

3:11 Kelsey shares her journey from fitness to physical therapy, and how working with elderly and Parkinson's patients sparked her passion.

8:04 Kelsey explains how fear and a heightened nervous system impact chronic pain, and how she uses breathing to calm patients.

11:13 Kelsey discusses...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body podcast, Doctors of Physical Therapy Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore the benefits of toe spacers for foot health. They discuss how these simple, affordable devices help counteract toe crowding caused by modern footwear, reducing pain and improving function. Backed by research, toe spacers show benefits for conditions like bunions, plantar fasciitis, Morton's neuroma, and flat feet. They also highlight benefits for balance and neurological conditions. The hosts emphasize that toe spacers work best when combined with targeted foot exercises and proper footwear, offering practical tips for safe and effective use.

Zulu Weighted Vest:

Upgrade your everyday movement with the ZULU Weighted Vest — designed to increase calorie burn, naturally engage your core, and improve posture with every step. Perfect for walks, workouts, and daily errands. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout.

Free Foot Health Webinar:

Dealing with pain from bunions or plantar fasciitis? Or just interested in how to optimize your foot health overall? Come sign up for Doc Jen's free foot health webinar!

We Think You'll Love:

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/460

What You'll Learn:

1:52 The hosts introduce toe spacers, comparing them to pedicure tools and noting their growing popularity among celebrities and athletes.

4:04 A brief history of the original toe spacer concept, introduced in 1914 to address foot conditions caused by toe crowding.

6:58 A 2024 systematic review is cited, showing toe spacers are an effective conservative treatment, especially for hallux valgus (bunions).

8:52 Discussion on how toe spacers can reduce pain, redistribute pressure, and slow the progression of bunions, supported by research.

12:26 Explaining how toe spacers help Morton's neuroma by creating space between the metatarsals, reducing nerve irritation and providing symptom relief.

15:24 How spreading the toes can stretch intrinsic foot muscles, improve blood flow, and redistribute pressure to help heal plantar fasciitis.

18:44 Toe spacers help activate intrinsic foot muscles by providing a gentle stretch, which can improve strength and support for flat feet.

20:52 Discussion on how toe spacers can improve gait in neurological patients, enhance balance, and potentially reduce fall risk as we age.

23:32 The hosts recommend pairing toe spacer use with...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, welcome physiotherapist Will Harlow, who specializes in helping people over 50 maintain independence and achieve movement longevity. Will shares his journey from sports physiotherapy to focusing on older adults and introduces his four pillars of independence: mobility, strength, balance, and skeletal health—all essential for movement longevity. He offers practical advice, including strength training, "balance snacks," and bone-strengthening exercises, emphasizing how these habits contribute to movement longevity. Will also highlights the importance of diet, quality sleep, and social connection for longevity, while addressing common concerns about osteoporosis and arthritis pain. He promotes his new book, "Independence for Life".

Lifting for Longevity:

Check out our NEW movement longevity course -> Lifting for Longevity! Build your Strength, Mobility, Power, Balance and more regardless of what stage or age you’re at! Podcast listeners get a bonus discount with code OPTIMAL20

Needed Discount:

Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!

Will's Resources:

We Think You'll Love:

Go HERE for full show notes.

What You'll Learn:

4:29 Will describes his career path, leaving pro sports, and discovering his calling in helping people over 50.

9:51 Will shares about working for...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, doctors of physical therapy, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, discuss hernias, explaining what they are, their types, causes, and treatment options. They differentiate hernias from conditions like diastasis recti and prolapse, emphasizing that hernias involve a fascial defect requiring surgery. Dr Dom shares her personal experience with bilateral inguinal hernias and inadequate post-surgical rehabilitation. Both hosts stress the importance of core and pelvic floor rehabilitation before and after surgery to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence, encouraging listeners to work with pelvic floor physical therapists and explore their Jen Health core and pelvic floor program.

Jen Health Annual Membership Discount:

Huge discount on Jen Health Annual Membership! Podcast listeners get over 50% off with code OPTIMAL10. Access 12 Therapy Plans and start your free trial now—move with us!

We think You'll Love:

For full episode show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/458

What You'll Learn:

1:24 Introduction to hernias, their prevalence, and the episode’s goal to explain anatomy, treatment, and recovery.

1:56 Clarifies what a hernia is, types of hernias, and distinguishes hernias from herniated discs and other conditions.

2:54 Explains fascia’s role, causes of hernias (congenital, pressure, trauma), and anatomical weak points.

4:13 Discusses how hernias differ from diastasis recti and prolapse, focusing on tissue stretching versus protrusion.

6:14 Describes the umbrella of pressure-related abdominal canister problems and contributing factors.

6:42 Explains reducible, incarcerated, and strangulated hernias and their clinical significance.

7:31 Details inguinal and umbilical hernias, surgical repair options, recurrence rates, and chronic pain risks.

9:33 Doc Jen shares her experience with inguinal hernia surgery, chronic pain, and lack of post-surgical rehab guidance.

12:08 Highlights the need for core and pelvic floor rehabilitation before and after hernia surgery.

14:35 Discusses research on exercise for hernia management, symptom reduction, and the difference between fixing appearance and function.

16:49 Explains how proper pressure management enables return to activity, even with hernias or diastasis recti.

17:47 Covers the importance of prehab and rehab, timelines for...

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