In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, physical therapists Doc Jen and Dr Dom discuss trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis), covering its causes, symptoms, and risk factors—especially in people with diabetes or repetitive hand use. They outline conservative treatments like splinting, corticosteroid injections, and targeted exercises to improve tendon gliding and finger mobility. Surgical options for trigger finger are reviewed for persistent cases. The hosts emphasize starting with therapy and activity modification before invasive treatments, and they share practical exercises for hand and wrist health.

LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase!

Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!

Movement Rx Course - Last Call!!

We have already gotten started with a group of over 1000 in this program focused on Longevity! Come join us and get the early-bird price (even though it is already gone) using code OPTIMAL at checkout! Join Movement Rx today!

We think you’ll love:

• Get A Free Week on Jen Health!
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

What You'll Learn:

02:52 Introduction to Trigger Finger

04:17 Causes and Contributing Factors

06:32 Conservative Treatment: Finger Splinting & Corticosteroid Injection

09:18 Surgical Intervention

10:55 Role of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy

12:53 Tendon Gliding Exercises

15:07 Finger and Wrist Stretching

16:43 Active Wrist and Finger Movements

17:44 Finger Taps and Control Exercises

19:26 Adding Resistance and Rice Bucket Exercises

20:03 Importance of Ongoing Exercise and Prevention
 

For full show notes and resources visit: https://jen.health/podcast/420

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom welcome Dr. Courtney Conley and Dr. Jen Perez, co-founders of Gait Happens, for an insightful discussion on health optimization through foot health. They explore how foot health impacts overall well-being, exercise performance, and movement longevity, with a special focus on plantar fasciitis and other common issues that impact foot health. The conversation dispels myths about orthotics and highlights the importance of functional foot strength. Listeners receive practical health tips and learn how exercise and a holistic approach can optimize health and prevent pain.

Movement Rx Program:

Looking to make sure you are moving well at all stages of life?! That is why Doc Jen teamed up with Dr Courtney from Gait Happens and created the Movement Rx program with movement longevity in mind. It is never too late, or too early, to start focusing on this! We will all be starting as a community on August 1st! Also, as our special podcast listeners, you can still get the early-bird pricing using code OPTIMAL at checkout!

LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase!

Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!

Gait Happens Resources:

• Gait Happens Website
• Gait Happens Instagram
• Gait Happens Youtube
• Gait Happens Facebook

We think you’ll love:

• Get A Free Week on Jen Health!
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/419

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, doctors of physical therapy, dive deep into the connection between menopause and women’s health, focusing on how estrogen affects muscle health, strength, and recovery. They break down the ways menopause and the surrounding hormonal shifts—peri-menopause, post-menopause, and postpartum—can impact muscle repair, strength loss, and injury risk. You’ll get actionable tips on exercise, health optimization for women navigating these hormonal changes. The hosts highlight the importance of self-compassion, rest, and adapting workouts for long-term health and functional strength, empowering women to thrive throughout every stage of life.

VivoBarefoot Discount:

Support your feet and ankles with VivoBarefoot shoes—perfect for any occasion! Boost mobility and strength from the ground up. Use code OPTIMAL20 for 20% off. 100-day trial included—return if you’re not satisfied!

**Vivo offers a 100-Day trial period. If you are not completely satisfied, you can send the shoes back and get a refund.

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!

Strong Healthy Joints Course Discount:

Looking to build strength and muscle but need a plan to follow?! That is why we created Strong Healthy Joints! A 30 Day program with strength workouts that will have you in and out of the gym quick while still getting you the strength training you need! Come join now and grab a special discount with code OPTIMAL20 at checkout!

We think you’ll love:

• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

Find all the show notes and resources at https://jen.health/podcast/418

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, Doctors of Physical Therapy, interview Julie Sawayah, co-founder of Needed. They discuss the critical gaps in prenatal nutrition, highlighting common deficiencies in standard prenatal vitamins and the importance of optimal dosing and quality ingredients in prenatals. Julie explains Needed’s approach to comprehensive, research-backed supplements for women and men, and emphasizes the role of education in empowering families to make informed health choices, especially within the area of nutrition for women. The episode also covers the expansion into postpartum and children’s nutrition, underscoring Needed’s commitment to supporting women’s health and nutrition and providing evidence based body tips at every stage.

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!

Free Week of the Jen Health Membership:

Get a free week of Jen Health Membership! Access 12 plans crafted by Doc Jen, PT. We’ll match you with the best plan for your goals. Check it out today and use code OPTIMAL for a discount on your first month!

Julie's Resources:

• Needed Website
• Needed Instagram
• Needed Youtube
• Needed Facebook
• Needed Academy
• Needed Labs

We think you’ll love:

• Get A Free Week on Jen Health!
• Pelvic Floor Foundations Course
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/417

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen PT, DPT and Dr Dom PT, DPT, physical therapy experts, compare high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT), answering questions from their Jen Health community. They discuss the benefits and challenges of each method, especially for women in perimenopause and post-menopause, and emphasize the importance of individualizing workouts for optimal health. The hosts offer practical advice on balancing HIIT and SIT with other exercise modalities and physical activity, highlight the significance of recovery, and encourage listeners to find an approach that supports their unique health needs and goals to best support overall health optimization.

VivoBarefoot Discount:

Support your feet and ankles with VivoBarefoot shoes—perfect for any occasion! Boost mobility and strength from the ground up. Use code OPTIMAL20 for 20% off. 100-day trial included—return if you’re not satisfied!

**Vivo offers a 100-Day trial period. If you are not completely satisfied, you can send the shoes back and get a refund.

LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase!

Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!

We think you’ll love:

• Jen Health High Intensity Plan
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/416

What You Will Learn: 

1:43 Introduction to the HIIT vs SIT topic, social media influence, and relevance for perimenopausal/postmenopausal women.

2:52 Clarifying the benefits of HIIT, addressing misconceptions, and emphasizing not demonizing any exercise form.

3:42 Explanation of Sprint Interval Training (SIT), its structure, and exercise examples.

6:58 Comparison of energy expenditure, session length, and rounds for HIIT and SIT.

08:18 How HIIT and SIT affect bone density, especially for women in perimenopause and post-menopause.

09:56 How hormonal changes...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom welcome Gina Conley, founder of MamasteFit, to discuss prenatal exercise and postpartum fitness. Gina shares her personal journey, debunks common myths about exercising during pregnancy, and highlights the importance of tailored movement for pelvic health and pain relief. The conversation emphasizes listening to one’s body, gradual postpartum recovery, and the need for compassionate self-care. Together, they encourage expectant and new mothers to embrace prenatal exercise, challenge outdated advice, and celebrate the strength and resilience of the postpartum body. When it comes to women's health and fitness, specifically prenatal exercise expertise and postpartum movement rehab, there aren't many better than Gina.

VivoBarefoot Discount:

Support your feet and ankles with VivoBarefoot shoes—perfect for any occasion! Boost mobility and strength from the ground up. Use code OPTIMAL20 for 20% off. 100-day trial included—return if you’re not satisfied!

**Vivo offers a 100-Day trial period. If you are not completely satisfied, you can send the shoes back and get a refund.

Free Week of the Jen Health Membership:

Get a free week of Jen Health Membership! Access 12 plans crafted by Doc Jen, PT. We’ll match you with the best plan for your goals. Check it out today and use code OPTIMAL for a discount on your first month!

Gina's Resources:

• "Training for Two" Book
• MamasteFit Website
• MamasteFit Instagram
• MamasteFit Youtube
• MamasteFit Facebook

We think you’ll love:

• Get A Free Week on Jen Health!
• Pelvic Floor Foundations Course
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/415

What You Will Learn from Gina:

04:28 Gina shares her first pregnancy experience, lack of resources, and how she started MamasteFit.

07:24 Gina describes forming a supportive community of new moms and developing her fitness programming.

09:54 Discussion...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore the benefits and considerations of using weighted vests during walking, especially for individuals in menopause. They discuss how weighted vest walking can help improve bone density, especially for women post menopause, and offer practical tips for safe use. The hosts emphasize that while weighted vests can enhance fitness routines, strength training remains essential for bone health. They highlight that the "best" exercise tends to be the one that you enjoy the most and are able to stay the most consistent with. The episode provides actionable advice for listeners interested in boosting their health through walking and strength training.

Jen Health Annual Membership Discount:

Huge discount on Jen Health Annual Membership! Podcast listeners get nearly 50% off with code OPTIMAL20. Access 12 Therapy Plans and start your free trial now—move with us!

LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase!

Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!

We think you’ll love:

• Strong Healthy Joints Program
• Jen Health Membership Discount
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/414

What You Will Learn:

03:27 Weighted Vests and Bone Density in women surrounding menopause

05:36 Why Weighted Vest Walking is Trending

06:53 Calorie Burn and Weighted Vest Guidelines

08:46 Bone Density Benefits and Research

09:49 Research Study: Protocol and Results

11:03 Comparing Weighted Vest Walking to Strength Training

14:18 Cardiovascular and Calorie Burn Comparisons

16:14 Bone Density: Strength Training vs. Weighted Vest Walking

19:16 Combining Weighted Vest Walking with Strength Training

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom interview Dr. Emily Splichal, a functional podiatrist, foot health expert, and author of "Sensory Sapiens." They discuss the vital role of sensory awareness—especially through the feet—in movement, emotional well-being, and fall prevention. Dr. Splichal shares practical tips for enhancing sensory connections, highlights the impact of footwear on foot health, and encourages listeners to integrate sensory practices into daily life for improved balance, confidence, and overall health. The episode emphasizes the powerful link between body awareness and holistic well-being at any age.

VivoBarefoot Discount:

Support your feet and ankles with VivoBarefoot shoes—perfect for any occasion! Boost mobility and strength from the ground up. Use code OPTIMAL20 for 20% off. 100-day trial included—return if you’re not satisfied!

**Vivo offers a 100-Day trial period. If you are not completely satisfied, you can send the shoes back and get a refund.

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!

Sensory Sapiens Book:

Wondering how improving our sensation optimizes our whole body health? Furthermore, wondering how the feet play a pivotal role in this sensory journey? Look no further! Go grab Sensory Sapiens, written by our guest Dr Emily Splichal, and learn how to unlock the secrets of sensation. This book is practically a how-to guide on taking a deep dive in the the sensory abilities stored in your body! Grab your copy!

Items mentioned:

• Sensory Sapiens Book
• Dr. Emily's Naboso Youtube
• Dr. Emily's Naboso Website

We think you’ll love:

• Barefoot Mini Course
• Jen’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

Also related to this episode: foot health, sensory awareness, body tips, physical therapy tips, exercise, optimal movement

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, doctors of physical therapy, discuss how medical diagnoses like "degenerative disc disease" and "chondromalacia patella" can be misleading, unnecessarily alarming, and detrimental to our optimal health journey. They explain that imaging often shows abnormalities in people without pain, emphasizing the importance of focusing on pain management and functional improvement through progressive exercise rather than labels. The hosts encourage listeners to seek education, community support, and conservative treatment options, reminding them that diagnoses and imaging results do not define their health or recovery potential. They want to stress that this is a key tip that can help with health optimization.

Pelvic Floor Foundations:

Want a stronger pelvic floor but don’t know where to start? Our Pelvic Floor Foundations Course guides you step-by-step. Podcast listeners get a discount with code OPTIMAL10. Learn more and sign up today!

LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase!

Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!

We think you’ll love:

• Pelvic Floor Foundations
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources go to https://jen.health/podcast/412

What You'll Learn:

2:45 Discussion on how overused diagnoses and imaging can be more harmful than helpful.

3:22 Explaining that age-related changes on imaging are common and not always linked to pain.

4:21 How people identify with diagnoses and the importance of not letting them define you.

6:32 Research shows structural knee changes are common and not always related to pain; term “chondromalacia patella” is outdated.

7:57 Studies show patellar alignment changes on MRI have minimal association with pain or function.

9:53 A listener’s story about anxiety from imaging results and the pitfalls of overemphasizing degenerative disc disease.

11:51 Studies show high rates of disc herniation and degeneration in people without back pain.

14:48 Rotator cuff tears are common...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, delve into the critical first thousand days of a child's life, from conception to two years old. They highlight the importance of prenatal and postpartum nutrition for women's health. Guest speaker Dr. Federica Amati, head nutritionist at Zoe, emphasizes the lasting impact of early nutritional choices on a child's health. She discusses creating a supportive food environment, fostering intuitive eating in children, and the importance of nutrient-dense foods. The episode offers practical health tips for parents to promote lifelong healthy eating habits. Dr Amati is truly a leading voice in advancing women's health and nutrition.

Pelvic Floor Foundations:

Want a stronger pelvic floor but don’t know where to start? Our Pelvic Floor Foundations Course guides you step-by-step. Podcast listeners get a discount with code OPTIMAL10. Learn more and sign up today!

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 Federica's Resources and Links:

• Dr Federica's Instagram
• Dr Federica's Website
• Learn More About ZOE
• ZOE Science and Nutrition Podcast
• We think you’ll love:

Free Week of Jen Health Membership

• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources, visit: https://jen.health/podcast/411

Also in this episode: optimal health, health optimization, prenatal nutrition, postpartum nutrition, body tips, women's health and fitness

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.