Diagnosed with a herniated disc? DocJen & Dr. Dom breaks it all down for you! Debunking the common messaging we hear about bulging discs, DocJen & Dr. Dom provide you the hopeful perspective you need to hear. With a strong emphasis on adaptability, they mold the conversation around function, instead of structure, through research and their client experience. Through a brief and simplistic explanation of modern pain science, DocJen & Dr. Dom moves past the stereotypes associated with disc herniations, and talk into how you can adapt back into your optimally functioning body! Let’s debunk the misconceptions around herniated discs!

15% OFF Vivobarefoot Shoes!

Our foundations are everything. Our feet are everything. Our feet are our base of support and affect everything up the chain! A study revealed a 60% increase in foot strength from 6 months of wearing VivoBarefoot shoes. Strengthen your feet to build more resilience and move more with Vivo Barefoot! Get 15% off using code ‘TOB’ at checkout.

What You Will Learn In This PT Pearl:

3:30 – Taking fear away from diagnosis names

5:33 – Disc Anatomy

7:37 – Disc Diagnosis & MRI Scans

10:27 – Studies of Disc Herniations

12:28 – Adapting to Pain

14:57 – Function over Structure

15:55 – Never flex the spine?

18:17 – Diaphragmatic Breathing

22:25  – Flexion in the Spine is normal

23:55  – Mobility Method

26:49  – Don’t be afraid and keep exploring!

To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://youtube.com/watch/

For research and full show notes, visit the full website at: https://jen.health/podcast/124

Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show!

Curious about healthcare in America, Getting ready for pregnancy? Pregnant and want to optimize your delivery? Dr. Fraboni covers it all! We dive straight into the biases within the healthcare system, especially in the context of pregnancy and labor, and how competition tends to disrupt the power of collaboration between health providers. Dr. Frabroni explores his training with nurses and midwives, and how he has carried forward his early teachings to his practice today. With insufficient access to healthcare for certain groups in America, and increasing numbers of c-sections in the country, Dr. Frabroni discusses the importance of prenatal access with respect to fetal comorbidity, and the necessity of blending fetal monitoring approaches to optimize labor and the health of the baby. Furthermore, Dr. Fabroni offers his insights into the dichotomies between natural birth and c-sections and the importance of being open to respecting the patient’s needs, while educating. He discusses openness and education further in the context of delivery positioning, caloric intake, weight gain, exercises when pregnant, and pelvic floor therapy. Tune into all things pregnancy, prenatal, cross-pollination between providers, and working in hospitals!

PaleoValley Discount:

We mention PaleoValley in this episode. Dr. Jen & Dr. Dom swears by Paleovalley because they know everything that is in their beef sticks of superfood bars and that they can trust the ingredients list that has no vague labeling and words they understand! Stack them up in your pantry using ‘OPTIMAL’ to get a 15% discount at checkout! 

What You Will Learn In This Interview with Dr. Fraboni

4:05 – Biases in different providers

8:28 – Dr. Fabroni’s experience training with nurses & midwives

11:14 – The importance of collaboration

14:22 – Access to healthcare

17:43 – Foetal Monitoring

18:37  – Blending Foetal Approaches

22:15 – Scheduling c-sections

31:40  – Labor in a tub

38:11  – Issues with prenatal access

39:52  – Eating for two?

42:00 – Pregnancy & Exercise

46:57  – Dr. Fraboni’s biggest takeaways

48:52  – Pelvic Floor Therapy

About Dr. Fraboni:

Dr. Fraboni is an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota, School of Medicine, Minneapolis campus, in Minneapolis, MN, and is a staff physician and Chief of Staff at M Health Fairview Northland Medical Center, in Princeton, MN.  He received his Medical Degree from the University of Minnesota, School of Medicine, Minneapolis, and completed a residency in Family Medicine at St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Paul, through the University of Minnesota’s Department of Family Medicine and Community Health.  Dr. Fraboni also completed a 2 year surgical Fellowship in Maternal-Child Health at Brown University School of Medicine, Providence.

To learn more about Dr. Fabroni and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/123

Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show!

Got Flat Feet? You’re in luck. DocJen & Dr. Dom unravel the misconceptions surrounding flat feet. Firstly, they explain the importance of focusing on function, rather than structure with more and more research, science is shifting away from scans, structure, and alignment indicating pain, injury, or dysfunction. They describe the different types of flat feet, their prevalence, and which of the diagnosis tends to be more commonly associated with symptoms. Briefly, DocJen & Dr. Dom discusses potential factors that could increase the risk of having symptoms associated with flat feet, and how the body may have adapted to foot positioning up the chain to accommodate flat feet as a consequence of the modern-day shoe. They provide their best tips to address your flat feet for optimal function, which includes more time spent barefoot and exercises to increase arch and foot awareness. Let’s dive in to find what’s optimal for your flat feet!

Vivobarefoot Shoe Discount:

It’s summer! As DocJen & Dr. Dom embarks on new adventures, traveling all around the US, they find themselves on a spontaneous hike more often than not. VivoBaefoot’s Tracker Forest esc has an extra grippy bottom and protects your feet against the rocky and varying terrains of nature, yet allows your feet to breathe and maneuver with ease. Get 15% off using code ‘TOB’ at checkout.

What You Will Learn In This PT Pearl:

3:05 –What does having a flat foot mean?

7:23 – Flat Feet & Walking

8:20 – Compensatory Patterns

9:28 – Prevalence of different flat feet diagnosis

11:23 – Risk factors associated with symptomatic flat feet

12:58 – Signs & Symptoms

15:10 – Noticing tendencies within the body

15:40 – Shoes.

18:32  – Exercises to increase arch awareness

22:15  – Research and a PTs Role

23:23  – How VivoBarefoot shoes can help flat feet

To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://youtube.com/watch/

For research and full show notes, visit the full website at: https://jen.health/podcast/122

Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show!

Dealing with persistent pain? Physical Therapists deal with them too! Kristi Barker walks the path of her passion for physical therapy and where her interests stemmed from. She explores the balance between educating on an online platform and her ability to physically manipulate in person. Through this, she explores the perks of simple education online and where her goals are heading in reaching a more global population. She unveils her experience with chronic pain recently, and how she navigated the repercussions of it. Finally, she discusses mindset as a priority in getting through recovery. Tune in to learn about what it takes to get to the other side of recovery!

What You Will Learn In This Interview with Kristi Barker:

2:00 – Where did Kristi’s passion for PT come from?

4:07 – Private Practice

5:10 – Education with Patients

7:28 – Beauty in the basics.

8:50 – Are PTs prescribing too many exercises?

10:54  – Injury Prevention

12:35 – Kristi’s tips with persistent pain

16:49  – Kristi’s neck pain

19:57  – The no pain no gain mentality

20:58  – What helped Kristi with her neck pain?

24:58  – Positive self-talk

31:04  – Reach Rehab Mission

About Kristi Barker

Kristi Barker, Physical therapist from Saskatchewan Canada, runs instagram page @reach.rehab. She fell in love with weight lifting and vertical training when she played division 1 volleyball at University of Arkansas Little rock. She personally trained until she was accepted into the masters of Physical Therapy program and is now a physical therapist at a private practice clinic. Her overall goal is to inspire others to move and make physiotherapy accessible globally.

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Kristi’s Website: https://reach-rehab.com/

Kristi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reach.rehab/

To learn more about Kristi and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/121

Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show!

Been diagnosed with a rotator cuff injury? Shoulder acting up? Dr. Jen & Dr. Dom decipher the different diagnoses you can get with rotator cuff injuries: tendonitis, tendinosis, shoulder impingements, and tearing of the rotator cuff. In doing so, they explain the anatomy of the shoulder, specifically honing on which diagnoses are most popular for each of the four rotator cuff muscles. They hone in on the research between MRI scans and asymptomatic individuals, ending the podcast with their best tips to addressing rotator-cuff-related injuries and what you can do to feel something different. Let’s take a deep dive into the rotator cuffs!

Vivobarefoot Shoe Discount:

We also mention VivoBarefoot in this episode. Dr. Jen & Dr, Dom are enjoying their summer hikes in their VivoBarefoot Trail Knits. This grippy, sturdy, yet adaptable shoe will help you expedite your next hike while providing the stimuli of the varied terrains to re-train integrity and strength back in your feet. Truly feel the beauties of nature under your feet, while keeping them safe with Vivo’s allowing your foot to feel safe and the terrain teaching your foot muscle. Use code ‘TOB’ to get 15% off! 

What You Will Learn in this PT Pearl:

2:48 – Diagnosis does not equal pain

3:50 – Research on Scans & Tests

6:00 – What is the Rotator Cuff?

13:48 – Thoracic Spine

14:51 – Muscular Imbalances

19:20 – Dr. Jen’s best tip to approaching Rotator Cuff Injury

22:08 – Dr. Dom’s best tip to approaching Rotator Cuff Injury

23:53 – Self-assessing with TMM

To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://youtube.com/watch/

For research and full show notes, visit the full website at: https://jen.health/podcast/120

Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show!

Caught up in a binge-restrict cycle? Can’t seem to truly practice intuitive eating? Feeling powerless with food choices? If you are struggling with the concept of naturally moderating your portion sizes, this one’s for you. Keri ford, a holistic health specialist, provides insight into approaching your relationship with food through a perspective of healing with a deeper root cause. Explaining the power of pausing, intuitive eating, and gradient of healing, she walks you through her own disordered eating past and provides tips on how you can begin to start your own journey. As part of the process, she talks about true self-love, distinguishing it from self-care. She touches base with the somatic work and its transformational effects in relation to the nervous system, trauma healing, and weight management. Learn whether or not Keri still struggles with her relationship with food and how to restore and reconnect with yourself on a sanctuary retreat with Keri! Let’s dive in!

PaleoValley Discount:

We mention PaleoValley in this episode. If you pick 5 packaged food items and read the ingredient list, can you be assured that you will understand the ingredients? That’s why we love PalleoVallley. Palleovalley uses whole foods ingredients, found naturally on our earth. With beef sticks and protein bars, they have something to satisfy your sweet or savory tooth! Use code ‘OPTIMAL‘ to get 15% off.

What You Will Learn In This Interview with Keri Ford:

3:28 – Keri’s “Why.”

5:22 – Approaching struggling relationships with food.

6:36 – Power of Pausing.

10:34 – Dropping shame associated with food.

13:32 – Approaching cravings in terms of intuitive eating.

16:30  – How Keri permitted intuitive eating.

19:22 – Shifting from self-care to self-love.

21:08  – Billion dollar body principle.

22:57  – Tips on identifying how to be present & starting your journey.

26:33  – What is Somatic work?

34:29  – Keri’s Sanctuary Retreats.

39:03  – Connect further with Keri

About Keri Ford:

Featured around the world on Entrepreneur, NBC, SELF, Livestrong, and FOX, Keri is the CEO and Founder of Elevate with Keri – an elite transformational coaching movement and luxury brand created for high-performance women ready to be successful in this part of their life. As a previous Celebrity Trainer, Keri is recognized as an international motivational speaker, author, event host, and leading global authority on whole-body wellness. She has spoken alongside top industry experts, neuroscientists, and doctors.

Keri has also been nominated as one of the Top 100 Visionaries in Healthcare by IFAH, the International Forum on Advancements in Healthcare.

She is on a mission to empower millions of women to challenge diet culture, educate on the science and psychology of intuitive eating, and master self-love from the inside out.

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Keri’s Website: https://elevatewithkeri.com

Sign up for Keri’s retreat: https://shiftwithsanctuary.com

Keri’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekeriford/

To learn more about Keri and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/119

Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show!

Pain or swelling around the thumb side of your wrist? This PT Pearl gives you the rundown of what might be happening! Dr. Jen & Dr. Dom dive into what DeQuervains Syndrome and the tendons associated with it. Also known as Gamer’s thumb and Mother’s thumb, Dr. Dom coins the term “Mellenial’s Thumb,” discussing the association between the use of technology and DeQuervian’s syndrome. Furthermore, they explain the use of Finkelstein’s Test and potentially modifying it as a part of the treatment protocol. They present the latest understandings around DeQuervains Syndrome, shifting away from the idea that it is a condition that is caused solely by inflammation. Nonetheless, they give you the rundown on traditional treatment protocols of pain management through splinters and injections, and the importance of moving from passive treatment modalities (e.g ice. rest. injections) to active modalities to create long-term true change. Learn how to make the most of your rehabilitation by asking the right questions to your health insurance company, educating yourself about the syndrome, and empowering yourself with the understanding and approach to addressing your tendencies and symptoms!

What You Will Learn in this PT Pearl:

0:42– What is DeQuervain Syndrome?

2:46 – Prevalence of DeQuervain Syndrome.

3:10 – Finkelstein's Test.

5:55 – Shifting away from ‘itis.’

6:13 – How to approach sensations with the DeQuervain Syndrome?

9:14 – Shots & Injections.

11:38 – Shots & Injections aren't your long-term solution.

12:09 – Addressing Insurance Protocol.

13:00  – Surgical treatment.

14:01  – (P)Rehabilitation.

16:14  – More than just the thumb.

To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://youtube.com/watch/

For research and full show notes, visit the full website at: https://jen.health/podcast/118

Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show!

Let’s talk about optimizing nutrition to combat aging, disease, and weight management. Shawn starts the conversation by taking us through his path in deciding to leave the traditional medical and health care system, and use his expertise to provide guidance on truly experiencing longevity. Maybe, salt, fat, and cholesterol are not as bad as we think it is? Shawn unveils the truths behind the research that proposes negative correlations with salt, fat, and high cholesterol, in the context of hypertension, obesity, and heart disease respectively. While doing so, he hones in on the importance of natural, unprocessed, and whole foods. Moreover, Shawn addresses protein through concepts of muscle protein synthesis and insulin as a major contributor to protecting the body from sarcopenic obesity and age-related muscle loss. Particularly highlighting collagen and leucine, Shawn talks about different types, sources, and the importance of protein and collagen. Furthermore, Shawn addresses creatine and its anti-cancer, anti-aging, and performance-enhancing benefits. Finally, he mentions the association between blood sugar and diseases, and provides insight into his top 10 supplement list, emphasizing the significance of vitamin D3 and K2, magnesium, and polyphenols. Keep a handy notebook and pen close by. This one is noteworthy.

Dry Farm Wines Discount:

We mention Dry Farm Wines in this episode. Dr. Jen & Dr. Dom love to enjoy a little bit of wine now and then, and they love Dry Farm Wine! They use organic grapes, practice regenerative agriculture, and test every bottle for herbicides and pesticides to produce vibrant, fresh, and bright wine. Buy one get one for just one extra penny! 

What You Will Learn In This Interview with Shawn Wells:

6:09 – Shawn’s Work & Story,

13:28 – Salt, Fat, Cholesterol

20:54 – Protein Sources & Collagen.

26:49 – Collagen Ingredient Lists.

23:39 –Getting collagen through food.

31:07 – Creatine.

33:30 – Vitamin D3 & K2.

36:31  – Magnesium.

37:56 – Berberine.

38:54  – Blood Sugar & Disease

40:02  – Polyphenols.

41:52  – Evidence, Bioindividualsity, and The Energy Formula

43:38  – Learn more with Shawn.

About Shawn Wells:

Shawn Wells, MPH, LDN, RD, CISSN, FISSN is a product formulator and expert in the fields of performance nutrition, longevity, fitness, and supplementation. He earned his master’s degree from UNC-Chapel Hill, where he studied nutritional biochemistry with a minor in exercise science. Shawn is a Registered Dietitian with a decade of experience as a Chief Clinical Dietitian in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. He is also a Certified Sports Nutritionist and has worked with celebrity clients and professional athletes.

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Shawn’s Book “The Energy Formula”: https://www.energyformula.com/

Shawn’s Website: https://shawnwells.com/

Shawn’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnwells/

To learn more about Shawn and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/117

Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show!

Been diagnosed with pes anserine bursitis? Have pain to swelling around your lower knee area? Dr. Jen & Dr. Dom decipher pes anserine bursitis, breaking down the term, diagnosis, and anatomy associated with the diagnosis. They explain common symptoms and dive into common contributions to the diagnosis. With its prevalence seen commonly amongst athletes and in conjunction with other issues in the lower limb,  they hone in on concepts of irritation, tenderness, and systemic inflammation. Moreover, they debunk the misconception that flat feet and knee valgus are the causes of pes anserine and clarify the association. Finally, they guide you through their method of approaching pes anserine, covering inversions, lymph drainage, breath, stressors, mobility, and their favorite ways to activate the muscles associated with pes anserine. Tune in to learn!

PaleoValley Discount:

We also mention PaleoValley throughout the episode. En route to their next destination, currently, Doc Jen & Dr. Dom take these EVERYWHERE. PaleoValley is their go-to when they’re feeling peckish. For a complete protein, whole food, and all-natural snack. get your 100% grass-fed beef stick or superfood bar for a discount using code “OPTIMAL” at checkout.

What You Will Learn in this PT Pearl:

1:57 – The Pes Anserine Area.

4:36 – Symptoms of Pes Anserine Bursitis.

5:56 – What could contribute to Bursitis.

6:44 – Prevalence in Athletes.

9:44 – What do Muscle Imbalances mean?

11:19 – Treatment

15:45 – Targettting the Muscles specifically.

18:34 – From foot up the chain.

To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://www.youtube.com/docjenfit/watch/

For research and full show notes, visit the full website at: https://jen.health/podcast/116

Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show!

Wonder what the difference is between grass-fed and grass-finished meat? Curious to learn about regenerative farming? Interested in how the omega 3:6 ratio matters in your meat? Tune in as Anya deciphers the world of meat. Starting off with her story and how her transition from eating vegetarian to eating meat, she speaks from within as she explains what drove and still drives her passion to produce quality meat. Then, Anya explains the fundamentals of regenerative farming and how it relates to farm legacy and soil nutrients for health. Soon after, she shifts into talking about the environment and ethics, discussing her perspectives on overpopulation and the meat industry, the cheap meat paradox, as well as food wastage. Finally, she breaks down all our questions about labels, clarifying the difference between grass-fed, grass-finished, organic, cage-free, farm-raised, and pasture-raised. With that comes her top recommendation in choosing the best sources of meat, depending on ruminant versus non-ruminant animals, according to its labels. She takes pride in how Belcampo cares for the development of the animal and the health of her customers. Listen in as Anya talks you through the meat industry, and how Belcampo meat might be your best bet!

Dry Farm Wines Discount:

We mention Dry Farm Wines  in this episode. Dr. Jen & Dr. Dom love to enjoy a little bit of wine now and then, and they love Dry Farm Wine! They use organic grapes, practice regenerative agriculture, and test every bottle for herbicides and pesticides to produce vibrant, fresh, and bright wine. Buy one get one for just one extra penny!

What You Will Learn In This Interview with Anya Fernald :

3:05 – What drove Anya’s passion?

8:40 – From vegetarian to farm foods.

11:54 – Food Italy.

15:58 – Regenerative Farming.

17:30 – Regenerative Farming in America.

19:30  – Benefits of slow-growing meats.

20:59  – Can regenerative farming feed overpopulation?

22:59  – Cheap-Meat paradox.

25:58  – Subsidization & Meat.

27:30  – Battling Alternative Meats.

28:23  – Different labels in the meat industry and what they mean.

30:30  – How to source the best quality meat.

36:40 – E-commerce & Grocery Stores for Belcampo

38:56  – Learn more & How you can order Belcampo.

40:00 – Rights & Meat.

About Anya Fernando:

Anya Fernald brings 15 years of experience building and growing food businesses to Belcampo. Her first job after college was to launch a cooperative of cheesemakers in rural Sicily, from there she moved to direct international micro-investments for the Italian Slow Food Foundation. Upon returning to the US in 2005, she built and ran a produce distribution company and launched Slow Food Nation and Eat Real. Anya then developed business plans via her own company, Live Culture, where she first began working with partner Todd Robinson as a client. Anya has been a regular judge on the Food Network’s Iron Chef since 2009 and also serves as the founding board chair of the Food Craft Institute.

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Belcampo Website: https://belcampo.com/

Belcampo Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/belcampo

Anya’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anyafernald/

To learn more about Anya and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/115

Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show!