You are not defined by your injury, your pain, your diagnosis, or what the MRI scan depicts. Dr Malek emphasizes the significance of rapport and her ultimate goals of creating a brain-safe environment for all “athletes of life.” Through her unique and individualized method, Dr. Malek re-iterates how vital it is to explore novelty, optimal sensation, and what “good discomfort” feels like in your body By delving into what works for your body, Dr. Malek rediscovers the role of the brain and how the brain controls the way you perceive your circumstances, address your concerns, consider advice, and move. She discusses her holistic process in deviating focus away from a diagnosis or an MRI scan, but rather towards education and your biopsychosocial context. In her eyes, the brain directs the value and success of your physical therapy. Soon after, she dives into the realm of PT myths, dissecting common preconceptions around manual therapy and emphasizing mind-body connection. In light of her biopsychosocial approach, Dr. Malek speaks to how athleticism, as an aspect of identity, links to overtraining and the athlete trial concept. She explains symptoms of overtraining and the significance of seeking personalized help. Listen in as Dr. Malek inspires you to “trust that people care about you and want you to get better!”

Vivobarefoot Shoe Discount:

We also mention Vivo Barefoot in this episode. Experience how you can feel something different within the body by addressing the feet. The feet remain the foundations of our bodies. It’s time to free up those feet! Not only are Vivobarefoot shoes beneficial to your health, but the environment as well. Everyone will benefit from a pair (or two) of barefoot shoes! Get your next wide and highly flexible footwear to free your feet, use code ‘OPTIMAL‘.

Free Week of the Jen Health Membership:

Looking for a movement community that gives you the plan specific to your body? Need accountability and a plan that is specific to your restrictions?! Come grab a free week of our Jen Health Membership! You'll have access to 12 plans that were all currated by Doc Jen, Dr of Physical Therapy. We make sure you get set up with the plan that will be best for your goals and the rest is laid out for you to follow! Come check it out today! You can even get a discount on your first month using code OPTIMAL at checkout!

What You Will Learn In This Interview with Dr. Leada Malek:

4:51 – What fuels Dr Malek?

6:54 – Why Dr. Malek continued to specialize.

8:20 – The importance of exploring your body.

12:49 – Why Dr. Malek steered away from diagnosing herself.

17:46 – Multiple approaches to one diagnosis.

21:10– The whole person vs their injury.

24:25 – Pain Science.

28:02 – Dissecting PT myths.

35:47 – Symptoms of overtraining.

39:10 – Advice for feelings of pain & hopelessness.

42:23 – Exploring more with Dr. Malek

About Dr Malek:

Dr. Leada Malek is a board-certified clinical specialist in sports physical therapy and has worked in outpatient sports & orthopaedics for the last 5 years. She recently started her own business offering virtual PT to help reach people who couldn't receive care in person due to the pandemic. While her primary patient population includes competitive athletes and dancers, she treats a wide range of orthopedic injuries. Her philosophy includes treating the whole person, not just the injury; health and fitness are a lifestyle for longevity and well-being, and mental and physical health are equally important and influence each other

Items mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Malek’s Website; https://www.drmalekpt.com/

Dr. Malek’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmalekpt/

To learn more about Dr. Malek and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/93

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