The Optimal Body

Struggling with back spasms? DocJen & Dr. Dom discuss the nature of back spasms and what could be contributing to its occurrence and frequency. They expand beyond issues within the structures of the back and discuss the current research surrounding the influence of the brain on back spasms. Finally, they provide practical solutions to help relieve back spasms and prevent them from happening throughout the day! Let’s dive in! Shoespiracy. Our feet are so connected to our back as our foundations, yet traditional shoes inhibit that neural feedback we need to help the brain feel safe and produce less pain in the back! VivoBarefoot shoes open up our feet, allow our toes to spread, and improve the connection between our feet and the ground! This could contribute to what unlocks your back spasms! Use code TOB at checkout to get 10% off! **Vivo offers a 100-Day trial period. If you are not completely satisfied, you can send the shoes back and get a refund. What You Will Learn PT Pearl: 3:08 - What really is contributing to your back spasm 5:20 - When do spasms occur? 6:57 - Is rounding your back bad? The power of language 8:35 - Risk factors of back spasms 10:00 - What can you do to calm a back spasm 14:43 - How to prevent back spasms 17:44 - Is sustained posture poor posture? Watch Episode 246 on Youtube For research and full show notes, visit the full website at: https://www.docjenfit.com/podcast/episode246/ 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! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You ask, we deliver! We have sports psychologist, Dr Haley Perlus, on to discuss the role psychology plays in building long-term habits and navigating injury and pain. She emphasizes how sports psychology applies to the general public, specifically focusing on the motivation triad that includes confidence and focus. She speaks to navigating motivation when external barriers, such as temperature or environmental factors, occur and how to set yourself up for success when attempting to establish a long-term habit! Then, Dr. Harley takes an individualized approach to understand how long habits take to form and two ways to push past lack of motivation: recovery and purpose. Then, she discusses the injury and what it takes to establish confidence through alternative movement paths that satisfy an injured individual. Furthermore, the explains 3 types of visualization, what it takes to get over a motivational slump, and the role positive self-talk plays in navigating motivation and pain! Learn how you can optimize your mindset to optimize your goals, habits, pain, and injury! Let's dive in for the best tips! Hydration is vital (potassium, magnesium, and potassium) when it comes to cognition, mental clarity, fatigue, recovery, and how we sleep! LMNT is an electrolyte mix that has incredible flavours and great doses of the most important electrolytes with zero sugar! Get a free sample pack with every single order using our link here! What You Will Learn In This interview Interview with Dr. Haley Perlus: 3:16 - Do you need to be an athlete to seek advice from a sports psychologist? 4:41 - Motivation, confidence, focus - how to find your practice! 6:23 - Finding motivation where there are external barriers 8:21 - How to approach a new goal to create long term habits 11:38 - How long does it take for a habit to form? 13:28 - How to push past lack of motivation 15:40 - Strategy to establish a long-term goal 19:55 - How do you approach alternatives and be confident with an injury? 24:16 - Power of visualization 29:12 - Getting over the motivational slump 33:22 - Role of positive self-talk in motivation 36:27 - Role of positive self-talk in relation to pain 37:42 - Learn more with Dr. Haley! Items Mentioned: Dr. Haley's Website Dr. Haley's Youtube To learn more about Dr. Haley view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://www.docjenfit.com/podcast/episode245/ 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! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Do you need to fix your imbalances? DocJen & Dr. Dom discuss muscular imbalances, normalizing asymmetries that are present within our bodies from birth. Discussing gluteal amnesia, leg length discrepancy, cerebral palsy, and breathing conditions, they describe how mind-body connection relates to perpetuating pain and how pain is multifactorial. Then, they describe how you can begin to assess muscle imbalances by evaluating movement tendencies, exploring activations within the body, and addressing movement restrictions. Let's dive in to learn more! Muscle imbalances relate a lot to movement patterns and consistent movement. Change up your movement patterns with the Coba Board plus. Studies have shown enhanced glute activation through squats and deadlifts using the Coba Board. The Coba Board plus offers extra bands for a full-body workout, including the upper body! It's lightweight, easy to store, and portable. Use code OPTIMAL at checkout or use this link! Hydration with the right combination of electrolytes is game-changing for energy, fatigue, weakness, brain fog, headaches, and through breast-feeding! Staying hydrated with LMNT water. No processed sugars, but incredibly delicious! Get a free sample pack with every flavour. Click here! What You Will Learn PT Pearl: 03:20 - The role of the mind-body connection in perpetuating pain 04:12 - Pain is Multifactorial 03:33 - Asymmetries within the body 11:54 - Changing movement patterns and movement tendencies 17:19 - How do you assess muscle imbalances? 14:38 - Assessing mind-body connection 14:38 - Assessing movement restrictions Watch Episode 244 on Youtube For research and full show notes, visit the full website at: https://www.docjenfit.com/podcast/episode244/ 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! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"61% of Americans don’t have someone to talk to when they need to get something off their chest” You may not need clinical intervention or therapy, but we all need someone to talk to. As a subclinical approach to mental health, Dr. Birnbaum and Adam dive into the mission behind the HearMe app as a peer-support app and what the app has to offer. They discuss the topic of connection and support in relation to social media and how social media use can be problematic for mental health. Then, they describe the environment of the HearMe app and how it differs from the potential negativity in bigger social media platforms, as well as describe the efforts HearMe is taking to create a safer space for individuals to be vulnerable, feel heard, and be seen. Learn why HearMe is for you and how you can start your process! Love sweatpants? Vuori sweatpants are THE softest and most comfortable loungewear out there. They use recycled materials, offset 100% carbon footprints, and eliminate waste or the use of plastics with their packaging. Elevate your experience and get a special podcast-only 20% off your first-time orders, here! What You Will Learn In This interview Interview with Adam Lippin and Dr. Birnbaum: 3:36 - How was HearMe founded 4:52 - Do you need therapy or just someone to talk to? 6:12 - Are we lacking connection and support on social media platforms? 8:42 - Social media use and mental health 10:33 - Signs that social media is becoming problematic 14:17 - How does the HearMe allow trust and vulnerability? 16;21 - How are people interacting on the HearMe app 18:01 - “50% increase in mood after a single conversation with a HearMe listener" 21:48 - Resources to get clinical help when on Hearme app 23:08 - How hear me seek support earlier & delaying the onset of psychiatric disorders 25:45 - The demographic on the HearMe app 26:44 - Hear me training academies for hear me peer, support listeners, 28:26 - Starting the HearMe process 29:51 - Resources to learn more about HearMe and mental health Items Mentioned: HearMe Website HearMe Instagram To learn more about Adam & Dr. Birnbaumand view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://www.docjenfit.com/podcast/episode243/ 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! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Got Scar tissue? Is there anything you can do? DocJen & Dr. Dom distinguish external scars from internal scar tissue and explain how scar tissues from internal trauma or surgeries form in 4 steps. As they dive into hypertrophic or keloid scars as the least favourable scar, they explain the different types of scars and how topical creams, cryotherapy, and lasers work as techniques that address scar tissues. Then, they emphasize the importance of movement and mobilization as ways to prevent hypertrophic scar tissue and re-model scar tissue. Tune in to learn more! Love sweatpants? Vuori sweatpants are THE softest and most comfortable loungewear out there. Elevate your experience and get 20% off your first-time orders, here! What You Will Learn PT Pearl: 3:24 - What is scar tissue? 4:50 - Scar tissue from surgeries 6:48 - Phases of tissue healing 9:31 - Hypertrophic/ Keloid Scars 10:47 - Types of scars 12:27 - Techniques to promote healing 18:33 - Importance of early mobilization 19:41 - Approaching pre-existing scar tissue Watch Episode 242 on Youtube For research and full show notes, visit the full website at: https://www.docjenfit.com/podcast/episode242/ 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! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re rethinking rehabilitation for ruptures in the Achilles tendon with doctors of physical therapy, Dr. Stacie and Dr. Meghan. As Dr. Stacie, founder of the Physiofix, explains how she ruptured her Achilles tendon, she describes her initial perspective when she got injured. She reveals how beneficial it was to work with another physical therapist, Dr. Meghan, and together debunk the outdated protocols regarding Achilles’ Rupture. Then, Dr. Stacie provides insight on creating an optimal healing environment for the Achilles tendon and how she re-ruptured her Achilles tendon, speaking into self-advocation and realistic rehabilitation goals depending on your personalized journey. Furthermore, Dr. Stacie describes factors that might’ve influenced her re-rupture and the mindset change she had to navigate to rehabilitate optimally! Let’s dive in! VivoBarefoot Discount Here’s why VivoBarefoot shoes are beneficial for the Achilles tendon. They are barefoot shoes with zero heel lift, preventing the prolonged shortened position of the Achilles tendon in traditional footwear. This allows the Achilles tendon to support foot movement and prevent compensations elsewhere, as well as develop more functional range! Use code ‘TOB‘ to get 15% off at checkout ! **Vivo offers a 100-Day trial period. If you are not completely satisfied, you can send the shoes back and get a refund. What You Will Learn In This interview Interview with Dr. Stacie and Dr. Meghan: 6:04 - How did Dr. Stacie injury her Achilles Tendon 9:25 - Dr. Stacie’s initial perspective when she got injured 10:46 - Why Dr. Stacie worked with Dr. Meghan 14:51 - Outdated Achilles Rupture Protocols 16:26 - Partial rupture of Achilles tendon 19:14- Self-advocating for your experience with your doctor 23:19 - Thoughts on Dr. Stacie’s rupture 28:47 - Mindset and injury 34:00 - Was Dr.  Stacie's injury preventable? 36:10 - Setting up goals for rehabilitation 41:30- Is Dr. Stacie still rehabbing 43:13 - Learn more with Dr. Stacie Items Mentioned: Dr. Stacie's  Youtube Dr. Stacie's Facebook Dr. Stacie's Website Dr. Stacie's Instagram Dr. Meghan's Instagram To learn more about Dr. Stacie & Dr. Meghan and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/241 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! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Got ball of foot pain? DocJen & Dr. Dom have got you covered in the anatomy related to Metatarsalgia and causes that may be contributing to your symptoms. Then, they discuss how the walk or run cycle may affect the risk of Metatarsalgia or how having ball of foot pain may change your mechanics, as well as steps to consider to rehabilitate Metatarsalgia. Let's dive in! Preventative foot health! We're sharing discount codes, 'TOB' for VivoBarefoot Shoes and Naboso. Grab your Naboso toe splay and insoles to increase the feedback and your connection to your feet and insert them into your VivoBarefoot shoes. This could not be the most optimal combination for foot health and longevity! Grab your VivoBarefoot shoes & Naboso items! **Vivo offers a 100-Day trial period. If you are not completely satisfied, you can send the shoes back and get a refund. What You Will Learn PT Pearl: 02:50 - What is it? 03:30 - Primary vs Secondary metatarsalgia 04:37 - Major symptoms 05:03 - Potential cause 09:21 - Step to rehabilitate metatarsalgia 21:28 - Assessing your shoes Watch Episode 240 on Youtube For research and full show notes, visit the full website at: https://jen.health/podcast/240 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! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The hunger epidemic in the United States is a real issue. We have Samantha Pantazopoulos on to discuss why people in the US are going hungry, available resources for navigating the hunger epidemic,  and the impact of food banks. Samantha discusses how you can reduce food waste in relation to expiration dates and ger top hacks in preventing foods from going bad. Furthermore, she explains the idea of food deserts through an equity lens. Offering a solution, Samantha dives into the Vizer app, their mission, and how the Fall Hunger Challenge is set to help this epidemic while benefiting your health. Let's learn more with Samantha! Join the Fighting Fall Hunger Challenge. It is a 2-week challenge from the 15th of September 15 to the 30th of September. With prizes to offer in this challenge, the rules are as follows: Donate 10 meals within the challenge dates to be entered to win a prize from Olipop. Instructions on how to join: 1. Download Vizer and create an account. 2. Navigate to the home page of the app. 3. Scroll to the bottom of the screen, and you'll see a button named "Join A Team". 4. Tap that button, enter the challenge code FFH2022, then click "Submit". 5. Once that's done, they have officially joined. They will see a confirmation message on the screen saying "Congrats! You've joined Fighting Fall Hunger Challenge". What You Will Learn In This interview Interview with Samantha Pantazopoulos: 3:17 - Why are people in the US going hungry? 5:15 - Resources for navigating the hunger epidemic 8:21 - The impact of food banks 10:48 - Expiration date 13:31 - Hacks to prevent things from going bad 16:13- Food deserts and equity 20;23 - What is the Vizer App? 23:55 - Rescuing food & how it's distributed 26:48 - What does it mean to democratize “wellness” 30:12 - Community & Vizer App 33:31 - Fighting Fall Hunger Challenge Items Mentioned: Vizer App Samantha's podcast, blog, and app Samantha's Instagram To learn more about Samantha and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/239 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! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

DocJen & Dr. Dom get real about 5 health misconceptions, discussing misinformation and the creation of fear. Firstly, they dive into the physiological mechanism of adjustments and whether or not structures are being put in place. Through this conversation, they emphasize the importance of following passive therapies with active movement.  Then, they debunk avoiding knees over toes to prevent knee pain, explaining how training the knees over the toes position promotes resilience in functional movement. Moreover, they touch base with the cue to "smash the low back into the ground" for abdominal engagement, explaining the biomechanics of the core. Finally, they explain whether or not specific conditions of pain are truly genetic. Let's dive in! Ava Jane Kitchen's sea salt is harvested right from Colima sea salt flats in Mexico. It is unrefined, Ocean-Borne Microplastics free, all-natural, and packed with trace minerals your body needs. Their avocado oil features an ideal fat profile that helps you absorb maximum nutrition from your food, naturally packed with over 20 vitamins and minerals.  Get your free bag of sea salt by clicking here! What You Will Learn PT Pearl: 03:53 - Do adjustments put structures back in place? 09:11 - Truth about passive treatments 10:18 - Knees over toes? 13:54 - Push the low back into the ground during core work. 21:33 - Is “it” really genetic? Watch Episode 238 on Youtube For research and full show notes, visit the full website at: https://jen.health/podcast/238 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! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gut health is all the rave and we have Dr. Jessie Hoffman on to artificial sweeteners, leaky gut, gastrointestinal distress, bloating, food intolerances and sensitivities, detox, and metal binders. With an overarching emphasis on diet diversity, movement, hydration, and sleep, Dr. Jessie hones in on the lack of conclusive evidence to suggest the negative effects of artificial sweeteners on gut health and diagnose leaky gut, as well as the flaws in food sensitivity testing. Furthermore, she clarifies the misconceptions around leaky gut and symptoms of exercise-induced gastrointestinal stress and how you can approach it from a movement and nutrition perspective. Moreover, she explains the difference between normal and dysfunctional bloating, what detox cleanses are actually doing physiologically, and whether or not the average person needs to take binders to prevent metal toxicity. Let's get clarified with Dr. Jessie! What You Will Learn In This interview Interview with Jessie Hoffman: 2:42 - Will artificial sweeteners destroy your gut microbiome? 9:36 -  What does a leaky gut refer to? 15:26 - Exercise-induced gastrointestinal stress 21:15 - How to address your gut symptoms. 22:55 - Normal vs Problematic Bloating 26:09 - Food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities 31:21 - Do you need to detox? 33:55 - Should you take binders? 36:06 - Can you work with Jesse? 37:29 - Learning more with Jesse Items Mentioned: Jessie's Gut Health E-book Jessie's Website Jessie's Instagram To learn more about Jessie Hoffman and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/237 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! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.