

The Optimal Body
Dr Jen Fraboni & Dr Dom Fraboni
Join top-40 Physical Therapy Influencer, Doc Jen, and her Physical Therapy husband Dr. Dom, as they bring you the body tips and PT Pearls you need to help you understand your body, relieve your pains and restrictions, and answer your questions. Along with expert guests, the goal of The Optimal Body is to help you discover what optimal means in your own body.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 29, 2022 • 26min
236 | Do Core Exercises Help Back Pain?
Will a strong core prevent back pain? DocJen and Dr. Dom dive into what the true core consists of and the most effective way of bracing your core, analogous to creating a natural weightlifting brace. They describe how the core is not the whole story and the role mobility plays in your back pain, emphasizing the need to build control and resilience through ALL motions of the spine. Furthermore, they mention how psychological and social influences impact back pain and how advantageous training rotation can be. Let’s dive in!
VivoBarefoot Discount:
What does help with low back is your foundation at your feet – what you’re walking in and how you are taking care of your feet. Take your daily walks with VivoBarefoot shoes. It provides a wide toe box that allows your toes to spread to help your foot move functionally. It builds the necessary strength in your feet to affect how your glutes activate, how your legs coordinate, and how your lower body supports your low back. Use code ‘TOB‘ to get 15% offat 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 PT Pearl:
02:42 - Does a strong core prevent back pain?
03:15 - What is the core?
07:34 - Creating a natural weightlifting belt
13:17 - Why your core isn’t the whole story?
17:04 - Psychological and social influences on back pain
20:47 - The importance of rotational strength
22:57 - We have a solution for you!
Watch Episode 236 on Youtube
For research and full show notes, visit the full website at:
https://jen.health/podcast/236
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.

Aug 24, 2022 • 49min
235 | Unpacking Genetics and It's Impact on Our Health with Dr. Yael Joffe
“The moment you make a better choice, you’re switching on a gene that is doing something wonderful to your body” Simplifying the mechanisms of genetics, Dr. Yael provides insights on the inability to change your genes, but the ability to impact the expression of genes. With a clear explanation of genetics, epigenetics, and nutrigenomics, Dr. Yael discusses medical genetics and the concept of "genes are destiny." Additionally, she dives into the heritability of injury, how genetic testing can be beneficial for behavior change, and how your genes are involved in your detoxification efficacy and inflammation regulation. Finally. Dr. Yael shares a case study on genetics and root-cause analysis to approach obesity. Let's dive in!
MAJOR DISCOUNT FOR JEN.HEALTH. Sign up now to get 57% off for life! You will have access to 11 different calendar-follow plans with 2-3 phases and short videos daily, monthly check-ins with DocJen with anatomy breakdowns, and a growing community. Sign up right now and start a free week. See what it feels like to commit for a week! Click here to join Jen.Health!
Be one of the first 50 to buy the 3x4 genetic blueprint and fill in the survey and you will receive a free book " The Power of Genetics." Furthermore, Dr. Yael is offering a 20% discount on the blueprint with the code 'OPTIMAL20'. Click here to purchase your blueprint!
What You Will Learn In This interview Interview with Dr. Yael Joffe:
6:16 - Genetics & epigenetics
12:52 - What is Nutrigenomics?
15:37 - Medical Genetics vs “Our genes are destiny”
20:20 - Gene expression of injury
23:13 - Genetics and driving true behavior change
27:07 - Influences on genetic expression
29:11 - How your genes can indicate if you are more prone to inflammation
33:54 - Case studies on root cause analysis with genetics
44:11 - Get your genes tested!
Items Mentioned:
Get your genes tested! Use code 'OPTIMAL20'
Dr. Yael's Instagram
To learn more about Dr. Yael and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/235
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.

Aug 22, 2022 • 26min
234 | Costochondritis: What can you do?
Pain around the ribcage? Diagnosed with Çostochondritis? DocJen and Dr. Dom break down what's happening in the body when diagnosed with costochondritis. They explain likely causes and what daily activities may exacerbate symptoms. With an emphasis on accessory breathing muscles, they provide insight into using different tools to approach and treat costochondritis.
MAJOR DISCOUNT FOR JEN.HEALTH. Sign up now to get 57% off for life! You will have access to 11 different plans with 2-3 phases and short videos daily, monthly check-ins with DocJen with anatomy breakdowns, and a growing community. Sign up right now and start a free week. See what it feels like to commit for a week! Click here to join Jen.Health!
What You Will Learn PT Pearl:
02:22 - What is costochondritis?
03:37 -Why does costochondritis happen?
07:14 - Daily activities that might be exacerbating pain
08:20 - Approaching costochondritis rehabilitation
10:37 - What the research says
12:30 - First line of treatment
14:46 - Stretches for costochondritis
17:50 - Tools for breath awareness
20:22 - How you can rewire your breath pattern
22:00 - Active mobility for costochondritis
Watch Episode 234 on Youtube
For research and full show notes, visit the full website at:
https://jen.health/podcast/234
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.

Aug 17, 2022 • 45min
233 | How To Truly Support Your Gut Microbiome with Dr. Heather Zwickey
“Any bacteria can be good or bad. What matters is whether it's in balance” We have Dr. Heather Zwickey to provide you with Microbiome 101 education, explaining the 3 hallmarks of microbial composition and whether or not disease starts in the gut. Then, she explores mood and how different food compounds lead to the production of specific neurochemicals in the gut, from microbes. Additionally, she explains why some foods produce "food highs" and are craved during depressive states. Then, she lists a few nutritional considerations to benefit your microbiome and reduce inflammation, whether or not there are good and bad bacteria, how health is not defined by the individual microbes present but by the overall metabolites different microbial strains produce and considers how fermented foods, prebiotics, and post-biotics can be more beneficial than probiotics. In addition, Dr. Heather discusses how plentiful and carnivore diets change microbial patterns and how midnight snacking impacts the microbiome too. Finally, she explains how not all sugar is equal, the effects of sugar on the microbiome, whether or not the dose of artificial sweeteners matters, and how you can approach your microbiome! Grab a notebook and tune in!
The next best thing to being completely barefoot is being in barefoot shoes. Benefit your foot strength and foot, ankle, and mobility! Get 15% off with code TOB on your next Vivobarefoot shoe purchase and you'll get 100 days to try your shoes and return them if you are unsatisfied.
**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. Heather Zwickey:
3:34 - What is the microbiome
4:39 - What affects your microbiome
7:03 - Does “all disease start in the gut”?
8:48 - Çan your gut microbial composition affect your mood?
11:43 - Exorphins
13:02 - How to benefit your microbiome and reduce inflammation
16:55 - Good vs Bad Bacteria in the gut
18:21 - Will testing your bacteria define how healthy you are?
20:09 - Supplements to help your gut health?
25:08 - What you should take for a GI upset?
25:08 - Plantful vs Carnivore diet
29:42- Midnight snacking & sleep on the microbiome
33:29 - How does sugar affects your microbiome?
38:01 - Does the dose of artificial sweeteners matter?
39:41 - Figuring out YOUR microbial journey
42:17- Learn more with Dr. Heather
Item's Mentioned
Dr. Heather's Website
Dr. Heather's Podcast
To learn more about Dr. Heather and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://www.docjenfit.com/podcast/episode233/
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.

Aug 15, 2022 • 17min
232 | Muscle Cramping! Why does it happen and What can you do about it?!
Cramping at night? Perhaps after a long stretch or a big workout? DocJen and Dr. Dom dive into what cramping looks like, explaining the symptoms that might be experienced. Then, they name the potential contributing factors to muscle cramping, expanding beyond just the muscle itself. Furthermore, they provide insight into nocturnal cramping and how you can use breathwork, mobility, and a holistic approach to prevent or manage cramps. Let's dive in.
Nerve cells may be hyper-excitable when there are unregulated sodium and potassium levels within the body. Bring those levels back to normal levels by staying hydrated this summer with LMNT water. No processed sugars and filled with electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and magnesium promote that neural communication and muscle relaxation) Get a free sample pack with every flavor. Click here!
What You Will Learn PT Pearl:
01:17 - What does cramping look like?
01:49 - Why does muscle cramping happen?
03:33 - What causes muscle cramping?
09:48 - Nocturnal cramping
11:21 - Preventing cramps
Watch Episode 232 on Youtube
For research and full show notes, visit the full website at:
https://www.docjenfit.com/podcast/episode232/
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.

Aug 10, 2022 • 42min
231 | What Products are Best for Pelvic Health with Dr Laura Meihofer and Heather Florio
What is the best lube to use? What tools could help you relax the pelvic floor? Can specific products help prevent STIs? We have Dr. Laura and Heather on to discuss the best tools for pelvic health. With a brief introduction to pelvic floor anatomy and building pelvic floor awareness, they discuss vaginismus and how pelvic wands with a quality lubrication product can support vaginal pH and maintain optimal vaginal osmolarity to prevent STIs and other infections. They speak to how pelvic floor wands are beneficial to those in pregnancy and those in need of pelvic floor relaxation, educating you on how they can be used in men and women, Furthermore, they describe an alternative, but external, product that is analogous to an at-home perineum massage. Finally, they explain their specially curated and safe aloe vera products for Interstitial cystitis and provide insight into pelvic health education for the pelvic health community! Let's dive in!
We're bringing the Jen Health community together to do the FULL BODY LOW IMPACT PLAN together. You're getting strength, mobility flows, core activations, and muscle activations - a well-rounded view starting from the foundations and educating up to move optimally and efficiently. We're moving, educating, and providing the opportunity to win prizes! Every Sunday, you'll get anatomy breakdowns, diagnosis clarifications and a chance to ask DocJen questions regarding health, movement, and how to navigate your aches and pains! We've never had a challenge this low before - $24.99. It's not too late to join - JOIN US!
What You Will Learn In This interview Interview with Dr. Laura Meihofer and Heather Florio:
4:38 - How did start Dr Laura Meihofer and Heather Florio working together?
7:51 - Pelvic floor anatomy & building pelvic floor awareness
9:15 - Pelvic floor wands, lubrication products, and STI prevention
13:24 - Resources to educate using a pelvic floor wand
17:50 - Who are pelvic floor wands for?
21:04 - At-home external options for pelvic floor soft tissue mobilization
23:39 - Specialized aloe vera capsule for Interstitial cystitis
28:01 - Pelvic health education for the LGBTQ community
33:59 - Finding credible pelvic floor physical therapy
38:08 - Learn more with Dr. Laura & Heather
Items mentioned:
How to find a PT in your area
Soft ball for myofascial pelvic floor release
Dessert Harvest Products that were suggested
DRLM10 (10% off) Releveum skin repair cream, Pelvic Wands, Lubricant/aloe glide
To learn more about Dr Laura Meihofer and Heather Florio and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://www.docjenfit.com/podcast/episode231/
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.

Aug 8, 2022 • 27min
230 | What is happening when you "Throw Out Your Back"?!
Can't bend down without a spasm attach? DocJen and Dr. Dom discuss what is happening when you "throw out your back." Using the concept of microtraumas and hyperexcitable neurons, they explain why spasms occur and what the potential causes of back spasms are. They explain which back muscles are most affected by spasms and what the current research suggests about management. With a large emphasis on relaxation, DocJen & Dr. Dom provide their best tools to promote relaxation, find stability, and address environmental factors that may be contributing to your back spasms. Let's dive in.
Nerve cells may be hyper-excitable when there are unregulated sodium and potassium levels within the body. Bring those levels back to normal levels by staying hydrated this summer with LMNT water. No processed sugars and filled with electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and magnesium promote that neural communication and muscle relaxation) Get a free sample pack with every flavor. Click here!
What You Will Learn PT Pearl:
01:21 - What is it?
02:51 - Why do spasms occur?
05:24 - Potential causes of spasms
06:48 - Where in the back do back spasms occur?
12:28 - Research on back spasms & effect of physical therapy techniques
15:46 - Top tool to promote relaxation
20:32 - What core exercise works?
21:17 - What mobility can you find?
22:30 - The effect of environmental factors
Watch Episode 230 on Youtube
For research and full show notes, visit the full website at:
https://jen.health/podcast/230
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.

Aug 3, 2022 • 43min
229 | Clearing up Confusion Around Vitamins & Supplementation with Dr. Levitan and Dr. Block
Can you trust the supplement industry? Dr. Levitan and Dr. Block unveil the truths about the supplementation industry, describing how vitamin deficiencies can manifest symptomatically or asymptomatically, indicating a basic requirement of trialling a supplement for 90 days to see or feel benefits in symptoms. Moreover, they explain how unregulated the industry is and what seals to look out for on supplements in order to determine quality. Then, they mention how calcium is best absorbed through diet, and how multivitamins may be unnecessary, highlighting the advantages of personal supplements. Additionally, they discuss how some vitamins, such as Vitamin D, need to be supplemented and what micronutrients may be of more importance throughout life or with different diet choices. Finally, they discuss why you may need to supplement, how going organic can be advantageous if feasible, and how often you should re-assess your vitamin needs.
We're bringing the Jen Health community together to do the FULL BODY LOW IMPACT PLAN together. You're getting strength, mobility flows, core activations, and muscle activations - a well-rounded view starting from the foundations and educating up to move optimally and efficiently. We're moving, educating, and providing the opportunity to win prizes! Every Sunday, you'll get to ask DocJen questions regarding health, movement, and how to navigate your aches and pains! We've never had a challenge this low before - $24.99. It's not too late to join - JOIN US!
What You Will Learn In This Interview with
:
4:06 – Why are Dr. Levitan & Dr. Block passionate about vitamins?
6:48 – Personalized vitamins - what YOU need
13:25 – Symptomatic vs Asymptomatic Deficiencies
17:57 – Determining the quality of vitamins & vitamin combinations
18:29 – Unregulated vitamin industry
24:01 – Dangerous vitamin combinations
25:57 – What vitamins are better received through the diet
27:57 – Can you get enough vitamin D and iron from diet?
30:20 – Vitamin supplementations for vegans/ vegetarians vs carnivore diet
32:40 – Vitamin differences for women through life
36:33 – Should you go organic?
37:18 – How long should you try a supplement?
29:34 – Do you re-assess your supplement intake?
41:01– Where can you find the survey & learn more?
Items mentioned:
Vous Vitamin Instagram
Take the Vous Vitamin Survey!
Dr. Levitan's Website
Dr. Block's Website
To learn more about Dr. Levitan & Dr. Block and view full show notes, please visit the full website here:
https://jen.health/podcast/229
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.

Aug 1, 2022 • 24min
228 | Shoulder Labrum Tears
Learn about shoulder labrum tears, including symptoms, causes, types of tears, tests, and treatment options. Discover how to rehabilitate a shoulder labrum injury with mobility, isometric exercises, and dynamic strength. Join the Full Body Low Impact Plan challenge for a comprehensive approach to optimal body movement and health.

Jul 27, 2022 • 45min
227 | Unpacking Personal Development and Emotional Intelligence with Jake Kauffman
What truly is personal growth? We have Jake Kauffman to discuss the relationship between personal growth, beliefs, and identity. As Jake explains what drew him to personal growth, he dives into how you can re-discover your identity by navigating personal limiting beliefs and re-surfacing subconscious beliefs that were embedded throughout childhood. Jake offers tools along the way to help you approach the dynamics between emotional, social, and physical pain. Through these discussions, he offers insight into the ego, the concept of admired identity, and the 3 D's: Disease, Divorce, Death. Briefly touching base with the neuroscience of physical and emotional pain, he explains the nuances within the topic of personal growth and what it means to be your truest self. Let's dive in!
We're bringing the Jen Health community together to do the FULL BODY LOW IMPACT PLAN together starting on Monday, August 1st. You're getting strength, mobility flows, core activations, and muscle activations - a well-rounded view starting from the foundations and educating up to move optimally and efficiently. We're moving, educating, and providing the opportunity to win prizes! We've never had a challenge this low before - $24.99. Let's do this before its too late!
What you will learn in this interview with
:
1:11 – Why drew Jake to personal growth?
3:13 – What does it take to dive into “personal growth”
6:21 – Tool to discover your identity and conscious awareness
13:24 – What unconscious beliefs did Jake resurface into consciousness and how?
18:27 – Do you need to address your emotional/social pains?
24:25 – What is the “ego”?
32:40 – The admired identity
36:34 – How did Jake navigate the loss of identity?
38:40 – The 3 D’s: Disease, Divorce, Death
39:48 – How can you work with Jake?
Items mentioned:
Jake Kauffman's Instagram
Jake Kauffman's Facebook
Jake Kauffman's Website
To learn more about Jake and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/227
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.


