The Optimal Body

Do you believe that you absolutely need that arch support in your shoes? Love that feeling when you come home and take your shoes off? Join Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom as they interview Galahad Clark – CEO and co-founder of Vivobarefoot Shoes – and uncover why barefoot shoes benefit everyone. Galahad dives into the science behind barefoot shoes and how they have been shown to decrease pain throughout the body. Not only are Vivobarefoot shoes beneficial to your health, but the environment as well. Listen as Galahad reveals the sustainable mission he wishes to accomplish environmentally with Vivobarefoot shoes, as well as shoe production in general. FREE YOUR FEET and 15% OFF VivoBarefoot Shoes with code “OPTIMAL” at checkout: https://bit.ly/3cDHcA What You Will Learn in This Interview with Galahad Clark: @vivobarefoot 01:42 – What Galahad’s mission is with Vivobarefoot shoes and his journey to that mission 05:21 – What brought Galahad’s friend to cut the sole off a shoe and put a tennis racket on it, instigating the idea of Vivobarefoot shoes 07:40 – Why Galahad created the specific shape of the Vivobarefoot shoes 10:10 – Galahad’s theory behind why shoes were created and marketed the way they are today 14:04 – Supporting facts to help ease your worries on transitioning to barefoot shoes 18:58 – How barefoot shoes addresses pain and why 20:47 – How Galahad implements sustainability and have a positive impact on the environment in producing Vivobarefoot shoes 25:14 – What a B Corp Certification is and why it's important to collaborate with other companies About Galahad Clark: Galahad is a 7th generation shoemaker. As a teenager, he spent summer holidays on various shoe production lines in Europe and Asia learning the family’s trade. After finishing school, he went to America on a Morehead scholarship to study Chinese and Anthropology. While there he founded Students 4 Students International an organisation created to help disadvantaged students in Africa go to the best secondary schools and onto university. In 2003, lured by the Wu Tang Clan wearing Wallabees, Galahad started his first shoe project: “Wu Shoes”. From there he went on to launch United Nude (high end architectural shoes), Worn Again (a closed loop green technology business) and Vivobarefoot (where he now focuses his energies) About VivoBarefoot Shoes: Vivobarefoot are the outsiders of the shoe industry. Rejecting this broken industry and fighting for a more natural future, by reconnecting people and planet. Sedentary & cushioned lifestyles are making people and planet sick. The short-term comfort of foam and air is having a long-term effect on our health – Vivobarefoot want to change this by making footwear that makes your feet stronger. Using wide, thin and flexible design principles that allow your feet to do their natural thing. They add less so you feel more. All Vivobarefoot footwear is produced using sustainably sourced natural, bio and recycled materials. With the aim to protect the planet so you can run wild on it, forever. Created by two cousins from a long line of cobblers, Galahad and Asher goal is to create alternative footwear for those who want to feel. To see this episode's full show notes and check out the rest of Doc Jen's website, click here: www.docjenfit.com/podcast/episode47 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Want to know how you can possibly decrease your groin pain or inner thigh strain today? Tune in as Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom explores different inner thigh injuries, what populations tend to obtain these injuries, and exercises you can start today to decrease your pain.  If you are an athlete of any kind, you have probably experienced one of these injuries and this podcast has the potential of increasing your performance while simultaneously decreasing your pain.  If athletics is not your thing, this podcast will empower you with exploration techniques you can use on your hips to avoid or reduce risk of injury, as well as increase mobility and functionality. 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 curated 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 PT Pearl: 02:11 – What adductors muscles are, what they do, and how they’re related to groin injury 05:23 – Types of bone injuries, or fractures, that can occur on the pelvis and recovery time 08:15 – What pubis symphysis and osteitis pubis are and the populations they’re common in 10:15 – What epiphyseal plates are and the population this injury effects 10:58 – Snapping hip syndrome and how to identify it 12:14 – How to explore your hips to identify where your hip injury is taking place 13:05 – What an inguinal hernia is and what it might entail 13:44 – Simplified explanation as to why you may be having an injury - Why exploration is important 14:44 – Why mobility of the hips, and any part of your body, is so important 15:27 – Mobility exercise for tight hip rotators 16:32 – Minimum requirement of hip adductor mobility 17:52 – How adductor activation can decrease pain - Exercises that help activate these muscles To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpjtJa Items mentioned in this episode include: FREE Week of the Jen Health Membership FREE Low Back Pain Course! FREE Tight Hip Flexor Course! See full show notes here: https://jen.health/podcast/46 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feel like sex ed didn’t really teach you about your body? Need birth control for your irregular periods or chronic acne? Tune into this extremely informative interview with Dr. Jolene Brighten – Naturopathic physician, author, and leader in women’s health – as she reveals the truths behind women’s health and birth control.   Did you know that a woman has a fertility window of one day per month? Or what the difference is between an STI and an STD? Dr. Brighten dives into these topics head first in order to make sure you fully understand the concepts behind what birth control, contraceptives, and periods really mean to women and their health. 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 curated 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. Jolene Brighten: @drjolenebrighten 01:48 – Dr. Jolene’s mission or purpose on this earth - Why purpose is important 05:05 – Dr. Jolene’s recommendations on where to start in finding accurate information about young women’s developing bodies 06:27 – The truth behind a woman’s fertile window 09:22 – The truth behind sex education - The lack of effectiveness due to scare tactics 14:50 – Fertility awareness methods from Dr. Jolene 17:42 – Contraceptive facts from Dr. Jolene - The difference between STIs and STDs 19:08 – The unethical historical truth behind the pill and the research behind it 22:03 – How hormonal birth control actually works - What makes the pill effective 24:54 – The lack of information of long term effects associated with birth control 26:16 – The importance of nutrition intake while taking birth control and why 28:48 – Risk factors with taking birth control - Politics behind birth control information 32:30 – The truth behind why birth control can help with acne - Advice on how to get off birth control 36:11 – Dr. Jolene’s alternatives to birth control for healthy skin 40:12 – Dr. Jolene’s advice for those who have irregular periods - Facts behind your period 45:57 – Differences in physician credentials and the understanding behind the medications being prescribed About Dr. Jolene Brighten: Dr. Jolene Brighten is a prominent leader in women’s medicine and the emerging science of Post-Birth Control Syndrome — studying the effects of hormonal birth control on female health. A fierce patient advocate and completely dedicated to uncovering the root cause of hormonal imbalances, Dr. Brighten empowers women worldwide to take control of their health and their hormones. She is an international speaker, clinical educator, medical advisor within the tech community, and considered a leading authority on women’s health. Items mentioned in this episode include: Dr. Brighten’s Free E-Book: https://drbrighten.com/pbcsdiet Dr. Brighten’s Book Bonuses: www.beyondthepillbook.com Dr. Brighten’s Website: www.drbrighten.com Dr. Brighten’s TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJmaGCoV/ To see Dr. Brighten's full bio and to check out the rest of Doc Jen’s website, click here: https://jen.health/podcast/45 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Think balance exercises are only for the elderly? Join Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom as they explain how balance is important for everyone and why.  Listen in to hear some balance tests, targeting three main systems of balance, to see if you can pass. How was it? Struggling? Find out how you can strengthen these skills and create a more sustainable future for your body. 15% off Vivobarefoot Shoe Discount: 15% OFF VivoBarefoot Shoes with code “TOB” at checkout 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 curated 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 PT Pearl: 02:04 – Why balance is so important 04:08 – Why it is important to try and understand different balance tests 06:04 – The three systems of balance 08:09 – How to address problems with vestibular system - Doc Jen’s personal story with BPPV 13:13 – System number three explained 14:18 – The goal behind these tests - Understanding how these systems work within your body 16:04 – How to practically explore what system you rely on the most 19:48 – How a soft tissue injury can come into play for balance training 20:41 – Strategies PTs use to target hip muscles, avoid falling injuries, and uncover what you’re relying on 23:20 – Why a variety of exercises are needed, not just strength training, in your weekly routine 24:21 – How to challenge the vestibular system 25:00 – How to integrate all of these tests - How they have the potential of decreasing your pain To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://youtu.be/vYJp9ZcQ4Eo Items mentioned in this episode include: Balance System Tests: https://www.pthaven.com/page/show/1149588 Research Citations: Gordon, L. (2017, February 01). Understanding the 3 Balance Systems. From https://www.gordonphysicaltherapy.com/understanding-the-3-balance-systems/ The Human Balance System. (2020, September 02). From https://vestibular.org/article/what-is-vestibular/the-human-balance-system/the-human-balance-system/ Full show notes available at https://jen.health/podcast/44 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.

Are you a woman in the professional world but suffer from imposter syndrome? Join Dr. Dom and Dr. Jen as they interview Katie St. Clair – certified CSCS and CPT trainer – about her journey of finding her voice in her career.  Listen to this inspiring interview as Katie uncovers her experience with wanting to learn more in her field and gaining back the confidence to go after what she really wants in her career. If you feel as if you have been stagnant in your breath work, or just don’t know how to go about a breath work routine, tune in as Katie explains ways you can strengthen your respiratory system, as well as improve your overall movement quality; as well as the benefits from those routines. 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 curated 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 Katie St. Clair: @katie.stclair.fitness 02:39 – What Katie’s mission is as a mom, or even a woman, in the fitness industry 05:48 – How relevant imposter syndrome is for women in our society 07:57 – What motherhood has taught Katie about time and opportunities 09:05 – What drove Katie to want to keep learning and educating others on fitness 11:59 – The courses that reignited Katie’s passion for fitness and connected the dots for her 17:44 – How Katie explains respiration, or breath work, to her clients 20:08 – Different positions you can try to strengthen your breath work and why they work 24:10 – How our body is connected and the benefits of working up the chain 28:02 – Katie’s basic assessment of Dr. Dom and his fitness background and individual physique 33:54 – Why it's so important to explore your body and strengthen internal cues About Katie St. Clair Katie is a certified strength and conditioning coach, certified personal trainer and owner of Katie St.Clair Fitness. During her over 20 years in the industry, she has worked with collegiate and amateur athletes and general population clients, in private and corporate settings. She is the creator of The Empowered Performance Program, a 12 week online educational seminar for movement professionals. As a lifelong athlete, she values the ability to move well at every stage of life and it is her passion to teach others how to optimize their life through quality movement. She takes an all encompassing approach that utilizes principles from many different systems, along with her own lens as a competitive multi sport athlete to create programming that supports an active lifestyle. Items mentioned in this episode include: Katie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie.stclair.fitness/ Katie's Empowered Performance Program: https://www.katiestclairfitness.com/empowerdperformance Katie's Website: https://www.katiestclairfitness.com To see this episode's full show notes and check out the rest of Doc Jen's website, click here: https://jen.health/podcast/43 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are your shoulders or neck constantly giving you trouble? Listen in as Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom dive into what the upper trapezius muscle really is and why they’re so easily tensed.  If you feel stressed over work, kids, the news, or anything really, this podcast will empower you to self treat your tensed muscles and give you back the independence you deserve.  Tune in to gain an understanding of the foundations of the breath and how they increase your bodily awareness; all so you can live a more relaxed, tense free life. 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 curated 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 PT Pearl: 03:40 – What the upper trap is, where it is, and what movement patterns it does 07:39 – Why your upper trap might feel tense or pain 10:48 – How to take tension out of the upper trap - Why bodily awareness is important 12:25 – Simple exercise to feel the difference between tense and relaxed upper traps 13:05 – Breathing techniques that will help relax, not only your upper traps, but your entire body 16:14 – Why movement of the upper trap, especially if it's tense, is necessary 17:13 – The 30 for 30 rule and its benefits 18:43 – Dr. Dom explaining a quick breathing technique you can do anywhere To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://youtu.be/rkakSNxnpLw Items mentioned in this episode include: FREE Week of the Jen Health Membership FREE Low Back Pain Course! We think you’ll love: Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel 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! To check out the rest of Doc Jen’s website, click here: https://jen.health/podcast/42 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ever think of food as medicine? If not, join Dr. Dom and Dr. Jen as they interview Tyler Jean – soon-to-be licensed Naturopathic doctor – as he explains how the best medication is in the grocery store.  If you feel like you need more information on a personal level with your diagnosis, tune in as Tyler explains why seeing a Naturopathic doctor might be the best option for you.  Feel bloated or gassy after consuming dairy products? Listen as Tyler dissects what really is happening within your body and explains the difference between intolerance and allergy.  This podcast is so you can understand where to start on your health journey today by adding the best nutritionally dense foods in your diet so that you can live your best, healthiest life. 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 curated 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 Tyler Jean: @functional.foods 01:50 – Why Tyler decided to study Naturopathic Medicine rather than getting his Doctor of Medicine 05:47 – Tyler’s advice in starting your healthy journey 10:07 – How to change the narrative on how we see each other in health settings 14:15 – The truth behind how limited your doctor really is 16:26 – When you should go to a Naturopathic doctor rather than your physician 24:06 – Tyler’s definition of an anti-inflammatory food - Why your unique body may react differently than others 28:52 – Tyler’s take on dairy for women - The various ways your body can react to different dairy products 35:02 – How Tyler would approach dietary recommendations for his clients - Why nutritionally dense foods are needed to be added About Tyler Jean Tyler Jean is passionate about educating others on the importance of food as medicine while inspiring them to embrace healthier lifestyles. Currently in his fourth year of medical school, Tyler will soon be a licensed Naturopathic doctor and will use his practice to take a more integrative and preventative approach to healthcare. This is also the approach he currently uses through his platform, @functional.foods. There, he empowers his audience with recipes, educational info, brand recommendations, inspiration, and more. Items mentioned in this episode include: Tyler’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/functional.foods/?hl=en We Think You’ll Love: ⁠FREE Week of the Jen Health Membership⁠ FREE Low Back Pain Course! Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel 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! To check out the rest of Doc Jen’s website, click here: https://jen.health/podcast/41 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Want to understand why IASTM, or soft tissue work using a tool, feels so good and is SO common? Join Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom as they explain some of the tools commonly used in IASTM and what they are really meant to do.  Listen in to be empowered with the right questions to ask your clinician so you can better understand what is happening within your body during massage or tissue work.  If you love hands on treatment from your clinician, great! This podcast will help you understand what you can add into your soft tissue work routine to achieve tissue recovery long term.  Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom wants you to have the power to incorporate what feels great to you in a healthy, sustainable, and up to date way. 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 curated 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 PT Pearl: 00:39 – Why it's empowering to ask questions to your clinician 02:35 – What IASTM, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, means and tool examples 06:49 – Popular sayings associated with IASTM which might not necessarily be true and why 07:25 – What the terms tendon repair and fibroblast really mean in relation to IASTM 12:24 – What soft tissue work really does 15:15 – Why understanding why your body has tension is a step closer to a long term solution 18:28 – Why IASTM needs to be coupled with movement 19:20 – What the goal of IASTM is and what does not achieve that goal To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://youtu.be/kaGXux-W3Gg Research Citations: Gehlsen, G. M., Ganion, L. R., & Helfst, R. (1999). Fibroblast responses to variation in soft tissue mobilization pressure. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 31(4), 531-535. doi:10.1097/00005768-199904000-00006 Hussey, M. J., Boron-Magulick, A. E., Mcleod, T. C., & Bacon, C. E. (2018). The Comparison of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Self-Stretch Measures to Increase Shoulder Range of Motion in Overhead Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 27(4), 385-389. doi:10.1123/jsr.2016-0213 Ikeda, N., Otsuka, S., Kawanishi, Y., & Kawakami, Y. (2020). Effects of Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Musculoskeletal Properties—Corrigendum. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 52(2), 524. doi:10.1249/mss.0000000000002230 Seffrin, C. B., Cattano, N. M., Reed, M. A., & Gardiner-Shires, A. M. (2019). Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization: A Systematic Review and Effect-Size Analysis. Journal of Athletic Training, 54(7), 808-821. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-481-17 We Think You’ll Love: FREE Week of the Jen Health Membership FREE Low Back Pain Course Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel 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! To check out the rest of Doc Jen’s website, click here: https://jen.health/podcast/40 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Struggling with advanced or complex movement patterns? Don’t really understand what the “basics” are? Join Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom as they interview Dr. Jason Park – Doctor of physical therapy as well as strength and conditioning, boxing, and muay thai coach for top UFC and BOFR athletes – about what it means to bring it back to the basics.  Dr. Park explains how important it is, even for the top athletes he trains, to slow down and repeatedly revisit basic movement patterns in order to progress the body.  Listen how he explains what these basic movement patterns are and how you can prepare your body for simple tasks you do in your daily life; whether it is running after a toddler or moving furniture, the basics apply to everyone! So don’t miss out on Dr. Park’s insight on how you can explore and understand all the amazing movement patterns your body is capable of. 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 curated 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. Jason Park: @teamcoolheart 01:38 – Dr. Park’s credentials and coaching background 02:26 – How Dr. Park approaches training elite athletes - The power of repeating basic movements 04:50 – Basic foundational movement patterns that Dr. Jason believes everyone needs 07:43 – How Dr. Park recommends transitioning from foundational to sport specific movements 09:34 – Dr. Park’s personal experience with bringing it back to the basics - How they can help you in your daily life 16:09 – Examples from Dr. Park’s life illustrating the importance of the basics before complex movements - Repercussions if the fundamentals are ignored 20:38 – Why the philosophy of human movement is the same despite the diversity of movement practices available 22:46 – Inspirational quotes Dr. Park found pivotal in his career - Why slowing down is important 25:25 – Why Dr. Park recommends taking your body to its individual “deep end” of movement 27:48 – The main things Dr. Park works on with both of his clients and athletes About Dr. Jason Park Dr. Jason Park, PT, DPT, SCS, is a Strength & Conditioning Coach, Sports Performance Specialist, and a Board-Certified Doctor of Physical Therapy. Jason also happens to be a Striking Coach for top UFC & Bellator athletes, including MMA Legend Anderson Silva and top featherweight Brian Ortega. Jason has a 18 year history training in Muay Thai & Boxing and been training athletes in their Strength & Conditioning for over 12 years. He looks at the body as a whole and oversees how to tap into his client’s athletic potential by developing their movement quality and biomechanics as a strong foundation. He combines the art of being a good “mover” with being strong and powerful to maximize the athletic development with his clients. His client base spans all major sports including MMA, Muay Thai, Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MLB, NBA, and NHL athletes. Jason seeks to find out what is your passion and helps guide you to find your inner athlete. He takes the lessons he has and continues to learn coaching in professional athletes to help you find your inner athlete. Items mentioned in this episode: Dr. Park’s Website We think you’ll love: FREE Week of the Jen Health Membership FREE Low Back Pain Course! Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel To see the episode’s full show notes and check out the rest of Doc Jen’s website, click here: https://jen.health/podcast/39 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Want to get back to a sport you love but haven’t done it in awhile? Listen in as Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom take you through what Achilles Tendinitis is and things you can start doing today to help avoid it.  For all of the sports lovers out there, it’s understandable that injuries can get in the way of playing the sport you love as often as you want.  This podcast is for those who want to be able to play their sports (recreationally or professionally) safely without pain or negative repercussions; which most commonly are found in the achilles for high intensity sports such as basketball or tennis.  Tune in as Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom dive into what steps and progressions are needed to safely play high intensity sports.  They will be reviewing what systemic inflammation means within the own body to help leave more room for you to play your game, at any age, by keeping it painless and fun. VivoBarefoot Discount: We cannot talk about back issues without talking about restrictions in feet and ankles. Improve your foot and ankle health and therefore everything up the chain by wearing ⁠VivoBareoot shoes⁠ to improve the mobility and strength in your toes, feet, and ankles. There’s one for every occasion, including weddings, hiking, a grocery walk and casual wear, or shoes for your active lifestyle. Use code "TOB" to get 15% off your ⁠VivoBarefoot Shoes⁠! **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: 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 curated 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 PT Pearl: 00:51 – What an Achilles is and what it does - What Achilles Tendinitis means and feels like 02:39 – Why Achilles Tendonitis happens - Why recovery and progressions are necessary 05:53 – What a tendon is - What happens when tendons are not prepared for movement 07:36 – How tendons gets stretched or torn - What the stretch shorten cycle is and why it's important 12:02 – Why variety of movement and Vivo-barefoot shoes help avoid Tendonitis 15:36 – What “line of fascia” means and why it's important to the Achilles and the entire body 18:27 – How to check if your Achilles is ready for an explosive movement 19:12 – How to progress your Achilles after it passes the mobility test - How to modify if too intense 22:04 – What systemic inflammation means and how to be cognisant about it To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://youtu.be/eHc_HAbHH80 We Think You’ll Love: FREE Week of the Jen Health Membership FREE Plantar Fasciitis Guide! Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel 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! To see the episode’s full show notes and check out the rest of Doc Jen’s website, click here: https://jen.health/podcast/38 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.