In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy, discuss the sacroiliac joint (SI Joint), addressing common concerns about clicking, popping, and pain—especially during pregnancy and postpartum. They explain the anatomy, debunk myths about SI joint displacement, and share practical strategies for managing discomfort, including breathwork, progressive exercise, and mobility. The hosts emphasize early intervention, movement over inactivity, and the importance of building stability through tailored exercises to help manage SI joint pain and other discomforts that can arise during pregnancy.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, co-hosts Doc Jen and Dr. Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, are joined by Dr. David Clark to explore the origins and treatment of chronic neuroplastic pain. They discuss how stress, early life experiences, and emotional factors can reshape brain pathways, leading to real, persistent symptoms of chronic pain. The conversation highlights the importance of compassionate listening, self-care, the mind-body connection and nervous system regulation techniques. Dr. Clark shares patient stories, practical resources, and hope for recovery, emphasizing that even long-standing chronic pain symptoms can improve through neuroplastic recovery therapy and lifestyle changes.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom—both doctors of physical therapy—address widespread myths and misconceptions surrounding neck pain and posture. They delve into the natural variation in cervical spine curvature, explaining that straightened neck curves and age-related degenerative changes are frequently seen on imaging and are often a normal part of the aging process, not necessarily linked to pain or dysfunction. They stress the importance of not letting fear-based interpretations of MRI or X-ray results dictate treatment decisions. Instead, they advocate for proactive approaches to posture and neck pain such as regular movement, targeted exercise, and education to empower individuals in managing their symptoms. Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom provide practical tips and evidence-based strategies to help find relief from neck pain, improve mobility and posture, and support overall neck health.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom are joined by fertility expert Dr. Natalie Crawford. They dive into a thorough discussion on women's health, focusing on fertility, menstrual health, and preparing for pregnancy. Dr. Crawford explains the menstrual cycle, addresses common misconceptions, and highlights the importance of self-advocacy, stress management, and lifestyle for women's health and reproductive health. She also shares insights from her upcoming book, "The Fertility Formula," empowering listeners with practical advice for optimizing fertility and navigating women's health challenges like infertility and pregnancy loss.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy, discuss patellofemoral pain syndrome, a common cause of pain at the front of the knee. They debunk myths about outdated treatments and explain patellofemoral pain syndrome as an overload condition, highlighting its prevalence among adolescents, women, and runners. The hosts outline a phased, evidence-based rehab approach for patellofemoral pain syndrome, focusing on hip and knee strengthening, mobility, and gradual progression to dynamic activities. They emphasize the importance of load management, pain education, and consistency, and introduce their structured “Knee Plan” to guide listeners through recovery.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom interview Dr. Lance Frank, a pelvic floor physical therapist specializing in men’s health and LGBTQIA+ care. They discuss the underdiagnosis of pelvic floor dysfunction in men, common symptoms (such as pain, urinary and bowel issues, and sexual dysfunction), and the stigma preventing many from seeking help. Dr. Frank explains his patient-centered approach, the importance of education and early intervention, and practical strategies for improving pelvic floor health. The episode aims to break down taboos and empower listeners to address pelvic floor concerns proactively.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, physical therapists Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy, discuss how postpartum women can safely return to strength training while breastfeeding. They explain the hormonal changes after birth and their effects on mood, energy, and physical recovery. The hosts share practical health tips for hydrations, nutrition, and gradual exercise progression, emphasizing core and pelvic floor stability in early postpartum stages. Personal experiences and strategies for accountability are highlighted, along with the importance of patience and individualized approaches. The episode offers encouragement and evidence-based advice to help new moms regain strength and support their health during the postpartum period.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doctors of Physical Therapy Doc Jen and Dr Dom, welcome holistic therapist Megan, creator of the Love Alignment Method and author of Choose Yourself. Megan shares her journey from eating disorder recovery to specializing in attachment trauma and relationships. The discussion explores self-discovery, healing attachment wounds, and the importance of somatic therapy. Megan offers practical tips for finding the right therapist, reconnecting with the body, and embracing time alone to build self-worth. The episode provides empowering insights and tools for cultivating authentic relationships and prioritizing personal healing and growth.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom explore how to build muscle and strength without lifting heavy weights. They explain that working muscles to fatigue within a moderate rep range—using lighter loads or bodyweight—can be just as effective to build muscle. The hosts share practical exercise modifications, discuss the importance of reaching muscular failure, and emphasize recovery, nutrition, and consistency. They encourage listeners, especially women and older adults, to prioritize strength training for muscle growth for lifelong optimal health and independence, offering accessible strategies and resources for getting started at home.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom welcome pelvic floor Doctor of Physical Therapy Dr. Sarah Reardon to discuss her new book, "Flawed: A Women’s Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage." They explore the importance of pelvic health education, debunk common myths, address certain pelvic floor pain and conditions, and address the stigma surrounding women’s pelvic health. Dr. Reardon shares practical tips and exercise for daily habits, highlights the need for early education, and emphasizes that pelvic health is a lifelong journey. The conversation empowers listeners to make informed, compassionate choices about their bodies. Dr. Sarah Reardon is truly a pioneer in women's health advocacy.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both physical therapists, dive deep into the world of barefoot shoes and the barefoot lifestyle. They explore how making the switch to barefoot footwear can help address common pain issues, including bunion pain and plantar fasciitis. The hosts discuss essential features of minimalist shoes, share their own barefoot journeys, and emphasize why a gradual, personalized approach is important to avoid injury. You’ll hear practical tips, targeted exercises, and assessments to strengthen your feet and improve mobility while going barefoot. Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom also introduce their Barefoot Mini Course and recommend supportive tools like toe socks and spacers for anyone dealing with bunions, plantar fasciitis, or general foot pain. Listeners are encouraged to be patient and consistent—embracing barefoot habits and foot exercise for optimal health and lifelong foot function.

In this Optimal Body Podcast episode, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, doctors of physical therapy, welcome sleep expert Todd Anderson. Todd shares insights from his athletic and coaching background, emphasizing the foundational role of sleep in performance, pain relief, and optimal health. The conversation covers practical sleep strategies, the impact of mindset, light, temperature, exercise, hormones, and stimulants like caffeine and nicotine. Listeners receive actionable tips for improving sleep quality, with a focus on self-compassion, individualized routines, and addressing underlying life stressors for optimal well-being.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, physical therapists Doc Jen and Dr Dom discuss trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis), covering its causes, symptoms, and risk factors—especially in people with diabetes or repetitive hand use. They outline conservative treatments like splinting, corticosteroid injections, and targeted exercises to improve tendon gliding and finger mobility. Surgical options for trigger finger are reviewed for persistent cases. The hosts emphasize starting with therapy and activity modification before invasive treatments, and they share practical exercises for hand and wrist health.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom welcome Dr. Courtney Conley and Dr. Jen Perez, co-founders of Gait Happens, for an insightful discussion on health optimization through foot health. They explore how foot health impacts overall well-being, exercise performance, and movement longevity, with a special focus on plantar fasciitis and other common issues that impact foot health. The conversation dispels myths about orthotics and highlights the importance of functional foot strength. Listeners receive practical health tips and learn how exercise and a holistic approach can optimize health and prevent pain.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen PT, DPT and Dr Dom PT, DPT compare high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT), answering questions from their Jen Health community. They discuss the benefits and challenges of each method, especially for women in perimenopause and post-menopause, and emphasize the importance of individualizing workouts. The hosts offer practical advice on balancing HIIT and SIT with other exercise modalities, highlight the significance of recovery, and encourage listeners to find an approach that supports their unique health needs and goals.