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.
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Episode 409 | The Myths & Facts of Nutrition During Pregnancy and Postpartum with Dr. Jessica Knurick
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50:01Needed Discount: Although the journey of pregnancy is so personal and individual, Jen's number one question goes back to what she did to help her conceive and maintain the pregnancy. While there were a myriad of factors that contributed, she reliably counted on Needed supplements that supported her journey! Men need support as well via sperm suppor…
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408 | Neck Adjustments: Helpful or Hurtful?
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16:09LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase! Fuel every system within the body and the brain with LMNT! Keep yourself hydrated on a cellular level by replenishing the sodium, potassium, and magnesium that our body needs for basic cellular processes like nerve signaling, smooth muscle contractions, unnecessary fatigue, aches and pain, brain fog, and …
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407 | How Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Optimize Health for Men & Women with Dr. Greg Brannon
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47:45VivoBarefoot 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 groc…
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406 | Listener Q & A | Hip Flexors, SI Out of Place, Mobility & More!
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22:02In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, co-hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, answer listener questions on physical therapy, body mechanics, and pain management. They debunk myths about bunions, joint alignment, and hip pain, emphasizing the importance of strength, mobility, and proper footwear. Doc Jen highlights …
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405 | Why I Hired A Doula and What They Do With Soul Shine Birth
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52:02In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore the crucial role of doulas in the birthing process with Kelsey and Aurora from Soul Shine Birth. They discuss how doulas provide emotional, physical, and educational support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. The conversation highlights the benefits of having a …
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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen shares her postpartum journey following her second childbirth, a vaginal birth, contrasting it with her first cesarean experience. Joined by Doctor Dom, they discuss the physical and emotional challenges of postpartum recovery, emphasizing the importance of support, pelvic floor health, and prope…
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403 | The Real Factors That Effect Our Biological Age, Pain and Disease with Nikolina Lauc
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55:06In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom engage in an enlightening conversation with Nikolina Lauc, CEO and co-founder of Glycanage. They explore the groundbreaking methods Glycanage uses to measure biological age through advanced blood biomarkers, focusing on glycans' role in inflammation and aging. Nikolina discus…
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402 | Our Birth Story | A VBAC Success Story
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1:05:20In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen shares her inspiring journey of having a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) for her second child, Luca. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges she faced, the importance of mindset and preparation, and the invaluable support from her midwives and partner, Dr. Dom. Dr. Jen emphasizes …
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401 | Solving Vertigo & Dizziness with Dr. Paige Day
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42:07In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom welcome Dr. Paige, an expert in vestibular therapy. They explore the vestibular system's role in balance and motion detection, and discuss common dysfunctions like vertigo. Dr. Paige shares her journey into vestibular therapy, emphasizing the quick fixes achievable for condition…
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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, focus on the use of inversion tables for back pain relief. They explore the associated risks and short-term benefits of inversion therapy, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of pain through active rehabilitation and lifestyle…
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399 | Optimizing Nutrition for Women's Health and Hormones with Lauren Papanos
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39:52In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom chat with Lauren Papanos, a registered dietitian nutritionist, about nutrition and hormone health. Lauren shares her journey into the field, driven by personal experiences with hormone issues. They discuss the impact of chronic inflammation on conditions like PCOS and Hashimoto's d…
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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, co-hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore osteoporosis, emphasizing its impact on women as they age. They advocate for a comprehensive approach to bone health that goes beyond calcium supplements to include exercise, nutrition, and professional guidance. Doctor Dom explains the importance of loading bones …
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397 | Bunions Aren't Just Genetic | New Research with Gourgen Gevorgyan
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48:34In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, delve into the importance of foot health with guest Gourgen, co-founder of My Foot Function. They discuss the benefits of barefoot shoes, emphasizing how traditional footwear can negatively impact foot function and overall movement. Gourgen …
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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, co-hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, discuss the best exercises for longevity. They emphasize the importance of maintaining strength and muscle mass as we age, debunking myths about exercise restrictions for older adults. The episode highlights the benefits of strength train…
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395 | How Nutrition Changes through a Woman's Lifespan with Dr. Federica Amati
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54:19In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom delve into the critical role of nutrition in women's health with guest Doctor Frederica Amati, a leading nutritionist at Zoe. The discussion highlights how dietary choices impact fertility, pregnancy, and menopause. Doctor Amati emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet ri…
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394 | Does a Vibration Plate Help Prevent Muscle & Bone Loss?
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20:19In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore the benefits and drawbacks of whole body vibration plates. They discuss claims about these devices enhancing muscle gain, weight loss, and bone health, while emphasizing the need for critical evaluation of research. The conversation highli…
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393 | The Myths and Facts of Red Light Therapy with Forrest Smith
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49:15In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom engage with Forrest Smith, CEO and co-founder of Kineon, to explore the benefits of red light therapy for chronic pain management and overall health. Forrest shares his personal journey of discovering red light therapy after an MCL tear and chronic inflammation, emphasizing i…
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392 | What is an adjustment or manipulation? Is it putting me back in place?
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28:47In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore the phenomenon of joint adjustments, often associated with the sounds of "snap, crackle, and pop." They explain the science behind these sounds, emphasizing that they result from pressure changes and gas release in the joints, not bo…
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391 | Our Service Trip to Peru and the Pelvic & Sexual Health Disparities Across the Globe with Heather Florio
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50:47In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, are joined by Heather Florio, the second-generation owner of Desert Harvest and a women's health advocate. They discuss their trip to Peru in August 2024, intended to educate women about pelvic and sexual health. Despite facing challenges li…
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390 | Our Top 3 Recommendations to Prevent Pain & Injury in the New Year
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22:22In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, share practical tips for enhancing physical health and wellness as we enter the new year. They emphasize the importance of downregulation for the nervous system, mobility training, and the benefits of barefoot living. Doc Jen highlights the …
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389 | Fixing Your Metabolism to Fix Your Health with Vince Pitstick
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53:38In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom welcome Vince Pitstick, a pioneer in functional and holistic nutrition coaching. Vince shares his personal journey of overcoming early health challenges and how it shaped his holistic approach to health. He emphasizes the importance of addressing root causes and the interconn…
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388 | Best Exercises to Prevent Running Injuries
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20:05In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy , explore running injuries and prevention strategies. They highlight the importance of foot strength, especially the use of Vivo Barefoot shoes, and discuss the benefits of structured exercise programs. A key study is reviewed, showing that hip and…
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387 | Pelvic Floor Therapy Post Abdominal Surgeries with Dr. Joselyn Wallace
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39:22In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both physical therapists, welcome Dr. Jocelyn Wallace, a pelvic health specialist. The discussion centers on pelvic health, particularly following abdominal surgeries like myomectomy and hysterectomy, and issues related to fibroids. Dr. Wallace shares her personal journey of…
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386 | Should I Use A Psoas Release Tool for my Tight Hip Flexors
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19:50In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore the topic of psoas release tools and hip flexor health. They express concerns about the safety and effectiveness of hard psoas release tools, highlighting potential risks to vital organs and nerves. Instead, they advocate for a holis…
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385 | How to Maintain a Healthy Gut, Prevent Colon Cancer and Reverse Aging with Dr. Roshini Raj
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52:37In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, engage in an enlightening discussion on gut health with guest Doctor Roshini Raj, a board-certified gastroenterologist. Doctor Raj shares her journey into gastroenterology and her expertise on the gut microbiome. She emphasizes the importanc…
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384 | QL Causing Low Back Pain or Tightness?
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21:36In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore the often-misunderstood quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle, frequently blamed for low back pain. They explain the QL's role in the body, emphasizing its interactions with other muscles and fascia. The hosts discuss the importance of proper breathing techniques, particularly dia…
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383 | How Meditative & Martial Arts Can Be Used to Optimize Whole Body Health with Jeff Patterson
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40:06In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore the transformative power of martial arts and meditative practices with guest Jeff Patterson, a martial arts expert with over 36 years of experience. Doc Jen highlights the importance of foot health and barefoot shoes, while Jeff shares his journey into martial arts an…
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382 | Overcoming Fear of Movement Due to Fear of Pain or Previous Injury
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21:13In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, discuss overcoming the fear of movement, or kinesiophobia, often experienced after injury. They emphasize the psychological barriers to recovery and offer practical strategies for gradually reintroducing movement. Topics include the importance of …
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381 | Getting to the Root Cause of Cellular Health & Chronic Illness with Dr. John Kim
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51:19In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, welcome Dr. John Kim, a functional medicine pharmacist. Dr. Kim shares his transformative journey from traditional pharmacology to integrative medicine following a significant health crisis. He discusses the importance of understanding root cau…
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380 | Overcoming Chronic or Consistent Mid-Back Pain
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23:29In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore chronic mid-back pain. They clarify that chronic pain can be intermittent and discuss the lack of specific guidelines for mid-back pain compared to neck and low back pain. They reference a study showing that while manual therapy comb…
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379 | How to Use the Nervous System to Heal from Chronic Pain and Fatigue with Jennifer Mann and Karden Rabin
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51:06In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom introduce an exciting new course on body wellness and self-assessment. They then welcome guests Jennifer Mann and Karden Rabin. Jennifer, a mind-body practitioner, shares her journey of overcoming severe chronic fatigue through trauma-informed healing, leading her to co-found Ch…
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378 | Organ Meat, Raw Milk, and Ancestral Living with Craig McCloskey
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47:31In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore the benefits of ancestral supplements with guest Craig McCloskey, a certified health coach and holistic nutrition expert. Doc Jen shares her positive experiences with beef liver supplements, particularly during and after pregnancy, n…
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377 | Strategies To Help Cope and Overcome Mental Health Battles with Karena Dawn
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43:38In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom welcome Karena Dawn, co-founder of Tone It Up and a New York Times bestselling author. Karena shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood with a mentally ill mother to becoming a successful entrepreneur and mental health advocate. She discusses her struggles wit…
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In this episode, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore back pain during pregnancy. Doc Jen shares her personal pregnancy journey, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and supplements from Needed. They discuss the prevalence of back pain among pregnant women, highlighting the physiological changes and biomechanical shi…
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375 | Fixing Leaky Skin & Hacking Your Health through Oils with Nadine Artemis
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46:58In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom are joined by Nadine Artemis, an author, beauty philosopher, aroma ecologist, and creator of Living Libations. The discussion delves into skin health, the benefits of essential oils, and the importance of sun exposure. Nadine shares her expertise on using natural oils like co…
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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, co-hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore the common issue of shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, prevalent among runners and those engaged in high-impact activities. They emphasize the importance of foot health, the benefits of barefoot shoes like Vivo Barefo…
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373 | Using Mindset Shifts to Overcome Pain and Disease with Dr. Josh Axe
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48:28In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom welcome back Doctor Josh Axe, a functional medicine expert and bestselling author, to discuss his new book, "Think This, Not That." Doctor Axe shares his personal journey of overcoming a severe back injury through various treatments, including stem cell therapy and hyperbaric…
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372 | Rotator Cuff Tears: What To Do For Shoulder Pain
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22:53In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore the intricacies of the rotator cuff, focusing on its anatomy, function, and common injuries. They emphasize the importance of shoulder stability and discuss effective rehabilitation strategies. The episode highlights the significance of thoracic mobility, muscle balan…
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371 | Live Nourished & Drop The Diets With Registered Dietitian, Shana Spence
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45:44In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, are joined by Shana Spence, a registered dietitian nutritionist. Shana discusses the pervasive influence of diet culture and the importance of a balanced approach to nutrition. She emphasizes the need to move away from restrictive diets and …
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370 | What To Do For Cervicogenic Headaches
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29:37In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore cervical genic headaches, which originate from neck issues. They discuss the prevalence of headaches and emphasize the importance of identifying underlying causes. The hosts highlight the role of physical therapy, neck stability, and mobility in treatment. They also discuss…
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369 | Identifying the Root Cause Issues of Gut Dysfunction with Rachel Scheer
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52:29In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom welcome Rachel Shear, a certified functional medicine practitioner and founder of Rachel Scheer Nutrition. Rachel shares her compelling journey of overcoming severe gut health issues that nearly led to the removal of her entire large intestine. She emphasizes the importance of unde…
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368 | MCL Strain Around the Knee? What You Need To Know
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24:43In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, discuss MCL (medial collateral ligament) strains. They explain the anatomy and function of the MCL, common injury mechanisms, and the grading of MCL injuries. Emphasizing the importance of foot health and mobility for knee stability, they ou…
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367 | New Research on Imposter Syndrome and Strategies for Coping with Dr Alex Anderson & Dr Jamie LaPenna
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48:38In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom discuss imposter syndrome with guests Doctor Jamie La Pena and Doctor Alexandra Anderson. They explore how feelings of inadequacy affect physical therapists despite their qualifications. The conversation highlights research findings, revealing that 93% of surveyed therapists experi…
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366 | How does Stretching Differ From Mobility?
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28:34In this episode, DocJen and Dr. Dom delve into the difference between flexibility and mobility, providing insight into increasing hamstring range of motion. They dive into the role of flexibility as an addition to mobility to improve quality of life as we age, as well as the research insights on the physiological effects of different types of mobil…
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365 | Understanding How Personal Development and Attachment Styles Can Nurture Healthy Relationships with Thais Gibson
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45:30Could reciting your past trauma be more detrimental than beneficial? Let's discuss the current approaches in Western talk therapy and how we can begin to transform personal development more effectively, through a nervous system lens. From diving into the value of personal development and self-reflection to honing into tools to start your personal d…
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364 | What to do for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
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24:34In this episode, DocJen and Dr. Dom delve into degenerative disc disease, what is happening within the body, and what the diagnosis entails. As they dive into some critical research around degenerative disc disease and back pain, they empower you with the tools and education to gain control over your back pain and spine health again! Let's dive in!…
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363 | Using Your Eyes, Smell and Neurology to Reduce Pain and Improve Health with Missy Bunch
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49:09If the normal prescriptions for your pain (i.e. rest, mobility, strength, sleep, nutrition) aren't affecting you and your pain is still recurring, this one is for you! Missy did all the things she was recommended and advised to do for her knee pain to a tea and she lived her life with knee pain as her new normal until she was directed towards neuro…
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362 | What is Cold Laser Treatment and When is it beneficial?
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23:25In this episode, DocJen and Dr. Dom delve into cold laser treatment and how it affects the body physiologically. They dive into the latest proposed mechanisms and the research behind their efficacy, exploring when cold laser treatment is best used and for what scenario. In doing so, they discuss how placebo interventions play a role! Let's dive in!…
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361 | The Key Factors to Oral Health and Hygiene with Dr. Bill Dorfman
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42:21Join Dr. Bill in this insightful episode as he dives into the world of cosmetic dentistry and oral hygiene. He discusses his passion for cosmetic dentistry and emphasizes how oral hygiene is crucial for overall health, touching upon the importance of verniers in maintaining oral health. Dr. Bill explains what constitutes good oral hygiene and addre…
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360 | How to Release a Tight Knot in Your Muscle
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28:30In this episode, DocJen and Dr. Dom delve into tight knots and what is happening within the body to cause the tension and pain. Differentiating trigger points and tight knots, they discuss the role of the nervous system and how biopsychosocial components may be related to the sensations your are experiencing. Finally, they touch base with the power…
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