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.

  1. 460 | Toe Spacers For Foot Pain? What Does The Research Say?

    1 DAY AGO

    460 | Toe Spacers For Foot Pain? What Does The Research Say?

    In this episode of the Optimal Body podcast, Doctors of Physical Therapy Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore the benefits of toe spacers for foot health. They discuss how these simple, affordable devices help counteract toe crowding caused by modern footwear, reducing pain and improving function. Backed by research, toe spacers show benefits for conditions like bunions, plantar fasciitis, Morton's neuroma, and flat feet. They also highlight benefits for balance and neurological conditions. The hosts emphasize that toe spacers work best when combined with targeted foot exercises and proper footwear, offering practical tips for safe and effective use. Zulu Weighted Vest: Upgrade your everyday movement with the ZULU Weighted Vest — designed to increase calorie burn, naturally engage your core, and improve posture with every step. Perfect for walks, workouts, and daily errands. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout. Free Foot Health Webinar: Dealing with pain from bunions or plantar fasciitis? Or just interested in how to optimize your foot health overall? Come sign up for Doc Jen's free foot health webinar! We Think You'll Love: Free Foot Health Webinar Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/460 What You'll Learn: 1:52 The hosts introduce toe spacers, comparing them to pedicure tools and noting their growing popularity among celebrities and athletes. 4:04 A brief history of the original toe spacer concept, introduced in 1914 to address foot conditions caused by toe crowding. 6:58 A 2024 systematic review is cited, showing toe spacers are an effective conservative treatment, especially for hallux valgus (bunions). 8:52 Discussion on how toe spacers can reduce pain, redistribute pressure, and slow the progression of bunions, supported by research. 12:26 Explaining how toe spacers help Morton's neuroma by creating space between the metatarsals, reducing nerve irritation and providing symptom relief. 15:24 How spreading the toes can stretch intrinsic foot muscles, improve blood flow, and redistribute pressure to help heal plantar fasciitis. 18:44 Toe spacers help activate intrinsic foot muscles by providing a gentle stretch, which can improve strength and support for flat feet. 20:52 Discussion on how toe spacers can improve gait in neurological patients, enhance balance, and potentially reduce fall risk as we age. 23:32 The hosts recommend pairing toe spacer use with... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    37 min
  2. 459 | Recipe to Movement Longevity | Staying Strong & Mobile As We Age with Physiotherapist, Will Harlow

    4 MAY

    459 | Recipe to Movement Longevity | Staying Strong & Mobile As We Age with Physiotherapist, Will Harlow

    In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, welcome physiotherapist Will Harlow, who specializes in helping people over 50 maintain independence and achieve movement longevity. Will shares his journey from sports physiotherapy to focusing on older adults and introduces his four pillars of independence: mobility, strength, balance, and skeletal health—all essential for movement longevity. He offers practical advice, including strength training, "balance snacks," and bone-strengthening exercises, emphasizing how these habits contribute to movement longevity. Will also highlights the importance of diet, quality sleep, and social connection for longevity, while addressing common concerns about osteoporosis and arthritis pain. He promotes his new book, "Independence for Life". Lifting for Longevity: Check out our NEW movement longevity course -> Lifting for Longevity! Build your Strength, Mobility, Power, Balance and more regardless of what stage or age you’re at! Podcast listeners get a bonus discount with code OPTIMAL20 Needed Discount: Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout! Will's Resources: Will's Website Will on IG Will on FB Will on YouTube Free 7-Day Roadmap We Think You'll Love: Lifting for Longevity Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel Go HERE for full show notes. What You'll Learn: 4:29 Will describes his career path, leaving pro sports, and discovering his calling in helping people over 50. 9:51 Will shares about working for... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    51 min
  3. 458 | Hernias Explained: Understanding the Treatment Options for Inguinal, Umbilical, and Sports Hernias

    27 APR

    458 | Hernias Explained: Understanding the Treatment Options for Inguinal, Umbilical, and Sports Hernias

    In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, doctors of physical therapy, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, discuss hernias, explaining what they are, their types, causes, and treatment options. They differentiate hernias from conditions like diastasis recti and prolapse, emphasizing that hernias involve a fascial defect requiring surgery. Dr Dom shares her personal experience with bilateral inguinal hernias and inadequate post-surgical rehabilitation. Both hosts stress the importance of core and pelvic floor rehabilitation before and after surgery to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence, encouraging listeners to work with pelvic floor physical therapists and explore their Jen Health core and pelvic floor program. Jen Health Annual Membership Discount: Huge discount on Jen Health Annual Membership! Podcast listeners get over 50% off with code OPTIMAL10. Access 12 Therapy Plans and start your free trial now—move with us! We think You'll Love: Jen Health Annual Sale! Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel For full episode show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/458 What You'll Learn: 1:24 Introduction to hernias, their prevalence, and the episode’s goal to explain anatomy, treatment, and recovery. 1:56 Clarifies what a hernia is, types of hernias, and distinguishes hernias from herniated discs and other conditions. 2:54 Explains fascia’s role, causes of hernias (congenital, pressure, trauma), and anatomical weak points. 4:13 Discusses how hernias differ from diastasis recti and prolapse, focusing on tissue stretching versus protrusion. 6:14 Describes the umbrella of pressure-related abdominal canister problems and contributing factors. 6:42 Explains reducible, incarcerated, and strangulated hernias and their clinical significance. 7:31 Details inguinal and umbilical hernias, surgical repair options, recurrence rates, and chronic pain risks. 9:33 Doc Jen shares her experience with inguinal hernia surgery, chronic pain, and lack of post-surgical rehab guidance. 12:08 Highlights the need for core and pelvic floor rehabilitation before and after hernia surgery. 14:35 Discusses research on exercise for hernia management, symptom reduction, and the difference between fixing appearance and function. 16:49 Explains how proper pressure management enables return to activity, even with hernias or diastasis recti. 17:47 Covers the importance of prehab and rehab, timelines for... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    24 min
  4. 457 | Nitric Oxide: The Molecule of Life for Health, Aging & Longevity with Dr. Nathan Bryan

    20 APR

    457 | Nitric Oxide: The Molecule of Life for Health, Aging & Longevity with Dr. Nathan Bryan

    In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy welcome Doctor Nathan Bryan, an expert in nitric oxide biochemistry. Doctor Bryan explains how nitric oxide, a short-lived signaling molecule, is essential for cardiovascular health, brain function, immune defense, and longevity. He discusses how modern lifestyle habits, including poor diet, sedentary behavior, fluoride toothpaste, and antiseptic mouthwash, deplete nitric oxide production. Doctor Bryan also shares practical health tips to restore levels, including exercise, nasal breathing, dietary changes, and his scientifically developed nitric oxide-based supplements, highlighting their potential to combat chronic diseases like Alzheimer's, diabetes, and heart disease. Needed Discount: Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout! N1O1 Product Discount: Interested in grabbing some of the Nitric Oxide Products that Dr Nathan talks about? Check them all out here and use code OPTIMAL10 at checkout for a discount! Dr Bryan's Resources: N1O1 Website Dr Bryan on IG Dr Bryan on YT "The Secret of Nitric Oxide" We Think You'll Love Free Week of Jen Health Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel For full show notes and resources, visit https://jen.health/podcast/457 What You'll Learn: 01:26 Dr. Bryan explains why nitric oxide is a critical molecule for health, longevity, and disease prevention. 05:30 Dr. Bryan details how lifestyle factors and certain drugs disrupt nitric oxide production and enzyme function. 07:44 Explains the role of oral bacteria in nitric oxide production and the negative effects of fluoride and mouthwash. 10:18 How nitric oxide levels... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    43 min
  5. 456 | The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause: Why Your Joints and Tendons Suddenly Feel 10 Years Older

    13 APR

    456 | The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause: Why Your Joints and Tendons Suddenly Feel 10 Years Older

    In this episode of the Optimal Body podcast, Doctors of Physical Therapy, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, explore the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause, a cluster of symptoms including joint pain, stiffness, frozen shoulder, and muscle loss affecting women aged 40–60. They explain how declining estrogen disrupts connective tissue repair, collagen synthesis, and inflammation regulation. The hosts emphasize these symptoms reflect real physiological changes, not weakness or normal aging. They offer practical management strategies, including progressive resistance training, mobility work, improved sleep, targeted nutrition, and medical options like hormone replacement therapy, empowering women to navigate menopause confidently and maintain strength and resilience. Needed Discount: Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout! Free Week of the Jen Health Membership: Get a free week of Jen Health Membership! Access 12 plans crafted by Doc Jen, PT. We’ll match you with the best plan for your goals. Check it out today and use code OPTIMAL for a discount on your first month! Lifting for Longevity Course Discount! Come and join our brand new course Lifting for Longevity! This course was created by Doc Jen and shot with her 73 year old mother to show that, regardless what age or level you are, you can build strength, power, mobility, balance, and so much more! It will help you understand all of the components of movement that are important when it comes to moving well, late in life. Come join us and grab a bonus discount with code OPTIMAL20 at checkout! We think You'll Love: Free Week of Jen Health Lifting for Longevity Course Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/456 What You'll Learn: 1:59 Introducing Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause 3:35 Defining the Syndrome & Common Symptoms 5:02 Estrogen’s Role in Musculoskeletal... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    32 min
  6. 455 | The Recipe to Relieve Chronic Pain with Dr Rachel Zoffness

    6 APR

    455 | The Recipe to Relieve Chronic Pain with Dr Rachel Zoffness

    In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, doctors of physical therapy Doc Jen and Doctor Dom welcome pain scientist Dr. Rachel Zoffness to discuss the complexities of pain, especially how to relieve chronic pain, from a biopsychosocial perspective. Dr. Rachel explains that pain is influenced by physical, emotional, and social factors—not just tissue damage. The conversation covers common misconceptions, the lack of pain education in medicine, and practical strategies to relieve chronic pain. Dr. Rachel emphasizes hope, empowerment, and the importance of movement, emotional health, and education in preventing and overcoming chronic pain. Her upcoming book, Tell Me Where It Hurts, is also highlighted. Jen Health Annual Membership Discount: Huge discount on Jen Health Annual Membership! Podcast listeners get over 50% off with code OPTIMAL10. Access 12 Therapy Plans and start your free trial now—move with us! Dr Rachel's Resources: Dr Rachel's Website Dr Rachel on IG Dr Rachel on FB "Tell Me Where it Hurts" We Think You'll Love: Free Week of Jen Health Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/455 What You'll Learn: 05:00 Dr. Rachel shares her motivation for studying pain, provider burnout, and the importance of the biopsychosocial model. 07:03 Discussion on lack of pain education in medical schools and the persistence of outdated biomedical approaches. 09:12 Clarifies definitions of acute and chronic pain, emphasizing chronic pain as a nervous system disease. 11:59 Dr. Rachel explains the need for a personalized "pain recipe" using biopsychosocial ingredients to relieve chronic pain. 15:00 Addresses systemic barriers, patient-provider time constraints, and debunks the myth that pain is “all in your head.” 17:42 Discusses conflicting diagnoses, the impact on patients, and uses Usain Bolt’s scoliosis as a metaphor for pain complexity. 21:44 Explains why imaging findings often don’t correlate with pain and the importance of understanding pain beyond anatomy. 23:04 Introduces the “pain dial” metaphor to... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    49 min
  7. 454 | Why Heel Pain Isn’t Just a Foot Problem: What New Research Reveals About Plantar Fasciitis

    30 MAR

    454 | Why Heel Pain Isn’t Just a Foot Problem: What New Research Reveals About Plantar Fasciitis

    In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom explore chronic plantar fasciitis, highlighting new 2025 research that reveals its connection to central sensitization—where the nervous system amplifies pain. They explain why traditional treatments for plantar fasciitis may not work for everyone and emphasize a holistic approach, combining strength exercises, pain education, stress management, and lifestyle changes. The hosts also discuss the importance of addressing nervous system sensitivity and offer resources for listeners seeking relief. This episode aims to provide hope and practical strategies for those struggling with long-term plantar heel pain. Needed Discount: Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout! Lifting for Longevity Course Discount! Come and join our brand new course Lifting for Longevity! This course was created by Doc Jen and shot with her 73 year old mother to show that, regardless what age or level you are, you can build strength, power, mobility, balance, and so much more! It will help you understand all of the components of movement that are important when it comes to moving well, late in life. Come join us and grab a bonus discount with code OPTIMAL at checkout! We think You'll Love: Lifting for Longevity Course Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel What You'll Learn: 02:02 Overview of new research showing plantar heel pain is not just a tissue issue, but involves the nervous system. 03:30 Discussion of co-morbidities like fibromyalgia and depression, highlighting the multifaceted nature of chronic plantar fasciitis. 07:11 Emphasis on the need for a broader, nervous-system-focused approach to treating chronic heel pain. 08:31 Presentation of study results showing high rates of nervous system sensitivity in chronic heel pain patients. 10:50 Validation of listener frustrations and explanation of why pain may persist despite doing “everything right.” 12:26 Reassurance that persistent pain... For full show notes visit https://jen.health/podcast/454 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    18 min
  8. 453 | GLP-1 Benefits: The Facts and Myths for Obesity, Weight Loss, and Beyond with Dr Spencer Nadolsky

    23 MAR

    453 | GLP-1 Benefits: The Facts and Myths for Obesity, Weight Loss, and Beyond with Dr Spencer Nadolsky

    In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, interview Dr. Spencer Nadolsky, an MD and expert in obesity medicine. They discuss the science behind GLP-1 receptor agonists, highlighting GLP-1 benefits for weight loss, diabetes, and cardiovascular health, while addressing common myths and side effects. The conversation explores medication accessibility, safety in pregnancy and cancer, and the future of obesity treatment, emphasizing how GLP-1 benefits can be maximized through evidence-based care. Dr. Nadal underscores the importance of lifestyle changes and equitable access to effective therapies, ensuring that GLP-1 benefits reach those who need them most. The episode offers practical, compassionate insights and health tips for those seeking sustainable and optimal health. Manukora Manuka Honey: During the winter months, I’ve been reaching for Manukora Manuka Honey daily. It’s rich, creamy, and contains 3x more antioxidants and prebiotics than regular honey, plus MGO for added support. I take one spoonful each morning. Try it at https://manukora.com/docjen to save up to 31% plus $25 in free gifts. Dr Spencer's Resources: Dr Spencer's Website Dr Spencer on IG Docs Who Lift Podcast We Think You'll Love: Free Week of Jen Health Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/453 What You'll Learn: 4:31 Dr. Nadolsky shares his journey from athlete to obesity medicine and why he chose this specialty. 6:07 Discussion on societal stigma, self-blame, and common misconceptions about weight loss. 8:10 Reframing weight loss as a biological challenge, not just a matter of willpower or environment. 11:35 Explanation of GLP-1 medications, their history, and how they work in the body. 16:02 Development of GLP-1s from diabetes treatment to effective weight loss medications. 18:36 Comparison of GLP-1 medications and bariatric surgery as weight loss interventions. 21:21 Approved uses, additional health benefits, and debunking myths about GLP-1 medications. 23:23 Preliminary evidence and anecdotes about GLP-1s helping autoimmune and joint conditions. 26:08 Discussion on metabolic effects, inflammation, and potential for broader health benefits. 28:34 Concerns about side effects in lean people and... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1hr 3min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Jen Fraboni & Dr Dom Fraboni
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    460
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Jen Fraboni & Dr. Dom Fraboni
  • Show Website
    The Optimal Body

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