Root To Rise

Dr. Emily Splichal
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Root to Rise focuses on the power of connection – from the ground beneath us to the core within us – and how it shapes the way we move, feel and live. We will explore how strength does not begin in your muscles but rather starts where you are grounded. It is time to reconnect, rebuild – and rise!

  1. 4D AGO

    Flat Feet Aren't All the Same: What Your Foot Type Really Means | #24

    In this in-depth solo episode, Dr. Emily Splichal tackles one of the most misunderstood topics in foot health: flat feet. Rather than treating flat feet as a single condition, Dr. Emily explains why the term itself is misleading and why understanding pronation, stability, timing, and foot type is essential for preventing pain and improving long-term movement health. You'll learn how foot mechanics influence everything from knee alignment and pelvic position to low back pain, fatigue, and injury risk. This episode offers a clear, practical framework for identifying flexible vs. rigid flat feet, distinguishing muscle weakness from ligament laxity, and choosing the right combination of strengthening, support, and footwear for both adults and children. Key Takeaways Why not all flat feet are the same and why classification matters How foot motion directly affects knees, hips, pelvis, spine, and posture When foot exercises can help (and when they can't change arch shape) How to approach flat feet in children without over-correcting too early Resources & Links Website & Virtual Consultations: https://thefunctionalfootdoc.com Instagram: @thefunctionalfootdoc Powerstep Arch Supports (Adults & Kids): https://powerstep.com NOBOSO Sensory Insoles: https://noboso.com Foot Wedges & Felt Pads: https://hapad.com

    55 min

  2. FEB 2

    Bunions, Big Toe Mobility & the Hidden Key to Walking Longevity | #23

    In this solo episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal unpacks one of the most misunderstood foot conditions — bunions — and reframes the conversation around what truly matters: big toe mobility and how we walk. Rather than focusing only on the bunion "bump," Dr. Emily explains why the big toe is a critical driver of propulsion, glute activation, joint health, and longevity. You'll learn how limited big toe motion quietly changes your gait, drains energy, accelerates joint wear, and contributes to issues far beyond the foot — from knee pain to low back pain and instability throughout the body. This episode separates myth from truth, explains what bunions actually are (and aren't), and offers clear guidance on prevention, conservative care, and when surgery may truly be the right choice  all through the lens of long-term movement health.   Key Takeaways How limited big toe motion shortens stride length and increases joint wear The truth about bunion myths: genetics, shoes, and "reversing" bunions How to slow or pause bunion progression without surgery When bunion surgery may be protective — and when waiting too long limits your options Why walking mechanics are one of the strongest predictors of movement longevity   Resources & Links Website & Virtual Consultations: https://thefunctionalfootdoc.com Instagram: @thefunctionalfootdoc NOBOSO Toe Spacers & Sensory Tools: https://noboso.com Bunion Programs & Foot Strength Resources: https://dremilysplichal.com

    50 min

  3. JAN 12

    Recharging the Nervous System with PEMF: A Conversation with Danielle Kalmbach | #22

    In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal is joined by Danielle Kalmbach, wellness entrepreneur and founder of JOLT PEMF Lab, a modern recovery and performance studio specializing in Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy. Danielle's work sits at the intersection of nervous system regulation, recovery science, and performance culture. Through JOLT, she is redefining PEMF not as a passive modality, but as an intentional tool for restoring energy, improving resilience, and supporting whole-body regulation. Together, Emily and Danielle explore how PEMF influences circulation, inflammation, cellular energy, and the nervous system — and why it is becoming a cornerstone in both recovery and high-performance lifestyles. Key Topics: Why Danielle created a more intentional, human-centered PEMF experience. How PEMF supports cellular energy and nervous system regulation. Who benefits most from PEMF, from athletes to stressed professionals. How PEMF fits into a modern performance and recovery stack. Where PEMF and recovery technology are headed next. About Jaime Passaglia: Danielle Kalmbach is a wellness entrepreneur and founder of JOLT PEMF Lab, a modern recovery studio dedicated to optimizing nervous system health, energy, and human performance through Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy. With a human-centered approach to technology-driven wellness, Danielle works with athletes and high-performing individuals seeking smarter recovery, sustainable vitality, and deeper regulation — one pulse at a time. Learn More… Website: joltpemflab.com Instagram: @joltpemflab

    39 min

  4. JAN 5

    Sound as Medicine: Vibroacoustics, the Nervous System & Whole-Body Regulation with Jaime Passaglia | #21

    In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal is joined by Jaime Passaglia, pediatric physical therapist and Chief Health Strategy & Clinical Officer of Solodome, to explore how immersive spatial audio and vibroacoustic technology support nervous system regulation, recovery, and whole-body wellness. Together, they discuss how sound and vibration influence physiology, where vibroacoustic therapy fits within modern healthcare, and why sound may be one of the most underutilized tools in human performance and resilience. Key Topics  How sound and vibration influence pain, sleep, and nervous system regulation. Where vibroacoustics fit within functional and traditional healthcare. Why sound is a powerful tool for calming and organizing the nervous system. Solodome's shift from movement and gaming into wellness and clinical care. How sound and frequency may reshape wellness, healthcare, and performance. About Jaime Passaglia Jaime Passaglia is a pediatric physical therapist and Chief Health Strategy & Clinical Officer at Solodome Audio, where he helps create immersive spatial audio and vibroacoustic experiences that support nervous system regulation, recovery, and whole-body wellness. His work bridges sound science and human physiology, transforming sound into a powerful tool for focus, balance, and resilience. Learn More… Website: solodome.com Instagram: @solodomeaudia

    42 min

  5. 12/29/2025

    The Female Foot: Hormones, Collagen & Why Your Feet Change Over Time | #20

    In this powerful solo episode, Dr. Emily Splichal dives into a topic rarely discussed — yet deeply felt by millions of women: how female hormones shape foot health across every stage of life. From the menstrual cycle to pregnancy and menopause, hormonal shifts profoundly influence collagen, ligament integrity, bone density, circulation, and nerve health — all of which directly impact how your feet look, feel, and function. If you've ever wondered why your feet changed during pregnancy, why arches collapse later in life, or why foot pain seems to "suddenly appear," this episode delivers the science — and the solutions. Dr. Emily breaks down estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin through a functional lens and explains how women can proactively protect their foundation with strength, sensory input, recovery, and smart support. This is an empowering roadmap for staying grounded, strong, and mobile through every hormonal transition. Key Takeaways How estrogen loss impacts collagen, ligaments, tendons, bones, nerves, and fat pads in the feet Why women can lose up to 2% of collagen per year during menopause — and what that means for foot integrity How pregnancy hormones like relaxin alter foot structure, gait, and arch stability Why injury risk changes throughout the menstrual cycle — and how to train smarter The connection between menopause, stress fractures, and delayed healing Practical tools to protect circulation, nerve health, and foot strength at every life stage

    38 min

  6. 12/22/2025

    The Future of Performance Starts with the Feet, Fascia & Fundamentals with Bill Parisi | #19

    In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal sits down with Bill Parisi — legendary coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Parisi Speed School and the Fascia Training Academy — to explore what it truly means to build resilient, high-performing athletes for the long term. With over 30 years of experience and more than one million athletes coached, Bill shares how his work bridges science, coaching, fascia, and human behavior. Together, Emily and Bill unpack the evolution of performance training, why fascia may be the missing link in athletic development, and how movement quality, sensory input, and foot function shape human potential from the ground up. Together, they discuss: Bill Parisi's journey from elite athlete to founder of Parisi Speed School Why fascia is the missing link in speed, power, and resilience The foot's role in ground mechanics and athletic performance How to train durable humans, not just fast athletes What's next in performance training, recovery, and education About Bill Parisi Bill Parisi is the founder of the Parisi Speed School and a leading authority in human performance and speed training. Over the past three decades, he has coached more than one million athletes, ranging from youth beginners to NFL and Olympic competitors. A pioneer in integrating fascia science into athletic development, Bill combines biomechanics, connective tissue research, and real-world coaching to help athletes move better, stay injury-resistant, and reach their full potential. He is the author of The Anatomy of Speed and Fascia Training: A Whole-System Approach, and continues to educate coaches and organizations worldwide on the future of performance training. Learn More… Instagram: @bill_parisi Parisi Speed School: parisischool.com

    48 min

  7. 12/15/2025

    Energy First: Dr. Sean Drake on PEMF, Light Therapy & Nervous-System Driven Performance | #18

    In this episode, Dr. Emily welcomes Dr. Sean Drake — chiropractor, performance innovator, and educator — for a deep dive into the future of energy medicine and human performance. Dr. Sean's work blends PEMF, photobiomodulation, breathwork, movement, vibroacoustics, and nervous-system regulation to help people recover faster, move better, and perform at their highest potential. Together, they unpack how ancient practices and cutting-edge tools can work together, what actually drives cellular healing, and why the nervous system is the true gateway to resilience — whether you're training hard, traveling nonstop, or navigating the stressors of daily life. Together, they explore: Energy-Based Healing - What PEMF really does and why EQ Flux Wave is different. Light as Medicine - How photobiomodulation boosts energy and healing. Breathwork, Sound, Vibration & Bioenergetics - How breathwork, sound, and vibration as nervous-system regulators for Coherence, Recovery & Performance Biohacking with Intention - Stacking modalities for better recovery and performance; avoiding extremes About Dr. Dean Drake Dr. Sean Drake is a chiropractor, performance innovator, and educator working at the intersection of physiology and technology. He integrates PEMF, light therapy, breathwork, vibroacoustics, movement, and nervous-system regulation to help people heal and perform at their best. As the founder of Modern Athlete and EQ Flux Wave, Sean teaches globally on energy medicine and recovery science, empowering people to take ownership of their health. You may also know him from the Modern Athlete documentary on Amazon Prime. Resources & Links: Connect with Dr. Sean Drake Instagram: @drseandrake Websites: drseandrake.com moderneathlete.com eqfluxwave.com equniv.mykajabi.com Documentary: Modern Athlete — available on Amazon Prime

    49 min

  8. 12/08/2025

    A Functional & Regenerative Approach to Heel Pain | #17

    In this solo episode, Dr. Emily Splichal breaks down one of the most stubborn and misunderstood conditions in foot health — plantar fasciitis. If you've ever woken up with stabbing heel pain or felt defeated by chronic inflammation that won't go away, this episode is your roadmap to lasting relief. Dr. Emily reveals how plantar fasciitis develops, what's actually happening in your fascia on a microscopic level, and why most treatment approaches miss the root cause. You'll learn her step-by-step, regenerative approach to getting patients out of pain for good — from the "Put Out the Fire" protocol to cutting-edge growth factor injections — all grounded in functional movement, tissue science, and self-recovery. This is more than a conversation about heel pain. It's a masterclass in understanding your body's intelligence to heal itself — when you know how to support it.   Key Takeaways The anatomy decoded: What your plantar fascia actually does — and how microtears lead to pain. "Put Out the Fire" Protocol: Dr. Emily's four-step system for healing acute and chronic heel pain. Regenerative Medicine 101: How growth factor injections repair damaged tissue from the inside out. Tissue Stress Theory: Why overuse, not inflammation, is the real driver of chronic injury. 💪 The Functional Foot Protocol: How to rebuild foot strength, circulation, and resilience — for life.   Episode Highlights The real science of plantar fasciitis — collagen types, tissue remodeling, and why scar tissue isn't strength. How teachers, nurses, and runners can manage high daily stress loads on their feet. Why your fascia's "stickiness" after rest causes that sharp morning pain. When to know it's time for regenerative treatment — and how it heals tissue naturally. The role of red light therapy, systemic enzymes, and sensory stimulation in the recovery process. Why surgery should always be the last resort — and what to do instead.   Resources & Links Website: thefunctionalfootdoc.com Instagram: @thefunctionalfootdoc NOBOSO Sensory Tools: noboso.com Red Light Therapy: redlighttherapy.com Functional Foot Consultation: dremilysplichal.com/contact

    43 min
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Trailer

About

Root to Rise focuses on the power of connection – from the ground beneath us to the core within us – and how it shapes the way we move, feel and live. We will explore how strength does not begin in your muscles but rather starts where you are grounded. It is time to reconnect, rebuild – and rise!

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Emily Splichal
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Root To Rise

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