The Optimal Body

Dr. Jen Fraboni & Dr. Dom Fraboni
The Optimal Body

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. 4 DAYS AGO

    394 | Does a Vibration Plate Help Prevent Muscle & Bone Loss?

    In 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 highlights the importance of balance and proprioception, especially as we age, and the sensory benefits of being barefoot. They caution against potential negative side effects of prolonged use and conclude that vibration plates can complement, but not replace, traditional strength training and rehabilitation exercises. 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 "OPTIMAL20" to get 20% 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! We think you’ll love: Get A Free Week on Jen Health! Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel Get the Full Show Notes and Resources here: https://jen.health/podcast/394 What You'll Learn: 2:04 Overview of Whole Body Vibration 4:09 Exploration of how vibration affects muscle contractions and potential weight loss. 5:05 Anecdotal insights on how vibration plates may promote relaxation rather than muscle work. 6:22 Concerns about research methodologies comparing vibration plate exercises to control groups. 7:29 Critique of claims that vibration plates can improve bone health and osteoporosis. 10:02 Research findings on how vibration plates can enhance balance, especially in older adults. Importance of Balance Training (00:11:09)Discussion on incorporating balance exercises into fitness routines to prevent falls. 12:00 Examination of studies on vibration exercise's effects on muscle and bone strength. 13:13 Discussion on the lack of long-term, well-designed studies on vibration effects. 16:26 ACL Rehabilitation Study Insights 17:21 Exploration of how vibration may improve sensory awareness after injuries, aiding in recovery.

    20 min
  2. JAN 27

    393 | The Myths and Facts of Red Light Therapy with Forrest Smith

    In 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 its scientific backing and practical applications. The discussion covers the importance of proper dosing, the differences between light therapy devices, and Kineon's mission to make this therapy accessible and affordable. The episode underscores the potential of red light therapy to complement traditional treatments and improve quality of life. 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 "OPTIMAL20" to get 20% 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.  LMNT Discount Code: 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 recovery! Get a free gift with every purchase and try some new flavors as you stay hydrated! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Your Free Gift! 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! Forrest's Resources and Links: Kineon Website Research and Science Behind Kineon Kineon Youtube Channel Kineon Facebook Group Kineon Instagram Forrest Smith Instagram We think you’ll love: Free Week of Jen Health Membership Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel View Full Show Notes and Resources at: https://jen.health/podcast/393 What You will Learn from Forrest: 3:28 Forrest discusses his personal experiences that led him to discover red light therapy. 6:47 Forrest shares how he learned about red light therapy through his mother's use. 8:09 Discussion on how chronic inflammation affects health and the potential of red light therapy. 10:24 Forrest describes the importance of correct dosing in achieving effective outcomes. 13:05 Forrest shares the importance of real-world testing to validate their models and devices. 14:39 Doc Jen questions the differences between various light therapy devices and their effectiveness. 17:20 Exploration of how chronic inflammation affects cartilage and the potential of laser therapy to restore balance. 24:06 Overview of studies supporting red light therapy's effectiveness in cartilage regeneration and healing. 30:54 Discussion on optimizing red light therapy dosing through immediate biofeedback. 32:25 The role of the lymphatic system in clearing waste from the brain and its relation to cognitive function. 36:08 Highlighting the need for a holistic approach to pain management that includes diet and movement. 39:42 Discussion on how red light therapy may positively impact fertility and related health issues. 44:42 Introduction of a new gut health product and its potential impact on overall health and conditions like MS.

    49 min
  3. JAN 20

    392 | What is an adjustment or manipulation? Is it putting me back in place?

    In 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 bones being realigned. The hosts stress that while these adjustments can provide temporary relief, long-term pain management requires understanding the body's mechanics, incorporating stability and strength training, and adopting self-care strategies. They encourage listeners to seek education and empowerment for lasting health improvements. Needed 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 support and men's multivitamins. While women are supported by egg quality supplementation, CoQ10, prenatal Omega 3, iron, and choline in tablet or powder form. Used by over 4000 health professionals, Needed is available to support pregnancy, fertility, and postpartum, as well as women's and men's health in general. Check out needed if you know there's a gap in your nutrition via code ⁠⁠OPTIMAL⁠⁠ for 20% off. Free Week of the Jen Health Membership + a massive discount!!: 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! We are currently running a massive discount on the annual membership! As a podcast listener, you can even get a bonus discount on top of that using code OPTIMAL at checkout! We think you’ll love: Free Week of Jen Health Get A Free Week on Jen Health! Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel For full Show Notes and Resources visit: https://jen.health/podcast/392 What you will learn in this episode: 2:37 Doctor Dom introduces the topic of joint adjustments and the significance of the sounds associated with them. 7:00 The Science Behind the Crack  9:12 The hosts emphasize the temporary relief provided by adjustments and the need for long-term solutions. 12:45 Exploration of how the body reacts to adjustments and the importance of teaching it stability and strength. 16:09 Many believe the "crack" realigns bones, but studies show this is not true. 18:04 Finding stability and safety in movement can reduce the need for manipulations. 19:39 Hearing a crack can create a false sense of improvement, influencing pain perception. 22:08 Long-Term Effects of Manipulations  24:11 Addressing mindset is essential for understanding and managing pain effectively. 25:15 Pain management should include mental health, nutrition, and lifestyle factors. 26:58 Effective treatment involves guiding individuals to process their own experiences. 28:08 Recognizing the reasons behind joint manipulation can lead to healthier habits.

    29 min
  4. JAN 13

    391 | Our Service Trip to Peru and the Pelvic & Sexual Health Disparities Across the Globe with Heather Florio

    In 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 like lost luggage and cultural barriers, they pivoted to educate local clinicians and had a very successful trip. The conversation highlights global disparities in women's health education and the importance of cultural sensitivity. The episode underscores the need for ongoing advocacy and education to empower women worldwide.  LMNT Discount Code: 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 recovery! Get a free gift with every purchase and try some new flavors as you stay hydrated! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Your Free Gift! Release and Recovery Program Discount: Looking for a way to start addressing your nervous system and feel something different in the body. Our Release and Recovery Course is a perfect place to start! This course also has a day every week that is dedicated to pelvic floor exercise and optimization. It is a great way to get into movement, connect with your body, and down regulate to start into the new year. You can even grab a special discount using code OPTIMAL10 at checkout! Heather's Resources and Links: Desert Harvest Tools Youth Sexpert Program Desert Harvest Instagram We think you’ll love: Release and Recovery Course Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel Find the full Show Notes and resources here: https://jen.health/podcast/391 What you will learn in this Episode: 1:12 Trip to Peru Overview  3:21 Mission and Goals for Peru  6:00 Heather recounts educating clinicians in Turkey on pelvic and sexual health, highlighting its impact. 8:16 The original aim was to teach indigenous women in Peru about sexual health, which did not materialize. 10:32 Reflections on the stark contrast between luxury travel and surrounding poverty during their visit to Machu Picchu. 13:14 Heather shares the difficulties faced at the hotel, including a near-arrest situation related to their teaching plans. 14:29 Discussion on the safety concerns arising from the cultural sensitivity surrounding their educational intentions. 17:29 The conversation highlights the cultural barriers and fears surrounding discussions of sexual health in Peru. 18:35 Jen questions why their essential medical supplies were not allowed into Peru. 22:51 Cultural Barriers in Peru  27:26 Discussion on the importance of respecting local culture while educating about women's health. 30:38 Importance of educating women about their bodies to combat high rates of sexual violence in Peru. 36:56 Discussion on the need for gradual improvements in women's health education in the U.S. and Peru. 37:36 The importance of educating individuals to empower them to teach others about pelvic health. 40:27 Initiatives aimed at educating youth about body exploration and reducing shame surrounding sexual health. 44:09 Concerns about the lack of early sexual education and its impact on children's safety and health. 47:09 Strategies for sharing educational resources with communities lacking access to sexual health information. 48:47 Acknowledgment of the varying levels of women's health advancement across different cultures and countries.

    51 min
  5. JAN 6

    390 | Our Top 3 Recommendations to Prevent Pain & Injury in the New Year

    In 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 role of prenatal vitamins in postpartum recovery, while Doctor Dom discusses the advantages of barefoot shoes and mobility exercises to prevent injuries. Their goal is to help listeners incorporate these practices into their routines seamlessly, promoting overall well-being without feeling overwhelmed. 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 "OPTIMAL20" to get 20% 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. Needed 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 support and men's multivitamins. While women are supported by egg quality supplementation, CoQ10, prenatal Omega 3, iron, and choline in tablet or powder form. Used by over 4000 health professionals, Needed is available to support pregnancy, fertility, and postpartum, as well as women's and men's health in general. Check out needed if you know there's a gap in your nutrition via code ⁠⁠OPTIMAL⁠⁠ for 20% off. Release and Recovery Program Discount: Looking for a way to start addressing your nervous system and feel something different in the body. Our Release and Recovery Course is a perfect place to start! It is a great way to get into movement, connect with your body, and down regulate to start into the new year. You can even grab a special discount using code OPTIMAL10 at checkout! We think you’ll love: Release and Recovery Course Get A Free Week on Jen Health! Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel For Full Show Notes and Resources visit: https://jen.health/podcast/390 What you will learn in this Episode:  2:02 Tips for the New Year  5:41 Realistic Morning Routines 7:06 Breathing Techniques for Stress Relief  10:14 The Importance of Breath Awareness  12:10 Importance of Mobility Training  14:28 Assessing Mobility Restrictions 17:35 Enjoying Your Workouts  19:24 Preventing Injuries  20:18 Weekly Activity Variation

    22 min
  6. 12/30/2024

    389 | Fixing Your Metabolism to Fix Your Health with Vince Pitstick

    In 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 interconnectedness of bodily systems, critiquing the fragmented nature of Western medicine. Vince advocates for a more integrated healthcare approach, offering insights into metabolic health, weight loss, and the significance of personalized, comprehensive care. This episode is a must-listen for women seeking to understand and improve their overall well-being. LMNT Discount Code: 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 recovery! Get a free gift with every purchase and try some new flavors as you stay hydrated! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Your Free Gift! Free Week + Holiday Discount on the Jen Health Membership: Time to start the New Year out right! We are giving our listeners their first month for only $15!! 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 OPTIMAL10 at checkout! Vince's Resources and Links: Vince's Instagram Free Consultation with Vince's Team Vince's "The Flush" Protocol Metabolic Mentor Youtube We think you’ll love: Get A Free Week on Jen Health! Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel For full Show Notes and resources, go to: https://jen.health/podcast/389 What you will learn from Vince Pitstick: 1:17 Vince's Journey Begins  4:17 Early Health Struggles  7:09 Vince discusses the importance of addressing multiple bodily systems for effective health solutions. 10:12 Vince emphasizes a holistic approach to health, integrating various modalities for better outcomes. 13:27 Challenges in the Medical System  15:37 Discusses the need for understanding behavior change to improve patient outcomes beyond just specialization in medicine. 19:44 Understanding Metabolism 26:21 Metabolic Adaptation Explained  30:37 Hormonal Imbalance in Chronic Dieters  32:44 Understanding Caloric Deficits  35:39 Severe Cellular Inflammation  39:45 Metabolic Rate and Disease  44:22 Building Psychological Wins  45:16 Dietary Changes for Metabolism

    54 min
  7. 12/23/2024

    388 | Best Exercises to Prevent Running Injuries

    In 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 core strength training significantly reduces running injuries compared to foot and ankle training. The episode underscores the complexity of injury prevention, advocating for a holistic approach that includes cross-training, core awareness, and professional guidance. Ideal for women runners, this episode offers practical tips for a safer, more effective running routine. 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 "TOB20" to get 20% 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 + Hoiday Discount on the Jen Health Membership: Time to start the New Year out right! We are giving our listeners their first month for only $15!! 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 OPTIMAL10 at checkout! We think you’ll love: Get A Free Week on Jen Health! Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel See the full Show Notes and Resources here: https://jen.health/podcast/388 What You'll Learn in This Episode:  2:00 Importance of Injury Prevention  3:00 Running Injury Statistics  4:10 Explanation of the top down (hip and core) versus bottom up (foot and ankle) approaches in injury prevention. 5:40 Study Overview: Hip and Core vs. Foot and Ankle  7:30 Complexity of Injury Prevention  9:20 Results showing the hip and core program significantly reduced injury rates compared to foot/ankle and control groups. 11:40 Need for a Comprehensive Plan  14:00 Cross-Training Benefits  15:30 Plyometrics and Running  16:17 Postpartum Running Considerations 17:34 Supervised Sessions in Injury Prevention Study

    20 min
  8. 12/16/2024

    387 | Pelvic Floor Therapy Post Abdominal Surgeries with Dr. Joselyn Wallace

    In 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 undergoing multiple surgeries due to fibroids, highlighting the lack of support and education in pelvic health. The episode emphasizes the importance of tailored rehabilitation, breathing techniques, gentle movement, and long-term care for scar tissue. It aims to empower women with knowledge and resources for better pelvic health and recovery. Needed 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 support and men's multivitamins. While women are supported by egg quality supplementation, CoQ10, prenatal Omega 3, iron, and choline in tablet or powder form. Used by over 4000 health professionals, Needed is available to support pregnancy, fertility, and postpartum, as well as women's and men's health in general. Check out needed if you know there's a gap in your nutrition via code ⁠⁠OPTIMAL⁠⁠ for 20% off. Pelvic Floor Foundations: If you are someone looking for some more connection with your pelvic floor, but don’t know where to start, we have the perfect course for you! Our Pelvic Floor Foundations Course on Jen Health offers a deep dive exploration into your pelvic floor connection. It will help you build and develop dynamic and integrated function when it comes to how your pelvic floor works within your movement patterns. As a podcast listener, you can get a special discount using code OPTIMAL10 at checkout. Learn more and sign up here! Dr Wallace's Resources and Links: Dr Wallace's Website for Virtual Support Dr Jocelyn Wallace on Instagram Dr Jocelyn Wallace on Youtube We think you’ll love: Get A Free Week on Jen Health! Grab our Free Postpartum Guide Tune Up Fitness Balls & Coregeous Ball Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel Get the Full Show Notes and Resources at: https://jen.health/podcast/387 What you will learn from Dr Wallace:  1:12 Dr. Wallace discusses her experiences with fibroids and the lack of support she encountered. 2:33 Dr Wallace recounts her multiple surgeries for fibroids and how they influenced her career path. 3:06 Dr. Wallace describes her first surgery during physical therapy school and its impact on her education. 4:06 She contrasts her recovery after the second surgery, applying her pelvic health knowledge. 7:27 Discussion on the significance of core strength and pelvic floor awareness post-surgery. 8:46 Exploration of the typical advice given after abdominal surgeries and its shortcomings. 10:26 Discussion on the lack of post-surgery physical therapy prescriptions for abdominal surgeries. 12:51 Discussion on chronic pelvic floor tension and its symptoms, including urinary issues. 15:27 Exploration of techniques to recognize and release pelvic floor tension. 17:58 Discussion on the misconception of Kegels as the sole solution for pelvic health. 19:27 Considerations for intimacy and sexual performance after pelvic surgeries. 20:30 Discussion on hormonal impacts on sexual experiences post-hysterectomy. 25:56 Recommendations for early movement to aid scar tissue healing after surgery. 31:41 Discussion on the importance of long-term recovery rather than rushing back to activities post-surgery.

    39 min
4.9
out of 5
480 Ratings

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.

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