In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom interview Dr. John Rusin, a renowned strength coach and physical therapist. Dr. John Rusin shares his journey from coaching to physical therapy and back, emphasizing a pain-free, health-first approach to training. He discusses foundational movement patterns, injury prevention, and the importance of individualized, sustainable routines. The hosts and Dr. John Rusin also highlight his book, Pain Free Performance, and practical strategies for optimizing movement, recovery, and lifelong performance, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone seeking better physical health.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy, discuss the best exercises for strength and growth of the glutes, focusing on recent research comparing EMG muscle activation with actual peak muscle force. They explain why force production is more relevant than EMG for building glute strength and highlight the top exercises for targeting the glutes (gluteus maximus and gluteus medius). The hosts emphasize tailoring exercise selection to individual needs and goals, and share practical tips for both training and rehabilitation from injury of the glutes, including their Jen Health hip program for improving glute mobility and strength. The practical considerations can be so vital for rehabilitation from injuries including knee pain and low back pain.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy chat with neuroscientist Ariel Garten, co-founder of Muse. Together, they explore how brainwave-sensing technology can make meditation more effective, support stress reduction, and improve sleep and pain management. Ariel shares practical tips for building healthy habits, explains the science behind meditation and brain health, and highlights Muse’s research-backed benefits for women’s wellness, including how it can improve sleep quality. The conversation is both empowering and approachable, offering actionable insights for women seeking to enhance their mental and physical well-being through mindful routines and innovative tools that can also help improve sleep.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doctors of Physical Therapy Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom debunk the myth that deep squats are harmful to the knees and discuss their impact on knee health. They trace the misconception to outdated research and review recent studies showing deep squats are generally safe and beneficial for healthy adults, supporting overall knee health. The hosts discuss knee biomechanics, the importance of gradual progression, and individualized modifications. They emphasize that deep squats support functional movement, joint health, and knee health, even for those with knee pain, and encourage listeners to challenge old beliefs and approach squatting with confidence and proper technique.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Dr. Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, sit down with Dr. Mary Alice Mina, a Harvard-trained dermatologist and host of The Skin Real Podcast. Dr. Mina shares her holistic perspective on skincare health, emphasizing how lifestyle factors such as sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mindset play a crucial role. She debunks common skincare myths, underscores the effectiveness of simple routines—cleanser, sunscreen, moisturizer—and explores the connection between mental health and skincare health. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Mina provides practical, evidence-based tips for aging gracefully and building confidence, encouraging listeners to adopt sustainable habits that support long-term skincare health and avoid the pain of skin issues.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, Doctors of Physical Therapy, delve into the complexities of chronic low back pain. They discuss the latest research on both acute and chronic low back pain, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment plans. The hosts highlight the importance of exercise, the powerful role of mindset, patient-provider relationships, and supportive environments in managing chronic low back pain. They stress that recovery is a gradual, personalized process, caution against one-size-fits-all solutions, and encourage listeners to remain consistent, address psychological factors, and seek professional guidance for lasting improvement.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doctors of Physical Therapy Doc Jen and Doctor Dom welcome wellness expert Liz Plosser to discuss practical strategies for health at every stage of life. They explore topics like nutrition, strength training, hydration, and how to make healthy choices accessible. Liz shares insights on protein intake, building sustainable nutrition habits, and navigating midlife changes, especially for women. The conversation blends science-backed advice with personal stories, emphasizing small, joyful steps toward optimal health, the importance of social connection, body love, and the value of self-compassion in creating lasting, positive health routines. Throughout the episode, nutrition is highlighted as a key component in supporting overall well-being and long-term vitality.

In this Optimal Body Podcast episode, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both Doctors of Physical Therapy, explore the science and clinical relevance of myofascial trains—continuous myofascial networks in the body. They discuss fascia’s anatomy, its role in movement and pain, and the impact of manual therapies like myofascial release. Emphasizing the nervous system’s influence, they caution against oversimplifying myofascial connections and advocate for individualized, evidence-based approaches. The hosts also review research on sling-based training, highlighting its benefits and limitations, and encourage listeners to integrate both manual and movement therapies for optimal body function and pain relief.

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.