In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, break down cervical radiculopathy—commonly referred to as a “pinched nerve” in the neck. They explain the symptoms and causes of a pinched nerve, and discuss why imaging findings aren’t always alarming. The hosts share practical strategies for relief, including targeted exercises, posture tips, and gentle nerve mobilization, while emphasizing the importance of conservative care and when to seek urgent medical attention for a pinched nerve. Their accessible, stepwise approach empowers listeners to manage neck and arm pain confidently and safely, promoting resilience and recovery through education and movement.

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:

03:26 Breaking Down the Medical Terminology

04:29 Symptoms and Causes

07:51 Imaging Findings and Asymptomatic Cases

08:55 Diagnosis and Clinical Assessment

11:01 Role of Imaging and When to Use It

12:01 Prognosis and Recovery Timeline

14:21 Active vs. Passive Treatments

15:35 Pillar 1: Education and Symptom Management

17:02 Pillar 2: Movement and Exercise Strategies

21:10 Exercise Demonstrations and Recommendations

23:54 Pillar 3: Nerve-Friendly Loading and Neurodynamics

27:09 Pillar 4: Manual Therapy as an Adjunct

29:30 List of urgent symptoms and red flags that require immediate medical attention.

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/452

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, Doctor's of Physical Therapy, welcome Thoryn Stephens, a scientist and founder of Brain One, to discuss optimizing brain health and human performance. Thoryn shares insights on hydration, micro habits, and the role of wearables and AI in personalizing health protocols. The conversation highlights the importance of behavior change, women’s health, and the transformative potential of brain-computer interfaces. Listeners learn practical strategies for building sustainable habits and how technology can empower individuals to improve brain function, resilience, and overall well-being. Whether listeners are looking to 'train my brain for better focus', use technology to 'train my brain for peak performance', or simply discover new ways to 'train my brain for lifelong health', this episode offers actionable health tips and inspiration to address daily pain points.

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!

LMNT Electrolytes: Free Gift with Purchase!

Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. It’s our favorite micro nutrition hack to get those essential minerals in! Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now!

Thoryn's Resources:

• Brain.One's Website
• Brain.One on IG
• Brain.One on LinkedIn

We think you'll love:

• Free Week of Jen Health
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources vitas https://jen.health/podcast/451

What You'll Learn from Thoryn...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, physical therapists Doc Jen and Doctor Dom delve into sesamoiditis, an overuse injury that leads to pain in the sesamoid bones beneath the big toe. They discuss the risk factors and symptoms associated with sesamoiditis, highlighting the importance of an accurate diagnosis. The hosts detail conservative treatment options, including offloading, orthotics, medication, activity modification, and physical therapy, while emphasizing a holistic approach that considers the entire lower limb. Surgery is presented as a last resort. Additionally, they introduce their Foot and Ankle Plan, designed to help listeners improve foot health and prevent recurrence of sesamoiditis through targeted exercises and gradual progression.

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.

Strong Start:

Interested in getting started with strength training? Tried starting, but have had aches and pains? Or just feel like you could use a form and technique tune up on your strength training lifts? I created this FREE Strong Start program to help guide lifters at any level in moving confidently and safely through the primary strength movement we should all be doing! Come join for free!

• Strong Start Program
• Free Week of Jen Health
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/450

What You'll Learn:

02:24 Discussion of risk factors, activities, and biomechanics that contribute to sesamoiditis.

05:02 Explanation of overuse, repetitive pressure, and specific activities that lead to the condition.

06:16 Details on foot structure, limited toe motion, and other anatomical risks.

08:15 Description of orthotics, rocker shoes, and walking boots for reducing toe pressure.

09:16 Discussion of NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, and their short-term benefits and limitations.

10:24 Emerging evidence for extracorporeal shockwave therapy and its role in chronic cases.

10:53 Highlighting the need for targeted exercises and PT for long-term improvement.

12:48 Typical timeline and phases of...

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