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.

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Neck and Upper Back Plan

Dive in on our Neck and Upper Back Plan on Jen Health for FREE to get a plan with exercise that will help you get to the root cause of those neck aches and pains. Use code OPTIMAL to get your first full month for only $20!

We think you’ll love:

• Start the Neck Plan!
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel
• What You'll Learn:

02:26 Intro...

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/430

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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.

VivoBarefoot Discount:

Support your feet and ankles with VivoBarefoot shoes—with perfect styles for any occasion! Boost foot health through mobility and strength from the ground up. Use code OPTIMAL20 for 20% off. 100-day trial included—return if you’re not satisfied!

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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!

Dr Crawford's Resources:

• Dr Crawford on IG
• Dr Crawford's Youtube
• Dr Crawford's Website
• Dr Crawford's TikTok

We think you’ll love:

• Pelvic Floor Foundations
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

What You'll Learn From Dr Crawford:

05:11 Discussion on why fertility is an important indicator of overall health and longevity.

09:36 Dr. Crawford explains the phases, hormones, and normal function of the menstrual cycle.

14:28 Clarifies normal and abnormal pain, bleeding, and ovulatory symptoms during the menstrual cycle.

20:09 Explores how birth control is used to mask symptoms...

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/429

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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.

Neck and Upper Back Plan:

Dealing with the pesky neck or upper back pains? Worried about your posture starting to slump forward? This is the time to start addressing those issues! We have a perfectly curated plan that provides targeted exercise to get to the root cause of these restrictions. As a podcast listener, you can even use code OPTIMAL to get your first full month for only $20! Come start your free trial and join our movement community today!

We think you’ll love:

• Start the Knee Plan!
• Free Knee Masterclass
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

What You'll Learn:

2:31 Introduction to Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

3:32 Outdated Treatments and VMO Myth

4:42 Describes PFPS as an overload syndrome, with pain due to repeated stress and joint sensitization.

7:06 Cycle of Chronic Pain and Recovery Challenges

8:00 Emphasizes the need for progressive loading in rehab, not just basic or passive exercises.

9:51 Discusses misconceptions about patellar tracking and pain, and the inability to isolate the VMO.

12:18 Highlights research supporting combined hip and knee strengthening for PFPS recovery.

13:55 Notes that hip weakness, especially in glutes, is a strong contributor to PFPS.

15:11 Explains that some pain during rehab is normal and not a sign of damage.

16:12 Covers passive treatments like taping, manual therapy, and footwear changes to help manage pain.

17:43 Outlines the three rehab phases: pain reduction/activation, dynamic strength, and ballistic/plyometric training.

18:34 Phase 1: Describes initial exercises: isometric holds, straight leg raises, clamshells, bridges, and mobility work.

20:37 Phase 2: Covers progression...

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/428

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