In this episode of the Optimal Body podcast, Doctors of Physical Therapy, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, explore the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause, a cluster of symptoms including joint pain, stiffness, frozen shoulder, and muscle loss affecting women aged 40–60. They explain how declining estrogen disrupts connective tissue repair, collagen synthesis, and inflammation regulation. The hosts emphasize these symptoms reflect real physiological changes, not weakness or normal aging. They offer practical management strategies, including progressive resistance training, mobility work, improved sleep, targeted nutrition, and medical options like hormone replacement therapy, empowering women to navigate menopause confidently and maintain strength and resilience.

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!

Free Week of the Jen Health Membership:

Get a free week of Jen Health Membership! Access 12 plans crafted by Doc Jen, PT. We’ll match you with the best plan for your goals. Check it out today and use code OPTIMAL for a discount on your first month!

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 OPTIMAL20 at checkout!

We think You'll Love:

• Free Week of Jen Health
• Lifting for Longevity Course
• Jen’s Instagram
• Dom’s Instagram
• YouTube Channel

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/456

What You'll Learn:

1:59 Introducing Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause

3:35 Defining the Syndrome & Common Symptoms

5:02 Estrogen’s Role in Musculoskeletal...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, doctors of physical therapy Doc Jen and Doctor Dom welcome pain scientist Dr. Rachel Zoffness to discuss the complexities of pain, especially how to relieve chronic pain, from a biopsychosocial perspective. Dr. Rachel explains that pain is influenced by physical, emotional, and social factors—not just tissue damage. The conversation covers common misconceptions, the lack of pain education in medicine, and practical strategies to relieve chronic pain. Dr. Rachel emphasizes hope, empowerment, and the importance of movement, emotional health, and education in preventing and overcoming chronic pain. Her upcoming book, Tell Me Where It Hurts, is also highlighted.

Jen Health Annual Membership Discount:

Huge discount on Jen Health Annual Membership! Podcast listeners get over 50% off with code OPTIMAL10. Access 12 Therapy Plans and start your free trial now—move with us!

Dr Rachel's Resources:

• Dr Rachel's Website
• Dr Rachel on IG
• Dr Rachel on FB
• "Tell Me Where it Hurts"

We Think You'll Love:

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

For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/455

What You'll Learn:

05:00 Dr. Rachel shares her motivation for studying pain, provider burnout, and the importance of the biopsychosocial model.

07:03 Discussion on lack of pain education in medical schools and the persistence of outdated biomedical approaches.

09:12 Clarifies definitions of acute and chronic pain, emphasizing chronic pain as a nervous system disease.

11:59 Dr. Rachel explains the need for a personalized "pain recipe" using biopsychosocial ingredients to relieve chronic pain.

15:00 Addresses systemic barriers, patient-provider time constraints, and debunks the myth that pain is “all in your head.”

17:42 Discusses conflicting diagnoses, the impact on patients, and uses Usain Bolt’s scoliosis as a metaphor for pain complexity.

21:44 Explains why imaging findings often don’t correlate with pain and the importance of understanding pain beyond anatomy.

23:04 Introduces the “pain dial” metaphor to...

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In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom explore chronic plantar fasciitis, highlighting new 2025 research that reveals its connection to central sensitization—where the nervous system amplifies pain. They explain why traditional treatments for plantar fasciitis may not work for everyone and emphasize a holistic approach, combining strength exercises, pain education, stress management, and lifestyle changes. The hosts also discuss the importance of addressing nervous system sensitivity and offer resources for listeners seeking relief. This episode aims to provide hope and practical strategies for those struggling with long-term plantar heel pain.

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!

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:

02:02 Overview of new research showing plantar heel pain is not just a tissue issue, but involves the nervous system.

03:30 Discussion of co-morbidities like fibromyalgia and depression, highlighting the multifaceted nature of chronic plantar fasciitis.

07:11 Emphasis on the need for a broader, nervous-system-focused approach to treating chronic heel pain.

08:31 Presentation of study results showing high rates of nervous system sensitivity in chronic heel pain patients.

10:50 Validation of listener frustrations and explanation of why pain may persist despite doing “everything right.”

12:26 Reassurance that persistent pain...

For full show notes visit https://jen.health/podcast/454

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