Podcast Category: By body part

We discuss it all here. Dr. Sara Reardon dives into her experience with pelvic floor education and shares the driver for her passion for pelvic floor health. She explains the anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor, explaining the missing links in pelvic floor education during puberty. Then, she speaks to pain with penetration and why it might be happening, the repercussions of straining while passing stool, and how exhaling is an effective tool when passing stool. She explains what is normal and not normal when it comes to the pelvic floor and abdominal changes during pregnancy and how to decrease the severity of pelvic floor weakness with age. She dives into the common pains that occur and the extent to which leaking can be expected. Then, she provides tools for pelvic pain and SI joint pain during pregnancy and why you may be dribbling pee after passing urine. FInally, she discusses when you should see a physical therapist post-partum. Let’s dive in!

DocJen & Dr. Dom discuss what it means for your hips to go out of place, explaining the tests therapists use to diagnose “hip misalignment.” They describe muscle energy techniques, explaining the physiology of the effect of isometric contractions. Furthermore, they dive into adjustments and the physiological responses to the pops that follow a manipulation. They hone in on the concept of hypersensitivity, providing insight into how you can decrease sensitivity within the hips to “feel” more aligned and stable!

Pubic symphysis dysfunction has been reported in 31.7% of pregnant women. DocJen & Dr. Dom dive into what pubic symphysis is, providing a brief summary of the anatomy involved, potential causes, and risk factors for pubic symphysis. Then, they provide insight into how pubic symphysis is tested for, as well as how treatment can be optimized and safeguarded for pregnant women. Finally, they debunk common misconceptions surrounding pelvic-related pain and pregnancy.

DocJen & Dr. Dom discuss the nature of back spasms and what could be contributing to its occurrence and frequency. They expand beyond issues within the structures of the back and discuss the current research surrounding the influence of the brain on back spasms. Finally, they provide practical solutions to help relieve back spasms and prevent them from happening throughout the day! Let’s dive in!

Dr. Birnbaum and Adam dive into the mission behind the HearMe app as a peer-support app and what the app has to offer. They discuss the topic of connection and support in relation to social media and how social media use can be problematic for mental health. Then, they describe the environment of the HearMe app and how it differs from the potential negativity in bigger social media platforms, as well as describe the efforts HearMe is taking to create a safer space for individuals to be vulnerable, feel heard, and be seen. Learn why HearMe is for you and how you can start your process!

Dr. Stacie, founder of the Physiofix, explains how she ruptured her Achilles tendon. She describes her initial perspective when she got injured. She reveals how beneficial it was to work with another physical therapist, Dr. Meghan, and together debunk the outdated protocols regarding Achilles’ Rupture. Then, Dr. Stacie provides insight on creating an optimal healing environment for the Achilles tendon and how she re-ruptured her Achilles tendon, speaking into self-advocation and realistic rehabilitation goals depending on your personalized journey. Furthermore, Dr. Stacie describes factors that might’ve influenced her re-rupture and the mindset change she had to navigate to rehabilitate optimally!

DocJen & Dr. Dom have got you covered in the anatomy related to Metatarsalgia and causes that may be contributing to your symptoms. Then, they discuss how the walk or run cycle may affect the risk of Metatarsalgia or how having ball of foot pain may change your mechanics, as well as steps to consider to rehabilitate Metatarsalgia.

DocJen and Dr. Dom dive into what the true core consists of and the most effective way of bracing your core,  analogous to creating a natural weightlifting brace. They describe how the core is not the whole story and the role mobility plays in your back pain, emphasizing the need to build control and resilience through ALL motions of the spine. Furthermore, they mention how psychological and social influences impact back pain and how advantageous training rotation can be.

Welcome to Episode 234 of The Optimal Body Podcast 234 | Costochondritis: What can you do? Pain around the ribcage? Diagnosed with Çostochondritis? DocJen and Dr. Dom break down what’s happening in the body when

DocJen and Dr. Dom dive into what cramping looks like, explaining the symptoms that might be experienced. Then, they name the potential contributing factors to muscle cramping, expanding beyond just the muscle itself. Furthermore, they provide insight into nocturnal cramping and how you can use breathwork, mobility, and a holistic approach to prevent or manage cramps.