If you’re ready to break up with all the things you’re doing that only give you temporary relief and learn how to get on the fast track to feeling amazing every single day (without it being overly complicated or unsustainable) - this show is for you. Whether it’s low back pain, sciatica, knee pain, arthritis, neck pain, TMJ, rotator cuff issues or shoulder pain - life without pain is 100% possible (no matter how old you are). Alexandra Ellis from AE Wellness teaches you how to use self-care ...
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242 Why Pain Isn’t Always the Problem with Dr. Tawny Kross, DPT
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34:44If you’ve ever dealt with chronic pain or injuries, you know the journey to healing doesn’t always feel linear. Some days, it’s one step forward… and others feel like you’ve taken four steps back. But what if the marker of progress isn’t pain? What if progress looks more like rebuilding trust in your body... …creating a sense of safety in how you m…
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241 Is Pain Just Part of Aging? Busting Fitness Myths That Keep You Stuck with Dana Jones
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47:37Does having an injury or pain mean you need to stop moving? In this episode of The Body Nerd Show, I’m joined by Dana Jones, host of The Pain Free Athlete Podcast, for a myth-busting conversation about pain, injury, and movement. Together, we debunk some of the most common and harmful fitness myths that keep you stuck. If you’ve ever wondered what …
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240 Effective Habits to Reduce Inflammation and Boost Energy with Dr. Amy Behimer
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47:27If you're living with an autoimmune condition or managing chronic inflammation, building sustainable habits can feel overwhelming. But what if you could feel better by doing less, not more? This week on The Body Nerd Show, I’m joined by Dr. Amy Behimer, PharmD, NBC-HWC - a board-certified health and wellness coach, pharmacist, and the creator of Th…
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239 Living with Hypermobility with Dr. Melissa Koehl, PT, DPT
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38:03What if your flexibility is actually causing your pain? Hypermobility is more than just being bendy - it’s a connective tissue condition that can affect your joints, your gut, your nervous system, and more. I just thought it was totally normal to be able to hyperextended my knees 🙊 In this episode of The Body Nerd Show, I’m joined by physical thera…
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Sitting too much is wrecking your body, but what if you could sneak in movement while stuck in the car? Whether you're commuting to work, driving the kids around, or just sitting at your desk, too much sitting can lead to stiff joints, back pain, and tight hips. But you don’t need a full workout to feel better. Movement snacks (small, intentional m…
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The Body Nerd Show is officially back! And today’s episode is a little different. Instead of talking about how to move better, we’re talking about grief. Because grief isn’t just losing someone you love - it’s forced change of any kind. The loss of a job, a friendship, a relationship, or even just life not turning out the way you expected. And for …
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236 Reversing Histamine Intolerance with Dr. Meg Mill
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42:18As someone who is currently diving deep into all things gut health-related, I am really excited to invite Dr. Meg Mill on today’s episode. Dr. Meg is a Functional Medicine Practitioner, author and speaker and you might remember her from episode 195 on Hormones and Headaches. So when she reached out about today’s topic, I was instantly interested. E…
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235 Ozempic, Wegovy and Understanding Weight Science with Ragen Chastain
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41:37Today I’m joined by Ragen Chastain - a remarkable speaker, writer, and thought leader in weight science, weight stigma, and health. With all the talk about Ozempic and Wegovy, I knew we needed to do a deep dive here on the Body Nerd Show Podcast and have an expert to guide us through. And Ragen 100% delivered on both fronts. Whether you're curious …
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234 You Don’t Need to Lose Weight to Get Out of Pain
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15:58Would it surprise you to know that you don’t need to lose weight to get out of pain? I frequently get messages that include something along the lines of “I know I need to lose weight but…” which breaks my heart because I believe that life without pain is possible for everyone - no matter what your body looks like or feels like right now. We’ve been…
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233 Osteoporosis and Building Stronger Bones with Sarah Court
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40:08More than 50 million people in the U.S. live with osteoporosis, a bone disease that leads to a decrease in the structure and strength of bone. But what if I told you that the best way to rebuild bone strength doesn’t require any pharmaceuticals? Because it might surprise you to know that osteopenia isn't the same as osteoporosis. But should we be t…
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Do you drink coffee? When I posted the video "Why I Quit Caffeine (and you should too!!)" on YouTube in 2017, I quickly realized just how passionate folks are about their coffee rituals. Fast forward to 2024 - and I still don't drink coffee. Not a drop. Not even in ice cream! But I'm not entirely anti-caffeine. I do, however, still have a cup of te…
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231 Debunking Fitness Myths with Michael Ulloa
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40:52The internet is filled with fitness myths that promise quick fixes and magical solutions. From the carnivore diet to the “best exercise to make shredded abs!” - there’s a lot of 💩 out there. So when UK-based Michael Ulloa (@michaelulloapt) came through my feed calling out lies on the internet - I knew I wanted to be friends and have him on the show…
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230 Back Pain Recovery (without Surgery!)
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25:38Unlock the secrets to a pain-free life - recent research reveals that retraining your brain is the key to saying goodbye to chronic back pain without surgery. But is life without pain possible? Even if you have an x-ray or MRI that says the only fix is surgical? Here's a revelation: MRI studies on people without back pain consistently reveal a sign…
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229 Building Sustainable Strength with Allison Tenney
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47:25If you’re ready to get started with weights or redefine your relationship with strength training — today’s episode is for you. I’m joined by the incredible Allison Tenney (@allisontenney). As a former D1 Athlete and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Allison totally gets the “a…
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Are you curious about collagen powder and whether it lives up to the hype? In this week’s episode of the Body Nerd Show, we’re diving deep into the world of collagen, including exploring what it is, the various types, and most importantly the science behind collagen supplementation. How much should you take if you want to reduce joint pain? Or redu…
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227 How Graston, Tissue Scraping, and IATSM Works
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21:12Has your physical therapist or chiropractor used a stainless steel tool to work on your persistent knots? If so, you've experienced Graston therapy. The Graston Technique is a type of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IATSM), which research has shown to be effective in improving range of motion and reducing pain. Personally, I've never …
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226 Can Blue Light Blocker Glasses Prevent Migraines?
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12:19Can blue light blocking glasses help prevent migraines? For many people who suffer from migraines, sensitivity to light (aka photophobia) is a debilitating piece of the migraine experience. To answer this question, we have to understand a little bit more about how your eyes work, the role blue light plays, and the nerdiest of nerdy cells in your ey…
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225 Using Mouth Tape for Better Breathing
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17:27Have you ever heard of "mouth taping"? Wondering if it's the real deal? Does it actually work? As a Body Nerd Show listener, you might remember previous episodes I’ve done on breathing, including episode 140 with renowned breathing expert Patrick McKeown. Now, as much as I love sharing only what I've personally tried and tested, let's give credit t…
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You've probably heard about dry brushing and its benefits: from stimulating the lymphatic system to exfoliating the skin and boosting circulation. And after scrolling past yet another dry brushing post, you might be wondering - Is it all hype or does it really live up to its claims? In today's episode, I'm peeling back the layers with a comprehensi…
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Is the placebo effect real? Is it possible to have significant improvements in symptoms even if you receive a sham treatment? Yep, it is - and on today’s episode, we’re diving deep into this fascinating topic that has a profound impact on medical research and our understanding of the mind-body connection. If you’ve ever wondered if there’s power in…
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Today’s episode doesn’t need a whole lot of explanation: I had asparagus one day and couldn’t help but wonder about a peculiar scent. If you eat asparagus, you know exactly what I’m talking about. So I dove into the research and learned way more about asparagus than I ever thought I would 🙈 Asparagus has some unique compounds that when metabolized,…
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221 Surprising Benefits of Acetaminophen Beyond Pain Relief
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12:34What if I told you there might be a way to reduce aging-related muscle loss? Or limit the damage to a heart after a heart attack? Recent research published in Frontiers in Pharmacology has uncovered some unexpected uses for acetaminophen, the common ingredient found in over 400 medications in the US. It turns out that the common ingredient in Tylen…
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Building strength in a safe and sustainable way will get you out of pain. But how does building strength actually work? And will you immediately “bulk up” like a bodybuilder? Well, in this brand spanking new episode of the Body Nerd Show, we’re diving into the physiology of building strength. Because, if you’re anything like me, understanding the W…
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219 Low Back Pain and Your Pelvic Floor (Rewind)
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17:48Discover the surprising connection between your low back pain and your pelvic floor in this eye-opening episode. Dealing with nagging discomfort can be frustrating, especially when the usual remedies like stretching and heat only offer temporary relief. But here's something you might not know: your pelvic floor could be playing a role in your low b…
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We're all too familiar with how media, fashion, advertising, and the fitness industry can make us feel less confident about our amazing bodies. So today - we’re diving deep into the world of cellulite. Despite the substantial investments made in its treatment, the research landscape is a wild ride, with more focus on remedies than actually understa…
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Discover the secrets of snoring and how to find relief in this episode. Did you know that 45% of adults snore occasionally, while 25% snore regularly? Whether you're the snorer or sleep beside one, snoring can be more than just noise. It can disrupt your sleep, leaving you groggy, with a dry mouth, or a sore neck. So whether you’re the snore-er or …
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Did you know that 8 out of 10 people will experience back pain at some point in their lives? If you've ever been there, you're not alone. But focusing solely on your lower back might not be the best approach. Our bodies are interconnected, meaning various muscles in and around the lower back can contribute to pain - not just the one that’s currentl…
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215 Trigger Points + Knots (and how to get rid of them) (Rewind)
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19:17Have you ever wondered what exactly a trigger point is and whether it can truly be "fixed" by simply massaging it harder? Prepare to be pleasantly surprised! Contrary to popular belief, the solution to trigger point pain is not about using a harder or spikier tool (ouch!). In fact, the real fix is far less painful and offers longer-lasting relief. …
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In today's episode, we’re delving into the intriguing world of hypermobility. Have you ever found yourself in one of two camps when it comes to flexibility? Either you're incredibly bendy, and love yoga and stretching, or you experience tightness and pain as your body tries to compensate for unstable joints. I used to be a yoga devotee until my inc…
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213 Shoulder Pain and the Rotator Cuff (Rewind)
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27:25Are your shoulders feeling stiff or painful? It might be time to give them some love and attention. In today's episode, we're diving into the world of shoulder pain and how to find relief. If you're like me and spend a significant part of your day hunched over a screen, your shoulders could use some extra care. The good news is that simple movement…
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212 The Fascinating World of Anatomy and Cadavers
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29:44I’ve always been fascinated by the human body, how it works, and more importantly, what happens when it doesn’t. So when I had the opportunity to step back into the anatomy lab after college, I was beyond excited. And to be honest, those 6 days forever transformed how I approach mobility and think about the human body. In this week’s episode, we’re…
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211 Why Stretching and Ice Can’t Fix Your Pain
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15:44If you've ever searched for plantar fasciitis and foot pain, you've probably been hit with an overwhelming amount of advice to stretch your calves and ice the area. But let's be real, these methods may give you temporary relief, but they're not going to fix the root of the problem. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) have been the traditio…
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210 Are Blue Light Blocker Glasses Worth It?
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21:30If you're like most of us who spend long hours in front of a computer, you've probably heard about blue light-blocking glasses being the ultimate solution to dry eyes, eye strain, headaches and more. But let's be honest, with all the hype surrounding these glasses, it's easy to wonder if they're worth investing in or just another gimmick. As a self…
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Whether you're a new listener or you've been with me for the last 4 years, we've covered a ton of topics together. From hydration and running, to journaling, meditation, and even the experiment where I gave up wearing glasses - we've explored it all! 🤓 But as we all know, change is inevitable, and I’m no exception. That's why in today's episode, I …
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Let's talk about something we've all experienced: Hiccups. They can strike at any age, and for most of us, they're just an annoying inconvenience. But have you ever wondered what actually causes hiccups? Or if the old tricks of holding your breath or drinking water actually work? In this week’s episode, we’re diving deep into the weird science of h…
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Sweating is an absolute superstar when it comes to keeping our bodies healthy and happy. Not only does it regulate our body temperature, but it also protects the skin against infections and helps clear out environmental toxins and cellular waste. I’m 100% pro-sweating. So much so that I have a sauna bag that I use a few times a week, that heats up …
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As a former soccer player, I know firsthand just how awful shin splints can be. The dull ache at the front of my shin made me feel like I was walking on glass shards. 😭 And don't even get me started on how clueless I was about stretching the front of my shin. Little me had no idea that was even a thing! So instead, I spent countless hours icing my …
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205 Frozen Shoulder and the Estrogen Connection
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18:41Are you tired of dealing with the pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion that come with frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis? A painful shoulder makes it super difficult to do everyday tasks like getting dressed (like hooking a bra 😭) or reaching for something on a high shelf. Now, here's the thing…frozen shoulder involves more …
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Are you tired of feeling like your feet are trapped in a pair of foot coffins all day? Crocs, flip flops, Danskins, Converse - everyone seems to have an opinion on what the best type of shoe is for people with foot pain. Instead of just recommending a bunch of brands that may or may not work for you, I want to empower you with the knowledge to choo…
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I love nothing more than being (overly) prepared. But when it comes to surgery, you might only have a few procedures over your entire life. Regardless of your surgical experience, your doctor (hopefully) has way more - which can sometimes put you at a disadvantage when you’re not sure what to even ask. Many of the clients I work with have had surge…
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202 Hand and Wrist Pain Common Causes and Treatment
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25:16Are you dealing with wrist pain? If so, you're not alone as almost 25% of US adults have experienced it at some time. And while it’s common in people with physically demanding jobs, it can affect anyone. On this week’s episode, we’re talking about all things wrist pain, including different injuries and conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, gangli…
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201 Top 5 Things I've Learned in 200 Episodes of the Body Nerd Show
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27:15In 200 episodes of the Body Nerd Show, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve changed my opinion on things (like bunions), learned which muscles contribute to the recurrence of pain (especially in the low back), and incorporated things I thought were scams into my regular routine after reading the science. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing the top 5 things I’ve…
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Have you ever felt tightness or pain at the front of your hip? Hip flexor tension and pain are super common among people who spend time sitting (myself included). Beyond tension, hip flexor issues can also lead to low back pain or numbness along the top of the thigh. I know I’m not alone when it comes to tension in the hip flexors, so in celebratio…
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199 How Long COVID Changes the Nervous System and Breathing
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17:59Long COVID is a serious issue. And in July 2021, it was added as a recognized condition that could result in a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. But what is Long COVID? And why are only some people affected by it? Emerging research has found a relationship between Phrenic and Vagus nerve changes and chronic COVID symptoms, which…
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198 Soleus Push Up - a Magic Metabolism Boost?
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15:51A few months ago there was a video circulating on social media of a “groundbreaking” new find that can boost metabolism just by doing something called the soleus push-up. You know I was intrigued. And the study was promising - research participants did show an improvement in local metabolism even for unfit volunteers. But if something sounds too go…
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197 Mobility Floss - the Best Fix for Joint Pain
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26:11When it comes to joint pain, whether it’s chronic or from a new sprain - the first tool I grab is always my mobility floss. But when I first learned of mobility flossing (aka voodoo bands), I gave it the side eye and dropped it in my basket of tools, thinking I probably wouldn’t use it much. And then I sprained my ankle - a full-out bruised all alo…
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196 Standing desk vs sitting desk - which is better?
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18:41Is it better to sit or stand for work? Maybe you have a sit/stand combo desk that allows you to do both. Or maybe you’ve been looking at getting a treadmill so you can spend your workday moving. If you’ve heard the phrase “sitting is the new smoking” and now you’re wondering how to keep working without having a negative impact on your physiology an…
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195 Hormones and Headaches with Dr. Meg Mill
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41:16Headaches suck. And while my tension headaches were resolved through structural and movement work, that’s not always the case. Because sometimes, headaches aren’t structural - they’re hormonal. I’m joined today by Functional Medicine Practitioner and Doctor of Pharmacy, Dr. Meg Mill, who shares all the ways in which hormones can impact gut health, …
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I used to think electrolytes were only needed if you were doing a super hard workout, but since i’ve been supplementing with them, I’ve been feeling great. Which has me wonder - do you need electrolytes or can you get rehydrated from water alone? Because you can get hydration in a million different forms - gels, pre-mixed drinks, sparkling beverage…
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Raise your hand if you’re stressed 🙌 Honestly, even if you don’t feel super stressed, your physiology still does. Spending time inside, under artificial lights, staring at screens, only to go outside and get into your car and drive around is incredibly stressful for your nervous system, whether or not you feel it. The good news is that there’s only…
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