This episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition podcast is with two great friends and physical therapists, Dr. Bobbie and Dr. Jess. They also co-host the Two Gals and a Glass Half Full Apple Podcast. Dr. Bobbie is a former competitive gymnast who now works with gymnasts, amongst other sport athletes, as a physical therapist at Level Up Osteopractic and Wellness in Naperville, IL. While Dr. Jess is the owner and founder of Core Essentials Physical Therapy & Wellness in Jacksonville Beach, FL, and specializes in breast cancer recovery and complex musculoskeletal disorders.

They both believe in a holistic approach to mental and physical health and wellbeing. We speak to the complexity and nuance of pain science and management, as well as the role of psychology here. As two doctors of physical therapy, Dr. Bobbie and Dr. Jess explain the education pathway to becoming a physical therapist, alongside other healthcare professions like dietitians. We discuss some of the challenges and shortcomings of the current healthcare model, and the role of speciality providers in the diagnosis and management of specific problems. 

Dr. Jess highlights the importance of physical therapy during and following treatment for breast cancer. She helps women regain strength and mobility in their upper body, as well as reducing and managing swelling through lymphedema therapy. While Dr. Bobbie works with athletes recovering from injuries, keeping them in their sport at the highest level possible. She explains what manual therapy actually is, when and why it might be useful, 

Believe it or not, physical therapy can be an effective approach to treating migraines and headaches, and Dr. Bobbie explains why and how. We end with both Dr. Bobbie and Dr. Jess answering the end of the podcast questions.

TOPIC TIMESTAMPS:

6:15 The importance of a holistic approach to health and well-being 

8:50 Pain science and psychology 

13:40 Dr. Bobbie and Dr. Jess’ friendship through grad school and beyond

16:00 Pathway to becoming a physical therapist; healthcare professions and certifications

18:20 Challenges with the current healthcare system; the role of physical therapists

25:00 PT and breast cancer

36:00 Lymphedema therapy to reduce swelling

44:10 Understanding manual therapy, joint and spinal manipulation, and other PT approaches

52:55 Treating headaches with physical therapy

55:20 Tips for athletes seeing physical therapists

59:50 End of the podcast questions

Check out Dr. Bobbie and Dr. Jess here:

Website: www.2-gals.com

Apple Podcasts: Two Gals and a Glass Half Full Apple Podcasts

Spotify: Two Gals and a Glass Half Full Spotify Podcast

YouTube: Two Gals and a Glass Half Full YouTube Podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twogalsandaglasshalffull

Instagram: @twogalsandaglasshalffull 

Follow your host, Lindsey Cortes, on Instagram @female.athlete.nutrition 

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