JEN’S VIDEO JOURNAL

Turning 50 has been both exciting and humbling. Even with years of experience in functional medicine and integrative manual therapy, I’m learning firsthand how our bodies continue to change — hormonally, metabolically, and structurally. In this video, I share my personal journey through hormonal shifts, metabolic challenges, and what it means to truly adapt your health strategy as you age. From detox support and fasting insights to understanding genetic factors like insulin resistance, this conversation is about listening to your body, making thoughtful adjustments, and aging with intention and vitality.

#HealthyAging #IntegrativeMedicine #FunctionalMedicine #ManualTherapy #HormoneHealth #MetabolicHealth #MidlifeWellness #WomenOver50 #DetoxSupport #FastingForWomen #BioIndividuality #CellularHealth #PerimenopauseSupport #InflammationReduction #AgingWell #WellnessJourney #HealthyLifestyle #MindBodyConnection #JenniferShepardPT #FunctionalHealing

The Real Work of Aging Well: What I’ve Learned About Metabolism, Hormones, and Healing

Back pain while driving? You’re not alone — and your car seat might be the reason why. In this video, Jennifer Shepherd, Integrative Manual Physical Therapist and Certified Practitioner in Functional Medicine, explains how the shape and angle of modern car seats can roll your pelvis backward, strain your spine, and push your head into poor alignment.

Jennifer demonstrates a simple, effective way to restore neutral alignment using a pillow — helping you stack your pelvis, spine, and head in a more natural position for comfort and long-term spine health.

Whether you drive a Jeep or any other vehicle, this easy adjustment can make a big difference for your back, neck, and posture.

00:00 – Why car seats cause back pain
01:00 – What happens when your pelvis rolls back
02:00 – The pillow trick: how to support your pelvis
03:30 – How proper alignment relieves strain and tension

#PostureFix #BackPainRelief #DrivingPosture #PhysicalTherapy #FunctionalMovement #PelvicAlignment #NeckPain #HealthySpine

Why Your Car Is Hurting Your Back — and a Simple Fix!

Could limited pelvic mobility be causing hip pain, SI issues, or even femoral acetabular impingement (FAI)? I’m Jennifer Shepard, integrative manual physical therapist, and in this video, I break down a patient case where severe pelvic restrictions forced the hips to overcompensate, potentially contributing to spurring and chronic pain.

Learn how old injuries, surgeries, or even daily movement patterns can affect your pelvis and gait, why proper leg swing and hip mobility are essential, and how restoring efficient movement can prevent injury, reduce pain, and improve overall function.

Whether you’re a patient or a fellow clinician, this video shows the importance of combining manual therapy with targeted mobility and stability work to keep your hips and pelvis healthy.

#HipPain #PelvicMobility #FAI #FemoralAcetabularImpingement #IntegrativePhysicalTherapy #ManualTherapy #MobilityTraining #StabilityTraining #MovementMatters #HipHealth #PainRelief #FunctionalMovement #PreventInjury #GaitAnalysis #HealthyHips

Femoral Acetabular Impingement Explained: Why Your Pelvis Might Be to Blame

Jennifer Shepherd, Integrative Manual Physical Therapist, discusses why traditional approaches to back pain often fail—especially in young athletes. Using a case of a 16-year-old track athlete with disc pain, she explains how rest, generic physical therapy exercises, and steroids may mask pain without addressing the root cause: inefficient spinal mechanics and restricted movement. Learn why assessing joint mobility, segmental rotation, and proper force transfer through the spine is critical for safe athletic performance and long-term spinal health.

#BackPain #TeenAthletes #AthleteInjury #YouthSports #PhysicalTherapy #ManualTherapy #SpineHealth #InjuryPrevention #FunctionalMovement #SportsRehab #CoreStability #TrackAndField #Throwers #PreventInjury #HealthySpine

Why Your Teen Athlete’s Back Pain Keeps Coming Back

Today in the Shepherd household, we’re testing new shoes! 👟 My son noticed his foot felt like it was moving one way while the shoe went another. I show how important shoe flexibility is for proper foot mechanics—landing on the midfoot, rolling through the forefoot, and pushing off the big toe. Many modern shoes have stiff soles that block motion, concentrating forces in the wrong areas. I compare a new shoe versus his old, broken-in shoe to show how flexibility allows healthy foot movement. When shoe shopping, test the sole’s bend—your feet need to roll naturally!

#FootHealth #ShoeShopping #RunningShoes #HealthyFeet #FootMechanics #ManualTherapy #ParentTips #ShoeFlexibility #WalkingTips #IntegrativeHealth

How to Test Shoe Flexibility for Healthy Feet 👟

Jennifer Shepherd, Integrative Manual Physical Therapist, shares her personal journey discovering hidden food sensitivities and the impact of inflammation on overall health. Even “healthy” foods can be inflammatory depending on your body, ingredients, and lifestyle. She explains how diving deeper into nutrition, focusing on whole foods, healthy fats, lean proteins, and colorful vegetables, can reduce inflammation, improve recovery, and support long-term wellness. Learn why understanding your body’s unique response to food is key to optimizing health and preventing chronic issues.

#Inflammation #HealthyEating #FoodSensitivities #NutritionTips #FunctionalMedicine #IntegrativeHealth #GutHealth #ChronicInflammation #WholeFoods #AntiInflammatoryDiet #PersonalizedNutrition #WellnessJourney #HealthyLifestyle #ReduceInflammation #CellularHealth

Even “Healthy” Foods Can Be Harmful – Here’s Why

We’ve been conditioned to reach for ibuprofen at the first sign of pain — but is it really the best option for your health? In this video, Jennifer Shepard, Integrative Manual Physical Therapist, breaks down the truth about NSAIDs like Advil and Motrin. Discover when ibuprofen may be appropriate, why long-term use can harm your liver and kidneys, and how to address the root causes of pain instead of masking symptoms. You’ll also learn safe, natural strategies to reduce inflammation and support recovery.

#Ibuprofen #PainRelief #Inflammation #NSAIDs #IntegrativeHealth #ManualTherapy #FunctionalMedicine #NaturalHealing #AntiInflammatory #HolisticPainRelief

My Morning Coffee Swap ☕✨ Dairy-Free & Delicious

In this video, Jennifer Shepherd, Integrative Manual Physical Therapist, shares why functional medicine is more than just labs and supplements. True healing means looking at the whole person—addressing inflammation, nutrition, detoxification, stress, and lifestyle. Discover how small, consistent steps can create lasting health and why quick fixes rarely work.

#FunctionalMedicine #IntegrativeHealth #WholeBodyHealing #ChronicInflammation #HealthEducation #PreventiveHealth #NutritionMatters #MindBodyHealth #LifestyleMedicine #InflammationRelief #HolisticWellness #HealthyLiving #SelfCareJourney #FunctionalNutrition #HealthAwareness

More Than Labs & Supplements: The Real Power of Functional Medicine

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