382 | Overcoming Fear of Movement Due to Fear of Pain or Previous Injury

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, discuss overcoming the fear of movement, or kinesiophobia, often experienced after injury. They emphasize the psychological barriers to recovery and offer practical strategies for gradually reintroducing movement. Topics include the importance of adaptive exercises, such as virtual reality and aquatic therapy, and the role of patient education and cognitive behavioral therapy. The speakers also highlight the significance of celebrating small wins, creating a supportive environment, and setting realistic goals to help women regain confidence and enjoy physical activity again. VivoBarefoot Discount: Winter has arrived! There is nothing more that I love than keeping my feet warm while still gaining the benefit of barefoot shoes with Vivobarefoot's new boot collection! Improve your foot and ankle health and therefore everything up the chain by wearing ⁠VivoBareoot shoes⁠ to improve the mobility and strength in your toes, feet, and ankles. There’s one for every occasion, including weddings, hiking, a grocery walk and casual wear, or shoes for your active lifestyle. Use code "OPTIMAL20" to get 20% off your ⁠VivoBarefoot Shoes⁠! Needed Discount: Although the journey of pregnancy is so personal and individual, Jen's number one question goes back to what she did to help her conceive and maintain the pregnancy. While there were a myriad of factors that contributed, she reliably counted on Needed supplements that supported her journey! Men need support as well via sperm support and men multivitamins. while women are supported by egg quality supplementation, CoQ10, prenatal Omega 3, iron, and choline in tablet or powder form. Used by over 4000 health professionals, Needed is available to support pregnancy, fertility, and postpartum, as well as women's and men's health in general. Check out needed if you know there's a gap in your nutrition via code ⁠⁠OPTIMAL⁠⁠ for 20% off. Posture Redefined: Discover Posture Redefined, the ultimate course designed to help you build strength, alignment, and mobility for a pain-free, confident posture. This comprehensive challenge will guide you through exercises and techniques to transform how you move and feel every day. Don’t miss your chance to redefine your posture—sign up now to cone join us and grab the early-bird discount using code OPTIMAL20 at checkout! We think you’ll love: Get A Free Week on Jen Health! Posture Redefined Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel Get full show notes and resources at: https://jen.health/podcast/382 What you'll lern in this podcast: 3:30 Understanding Kinesiophobia 6:31 Importance of Movement Preparation to prevent injury 7:27 Fear avoidance behaviors can increase the risk of injuries. 9:21 Anxiety caused by negative interpretations of medical imaging. 10:46 Strategies for recognizing and managing fear responses during rehabilitation. 13:08 The need for personalized strategies based on individual fear and injury history. 14:02 Suggestions for low-impact activities to build confidence and resilience in movement. 15:12 The role of breath patterns in facilitating movement and reducing anxiety. 16:02 Additional techniques and exercise strategies to try 18:02 The role of cognitive behavioral therapy in rewiring the nervous system. 20:07 Setting Realistic Goals