The State of Health Care Podcast

Today on the podcast we are joined by Sophie, a professional athlete and dancer who since a young age, has been managing life with POTS syndrome, also known as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. With an estimate of 1-3 million people impacted, a large percentage being women, POTS has also seen an increase in numbers post COVID. POTS is characterized by low blood volume and circulation which can create multiple side effects, including fatigue, brain fog, heart palpitations and dizziness, among other things. Known as the "fainting disease", it's an incredibly challenging syndrome to manage.Sophie first encountered symptoms at a young age, where she began fainting upon standing, along with convulsing. As is frequent with POTS, she was misdiagnosed with positional hypertension and it took her another 10 years to receive a proper diagnosis. For Sophie, she also manages her daily life while navigating IBS, arthritis, endometriosis, pain, slow speech, nightmares, and rapid heart rate. In this illuminating conversation, Sophie walks us through her personal journey of dealing with these symptoms (that can shift frequently), advocating for herself with providers, living her lifestyle as best she can while immunocompromised, and the tools and methods that have helped her along the way. With a critical eye towards managing her diet (little to no sugar), high sodium and water intake, items like compression socks, and a huge emphasis on rest, Sophie works to support her active lifestyle and career. While research is progressing on POTS, especially with a large influx of diagnoses post-COVID, there is still much to be done. Sophie has found great support in community groups, independent research, and self-advocacy. Join us for an in-depth look at POTS and how Sophie pursues the lifestyle and activities she desires. Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

The journey of healing your body can sometimes be a long road, one in which you must advocate for yourself, and loudly. Today we are speaking with Dani, a massage therapist, who over the course of a decade has had to navigate new diagnoses and symptoms in her body, relearning the edges of what she could do, while seeking out a variety of providers and treatments to help her. In a conversation centered around resiliency, evolving, and adapting, Dani discusses living with Dysautonomia, Fibromyalgia, and Hypermobility. With an intersection of many symptoms, we hear about how she has navigated the past 10 years, both transforming her life to meet her new physical and emotional needs, while also honoring the grieving process of what was.By working with (mostly) female providers, building a community of support, advocating tirelessly for herself, journaling, using AI to help track and categorize her day-to-day responses, Dani is an inspiration in perseverance and fighting for your healthcare. Join us for an in-depth look at not only how Dani manages multiple diagnoses and symptoms, but continues to fight for the best way of life possible.Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

Today's episode is a must-listen, especially if you have ever dealt with hypermobility, or extreme mobility in your body. We sit down in conversation with Elizabeth who at 29 years old, has already been on a multi-year journey of discovery, learning how to live in a hypermobile body. Elizabeth, while currently very active, specifically in the aerial arts and pole dancing, has to walk a unique road in order to do the things she loves. Living in a hypermobile body means that many of her tendons are like "rubber-bands", which don't hold the muscles of her body together well. Challenges in her stability, with fatigue and developmental "skips" were all early signs that things weren't working as they should have been. Today, she speaks about how hypermobility also impacts her digestive system, can cause headaches, ringing in the ears, and severe jaw pain, among other things.We get to hear candidly about the tools and resources Elizabeth utilizes to help her along her path. Physical Therapy, a "to-go" bag with all the tools she needs to live at optimal functionality, therapy, a hunger for knowledge on how best to help herself, relearning at times basic body mechanics and movement - all are part of her every day curriculum for engaging fully in life. Join us as we talk about her journey to living the life she desires, and how she approaches each unique challenge with optimism, a great attitude, and determination to rise to the occasion. Resources:IG: @elizabeth.swagert Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

Welcome back to the State of Healthcare Podcast! We are continuing season 4 with our focus on autoimmune disorders and today we are speaking with Sari Lewis, an Occupational Therapist of 40+ years, who also has 25+ years practicing as a Registered Craniosacral Therapist. Some might be unfamiliar with this specific type of therapy and Sari walks us through her journey to practicing this modality, and the fascinating complexity of working within the bio-mechanical model of the body. For instance, did you know how the fluid of the brain and spine work and impact your every day? Have you wondered about the innate rhythms of the body, and how we can interrupt the "fast" patterns most of us live in now? Curious to learn more about how Craniosacral therapy can help with a whole host of health disorders and challenges?Sari works with her patients to create an environment within the body that is healthy, safe, slow, and able to release that which no longer serves them. We also go into depth about the vagus nerve and what it means to regulate the nerve, different ways to "tone" the nerve, and caution about buying into the trending fads. Join us for a deep dive into the internal world of your body, and how to create a more harmonious state, allowing you to live your best, healthiest and most embodied life. Please rate, review, subscribe and share with friends.Resources:https://sarihands.com/Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

For episode 4, we are back with Julie, a fan favorite here on the State of Healthcare Podcast! As a retired nurse and active yoga instructor, Julie has been living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for the last 15 years, and was more recently diagnosed with hyper-mobility as well. She has a lot of experience navigating the world of autoimmune disorders and figuring out what choices are best for her, and how she wants to live her life.In an episode filled with insight and wisdom, Julie speaks about the key elements she focuses on when managing her RA which includes movement, hydration, and nutrition. We also discuss the seasons of each year that she must traverse with these autoimmune challenges, working with her flare-ups, adjusting her lifestyle to each situation she finds herself in, and the choice to go medicine free, including not utilizing hormone replacement therapy. This episode is for you if you want to hear more about prioritizing your quality of life, setting expectations for your body (and listening to what your body needs from you), what constitutes active rest, and how movement is life. The best thing you can do is wake up each day and ask yourself, what can I do today to be strong, healthy, and well. Share with your friends and family, and please rate, review, and subscribe! Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

In today's episode we are speaking with Chardae, who walks us through her autoimmune journey, dealing with interstitial lung disease which among other things, causes decreased lung capacity and blood flow. Noticing her fingers were turning white while walking one day, she didn't think much of it. But gradually as her body tried to preserve blood for her lungs, her appendages were getting less and less blood and oxygen, causing a variety of symptoms, including extreme fatigue.Chardae shares her personal story of how autoimmune disease runs in her family and her desire to meet this head on, being proactive in her approach. Chardae strives to be as active as possible, doing yoga, pole, and other aerial sports, and she is diligent about everything she needs to do to ready her body and mind, to participate in the lifestyle she wants for herself.  All of this while trying to avoid being on a plethora (or any) medications, instead choosing to do those things that she can control, in the most natural way possible for her body. Listen in to hear the advice she has for others with autoimmune disorders, the critical nature of ensuring both mind and body are calm, different methods of coping, and the importance of surrounding yourself with community who understand what you are going through. Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

In our second episode, we are chatting with Dr. Joseph Brooks, a leading gynecology expert with over ten years worth of experience, and the head provider owner at Arizona Specialized Gynecology. In a unique position, Dr. Brooks combines his work in gynecology with dermatology, helping women battle the individuality of autoimmune disorders that others frequently miss. In a broad ranging conversation, we discuss various autoimmune disorders such as Lichen Sclerosus in which Dr. Brooks is not only trying to treat the symptoms (often invisible), but empower women with all the information they need to lead happy and healthy lives, while avoiding more serious diagnoses. We also tread into the often controversial and sometimes philosophical world of Hormone Replacement Therapy, which is making a bit of a comeback. And we end with the understanding that women are frequently dismissed for bringing valid concerns to their doctors, or are told to simply deal with it, or are blanket-labeled with things like anxiety, a societal chokehold that has been with women for millennia. Tune in for a deeply educational conversation and share with family and friends!Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.Resources:https://arizonaspecializedgynecology.com/joseph-brooks/ 

We are back with Season 4 of the State of Healthcare Podcast! This season we are exploring the murky, complicated, and vast arena of autoimmune disorders. With so much misleading information, misdiagnoses, or being ignored when presenting symptoms to our doctors, autoimmune challenges are a hot topic in the health field and we are here for it.  We kick off season 4 with Lisa, who was a guest last season, to discuss in further detail her autoimmune challenges including POTS and Hypermobility -- and how she continues to strive in living her very best life.In a multi-layered conversation, we discuss general nervous system dysfunction,  Dysautonomia, and how invisible autoimmune symptoms can be. We dive into the difference between wanting a diagnosis or how to treat the symptoms, and how particularly with women, so often we are given inaccurate or inappropriate diagnoses. We also take a deeper look at the interconnectedness of hypermobility, anxiety, and ADHD. In true fashion, we all know and realize that taking charge of your health comes down to understanding and advocating for your own unique system -- while also understanding what is within your control and what isn't. Remembering fundamentally - you aren't your diagnosis and your body is always speaking to you - trust it and trust yourself. Please share with anyone who might benefit and please rate, review, and subscribe! Resources:Guava AppDisjointedHypermobile and HappyTaming the ZebraDisclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

Our guest today is Jenny, a dedicated yoga instructor who has been teaching for over 18 years! Her career has shifted and evolved from practicing yoga for simply the physical aspects, to incorporating her own writings and philosophies from the Sutras and dharmas, hosting retreats, and working with people from all walks of life. Working as an instructor for the popular Inner Dimension Yoga platform as well, a few years Jenny was asked to instruct women on perimenopause.In a fantastic conversation, Jenny really highlights the importance of being true to yourself, whether that’s in the type of yoga class you choose each week, the philosophies that you believe in, trusting your body if things feel off, or pursuing your passions. While the dialogue around perimenopause is growing, we need to continue to develop and evolve the narrative. There are 60-70 symptoms of menopause, and in particular for women between the ages of 40 - 60, we need to understand and educate ourselves to be empowered when things start to change or feel different in our bodies.Finding tools to help during perimenopause such as a great menopause specialist, yoga practice or movement, meditation, and a community of support is fantastic. These won’t necessarily fix this period of transition and change in our bodies, but they will help.For a list of great resources, please see below, and share this with the other women in your life who might benefit! Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.Resources:IG: jennyogini The Yoga Within You: Living Beyond the Mat: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQV9YRVL?&linkCode=sl1&tag=yogawithinyou-20&linkId=3744e94e2f6ee73eedb03404b1449089&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl https://jennygbyoga.com/schedule/ JennyIDM 20% off to sign up at innerdimensionyoga.com menopause.org Menopause Revolution by Oprah Winfrey (Hulu & Disney+)

We are back with Gaby, who to date, has been our most listened to episode on the State of Healthcare Podcast! Our first conversation was almost a year and a half ago so I’m delighted to have Gaby back on the show!In that first episode, we talked about how Gaby was dealing with some life-changing injuries, and she continues to find her new flow as some issues have persisted - but with greater ease and grace than 18 months ago. In a wide-ranging conversation, we discuss how you shouldn’t play Jenga with your body. You can’t expect to survive injuries or repetitive strain by isolating or ignoring a problem area on the body and expect the ecosystem to survive - in fact, the opposite will occur and everything will crumble. We dive into how we can start recognizing the warning signs we are getting from our body and make adjustments, whether from workouts, technique and form, repetitive movements, or everyday living, to avoid injury. An injury can be all encompassing - psychologically, emotionally, and physically draining. What are the choices we can make to avoid this? It’s learning to contribute to a solid foundation of health which builds the blocks for our longevity - through such things as proper form, breathing, honoring the aging process, and building healthy habits. Join us for another extremely informational and uplifting conversation and share with your family and friends!Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

Today, I have the great pleasure of chatting with Hailey, an Ayurvedic Postpartum Doula, on a mission to support women in their journey of pregnancy to birth and beyond! Hailey's unique perspective from her Ayurvedic training is really focused on nourishing the mother and providing a "village" of support, which is traditionally found in other cultures, but not as obvious here in the United States.Join us for a fascinating conversation where we discuss the role of a doula, supplement recommendations, closing ceremonies, the importance of resting, safe sleeping, laboring in a safe space, breast feeding, and the different ways we can honor the process of birth.We also discuss how Hailey interweaves the birthing journeys and rituals from other cultures into our own birthing process, and how we can best honor our individual selves by cyclical living - living with each season. Listen in and don't foregt to rate, review, and subscribe!Resources:@beyondbumpmamasbeyondbumpmamas.mykajabi.com/beyond-bump-mamahttps://behervillage.com/Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

We have a fantastic episode for you today as we are speaking with Clementine, an Integrative Health Professional and Women’s Health Specialist. Clementine's focus is on reconnecting, understanding and rebalancing your body, mind, and environment so you can build a thriving relationship with yourself and those around you. We dive straight into Clementine's journey to becoming a health specialist, primarily focusing on mothers and female entrepreneurs, a path she sought out after her own health struggles debilitated her for months. Determined to restore balance to her physical and mental well-being, she realized that the most important thing she could do was prioritize self-care.Now on a mission to help other women suffering from burnout, fatigue, chronic disease, overwhelm, and general malaise, we get to the root of investing in yourself, and how we should aim for achieving balance, not perfection. A truly informative discussion, we stress the importance of listening to yourself and your body, recognizing there are alternative possibilities for what might be troubling you, and how we as women, have the incredible intuitive power to create what we want in our lives!Please rate, review, and subscribe - and tell your friends!Where to find Clementine:https://www.holisticbynaturewh.com/IG & FB: holisticbynaturewhDisclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

As we roll into a new year, Season 3 of the podcast is continuing within the theme of "We've Never Really Studied the Female Body." Today, Tracy is at the helm discussing why this season's focus is on the female body -- and why she is a passionate advocate for self-care and empowering women to talk about their health!In this episode, we hear more about Tracy's journey with some of her own health struggles, as well as some of her patients, and working together to dismantle the generational programming of not speaking up about health challenges. We cover menstrual cycles, peri-menopause, menopause, UTI's, cancer diagnoses, and more -- all within the perspective of trusting yourself, finding a doctor that listens to you and your concerns, having honest conversations with your female friends and family members, and playing detective with your health! Stressing the importance of self-care, community and conversation, this is an episode you'll want to share with your friends as we talk about ways to improve your quality of life. We are working to  change what has been the status quo for women over multiple generations - where instead of not advocating for ourselves or each other, we come together to fight for our healthcare through knowledge, education, and power.Please share and let us know what you think!Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

TW: There is mention of sexual trauma in treatment settings. Please listen with care.Today, I have 2 guests with me on the show, both Physical Therapists whose focus is working with those in the queer community. Sam Arrow, owner of Arrow Physical Therapy, and Rebecca Patton, owner of Pelvic Physical Therapists, both who are locally based in Phoenix, AZ. In an open and supportive conversation, Sam and Rebecca walk us through their journeys of becoming PTs, and specifically wanting to work with the queer community, which are by and large very underserved, many without care, and many without gender affirming care.We discuss navigating the health care system while finding resources that best align with each individual, and fighting for your healthcare (of course), but also pausing before you dive into treatments and plans. We get into the details about the importance of your nervous system, identifying panic attacks that could be manifesting as physical symptoms, and the theory of how connective tissue disorder might play a strong hand in neurodivergence, POTS, gastrointestinal issues, and more. It's an inspiring and informative episode, please take a listen. If you have any questions, see below for Sam and Rebecca's information if you would like to reach out:@samand___@arrowphysicaltherapy@phoenixtranspt@drpatton_pelvicptConnective Tissue ArticleDisclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

TW: There is mention of suicide in this episode, please listen with care.In today's episode we are speaking with Sarah Brinkman, PT, DPT, a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor health and gender affirming care. This episode further explores what physical therapy care looks like for all people, including those who are wanting to, are in the process of, or have fully transitioned. This is a safe space, inclusive of all.This is a highly informative discussion and one that is so important as we believe in quality care for everyone. In a clear and concise manner, Sarah walks us through the various types of care and interventions for everyone who has pelvic floor issues, as well as the challenges of gender affirming care, both mental and physical. Additionally, we get more detailed information on what is an internal pelvic floor Physical Therapist and services offered. It's a great episode for those who might be slightly intimated by working with a physical therapist on their pelvic floor issues, and highlights ways to advocate for your health and education!betterfitherapy.com @betterfittherapyResources:https://www.therazona.com/https://www.therazona.com/aboutDisclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

It's a fantastic episode today, featuring Family Practice Physician, Katelyn, who takes the deep dive with us into the female body! Today, we talk about everything from new models of health care that are emerging, the intense need for appreciating the toll that stress, menopause, and peri-menopause take on women, and ultimately, Katelyn wants to assure us that we are not, in fact, going crazy or being hysterical when we hit our 40s and 50s. We are essentially going through our second puberty, and she wants to arm us as best as possible to manage all the changes.From weird symptoms of peri-menopause such as ear-itching, to the more common of hot flashes, fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog, Katelyn talks about how the world of medicine is changing and hopefully for the better. In particular, the shifts happening for women: recognizing that most studies done previously were for men (so the hormone changes in women wouldn't skew the studies!), how men's symptoms have historically been taken more seriously, and restructuring hormone growth therapy to be utilized in a safe and effective way.Trust us, this episode has it all so make sure to share with your friends and family!betterfittherapy.com @betterfittherapyDisclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

Today we are speaking with Julie, our favorite labor and delivery nurse, turned yoga instructor, who works largely with pregnant women in her prenatal yoga classes. This episode is a wealth of knowledge, widely discussing advice for women who are pregnant, appropriate yoga and exercise activities, and finding what works for everyone's individual needs.We go into detail about modifications in yoga for postpartum, flipping a breech baby, the journey of birth for both the mother and baby, and cesarean vs. vaginal births. It's a fascinating discussion that is grounded in fighting for your healthcare as a pregnant woman and no matter the time and distance from birthing your child, or other challenges or injuries to your pelvic floor, you can always seek help if you are having issues. Remember, yoga is a slow practice in a fast world. No quick fixes, but a true and honest journey back to yourself and to your health.Share with friends and family!@julie_hoffman_wellnessbetterfittherapy.com @betterfittherapyDisclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

While this season is about studying the female body, we would be remiss not to include the health journeys and challenges that face men, including such issues as pelvic floor dysfunction. Today, Ben, who has a degree and background in Kinesiology, takes us through what has been an epic four year battle of pain and misdiagnoses. When medical health professionals discounted what Ben was trying to tell them, he ultimately discovered for himself the condition that had been plaguing him for years.Diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction about a year and half ago, Ben now lives a very different life, accommodating for this diagnosis, but not letting it slow him down. This is a fantastic episode for men and women alike, as Ben discusses the importance of listening to your gut, questioning your doctors, and being your own advocate. Frequently, those in the medical field are quick to look at the symptoms, but not the root cause, simply offering bandaid suggestions with no long term solutions. With stretching, breath work, nerve flossing, visualization, and more, Ben is now championing for others to take control of their health, especially when faced with something as painful and debilitating as pelvic floor dysfunction. Share with everyone you know and please rate, review, and subscribe!IG: @bge1300FB: BG EvansDisclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

We are back with our next episode, continuing with our theme of "We've Never Really Studied the Female Body." Today, I'm chatting with Lisa, a fellow physical therapist who specializes in women's health, working with unique demographics such as dancers and those who are hyper-mobile. What's clear in this conversation is that most women tend to normalize their health when there is actually an issue that needs to be addressed, or we interweave underlying health issues into our every day. It's critical that if we start to notice a change, that we start to ask the right questions. Lisa too frequently sees women who think it's normal to have to start scheduling their days around the accessibility of the bathroom, or not drinking too much water, or having pain while being intimate. This doesn't have to be your life!Listen in as we talk about the journey of hormonal changes, prolapse, pregnancy, co-morbidities to pelvic health issues, misconceptions of strength training and Kegels, and how to ultimately take back your pelvic floor health while fighting for your health care.Please rate, review, and subscribe, while sharing with friends and family!Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

The State of Healthcare podcast is back and we are excited about the theme for season 3: "We've Never Really Studied the Female Body." This season, we will be exploring in depth the issues that challenge most women, and some which are considered taboo, while also offering support, resources, and breaking down misconceptions and myths surrounding the female body.  Today, we are talking with @kimberlyndang, a fellow physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor health for women and sports medicine. Kimberly is passionate about empowering women in their health, and champions why it is so critical to care about pelvic floor health.Highlights from our first episode include discussing pelvic floor symptoms, managing flareups and treatment options, addressing challenges faced by women of all ages, and the incredible benefits of breath-work. Take a listen and please share with friends and family! Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

It's the final episode of season 2 and today we are chatting about my journey with chronic pain and how each path to healing is individual. In truth, healing is so much more than simply treating the physical state of the body.Joining me as host for today is my friend and yoga instructor, @kristalane66. In this final episode, I speak to my experience with chronic pain, a neck injury that was sustained from a serious car accident almost 20 years ago. This resulted in frequent and debilitating migraines and headaches. At the same time of the accident, I was just beginning Physical Therapy school and every 2 weeks I wasn't able to function, due to this injury. In the more traditional route, I was first prescribed a lot of medications and injections, which created their own set of serious problems, coupled with concerns about the birth control I was on at the time. I quickly realized this wasn't the healing path for me and had to look for alternative options of therapy.I provide insight on how I manage this ongoing chronic condition. Posture, ergonomics, sleeping position and pillows, managing my stress level, self-care, and more, have allowed me to live the life I wish to create. All things aerial are a passion of mine and while initially you would believe that a neck injury would prohibit participation in aerial activities,  when I went looking for additional (proper) strength training to help in my aerial classes, my neck actually began to improve.Finally, we touch on the fact that your healing journey can't just be about physical treatment, but your mental and emotional states have to be considered as well. If you are constantly angry, upset, and disparaging of your body, the healing process will slow. You have to give yourself hope, gratitude, and love for what your body can do, and what it is still capable of.Thank you so much for listening to another season of The State of Health Care podcast! I appreciate each and every one of you and am looking forward to Season 3, launching this fall 2024. Stay tuned and take care of yourselves! Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

It's all about sciatica in today's episode and we hope you gain some valuable information from Audrey who has been dealing with this chronic issue for the last 5 years. Extremely active, Audrey has had to change her approach to workouts, performances, and therapy to accommodate living with sciatica, but in a way that didn't diminish her dreams, hopes, or goals.It has been through this path of managing a chronic issue that she has come to really trust her body, with a heightened sense of awareness about what works for her or doesn't - as well as understanding how to handle any self-limiting beliefs that might crop up.Some great advice is to filter out all the noise you hear, both about how you should or shouldn't manage your pain or health challenges, progress over perfection, and not waiting if something doesn't feel right within your body. We also touch on the high of performing and being in workshops and showcases, and how to best show up for ourselves, even when feeling vulnerable.Only one more episode left in Season 2, we hope you can join us!Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

For this next episode, we are delighted to welcome Julie back to the show, this time from the patient side! If you remember from season 1, Julie spent much of her career as a nurse before becoming self-employed as a yoga instructor, astrologer, and tarot reader. It's exciting to have Julie back as she offers both the perspective of someone who used to work in the health care system, and as a patient.At 13, Julie broke both her tibia and fibula and was almost instantly diagnosed with arthritis. At this time in the mid 1970s, there wasn't much support for physical therapy or treatment. More recently, in 2010, Julie was also diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), which was discovered during bloodwork. If you live with or are curious about RA, this episode is for you. Julie speaks passionately about managing her RA without medications or western medicine influence. Rather, she strives for a holistic life of movement, eating well, resting, and intuitively listening to her body. She offers advice on gaining a larger perspective on how to live with RA: managing it, living with flares, paying attention to your body, and not fearing the disease. Listen in and share with your friends and family who might benefit from an incredibly insightful conversation.Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

Today we are chatting with Dusty, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer, stage 2B, in 2016. In this episode, we hear about Dusty's journey and the critical importance of advocating and trusting yourself when things don't feel right. Dusty had to change doctors a few times before her diagnosis was confirmed, which started with fairly severe symptoms that prompted her to reach out for help. Join us to hear one of the most informative episodes of the entire show! We talk about how "common is not the same as normal" when Dusty was chatting with doctors about what was happening and how some brushed off her concerns. We discuss how Covid and vaccinations have been shown to impact periods and menstrual cycles, which could potentially hide some symptoms of cervical cancer. We also discuss the chemo journey for cervical cancer and the importance of regular PAP and HPV testing -- which don't necessarily catch everything but is currently the best way to monitor for potential issues. We also dive into what "peer to peer" means when your insurance might deny paying for services, and how you can go back to your doctor for assistance. The most important take-away point that Dusty makes in this episode is when something feels off, trust yourself to speak up about it.  Don't be afraid to find a provider that believes in what you are saying and will have your back.Join us and share with family and friends who might benefit from hearing Dusty's story.Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

It's something a huge percentage of folks suffer from: chronic back pain, and it's affecting more and more of us on a daily basis. In today's episode, I'm chatting with Trista, who has been managing chronic back pain since her youth, with various intense and debilitating flare-ups. While a lot of us may choose to ignore the warning signs that signal there might be an issue, this is counter productive in terms of long term health, wellness, functionality, and mobility. Trista takes us through her experiences of living with chronic back pain, and both what aggravates it, and what has proven to be helpful. Daily movement, purposeful functional movement, self-care, massage, proper form in exercising, and systemic routines of caring for her back have all allowed Trista a greater range of what she is able to do with her body. A great episode for anyone who is dealing with chronic back pain, and might be looking for new and alternative treatment options for managing pain!Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

Can a breast cancer diagnosis be considered good news? For today's podcast guest Maureen, the answer is yes. Diagnosed with breast cancer, it was the health scare that got her motivated to take charge of her health and advocate for herself.Maureen's story is unique in that she has no markers for breast cancer, or cancers of any kind, nor any family traits that would suggest she is more susceptible than others to receive a cancer diagnosis. Unsure of the exact reason, Maureen tells us her story and how she believes that the "perfect storm" occurred in her body: by receiving testosterone pellets, hormone growth therapy, and 15 years without a menstrual cycle. Listen in for a courageous and honest conversation about Maureen's journey as a breast cancer survivor and her post cancer path as well. One of the biggest realizations for Maureen was recognizing that attitude impacts everything and you have to advocate for yourself while listening to what you need and fighting for it. Share with your friends and everyone who might need to hear this story!Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

We are back for episode 2! Today I have the pleasure of speaking with Gaby who chats with us about both overcoming an injury that has forever changed the way she is able to move and function -- and overcoming the mental and emotional hurdles when something is no longer in your control.Gaby is no stranger to working out and pushing herself, used to participating in intense workouts and HIIT classes, even during pregnancy. However, during one particular workout, she suffered from severe knee pain that simply wouldn't go away and plagued her continuously. It was discovered that she had a loss of cartilage in her patella, a more common diagnosis than one would think.Listen along with us as we discuss her road to recovery from injury, physical therapy training, the importance of proper form and functional movement, and learning how to listen to her body. Gaby's performance is now forever altered given her knee, and her biggest challenge has been the loss, knowing she can no longer participate in all the workouts she used to do, in the same fashion. While there has been much frustration and learning, she is now better able to handle the flare-ups, while understanding how critical it is to stretch, rest, and move in ways that allow her to live pain-free, well into her older years - a great lesson for us all.Thanks for listening in, and make sure to share with your friends and family! Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

The State of Health Care Podcast is back for Season 2, and we are so excited for you to hear from our amazing line up of guests! While season 1 focused primarily on the health care provider perspective, this season we are speaking with folks from the patient perspective, those who have struggled with short-term or long-term illness, disease, or health care challenges.In today's first episode, we are speaking with Anna, who has been dealing with the challenges of long-haul Covid since 2019. Specifically, Anna tells her story of many years later, still not having a full sense of taste or smell, medically known as anomsia, as well as parosmia, which is a distorted sense of smell.In a vulnerable and honest conversation, Anna tells us what life has been like for the last several years. There is the physical impact of parosmia and anomsia, which can mean attempting to eat foods that often will taste terrible, and not like their true taste, and things smelling like cigarettes or hot garbage. And then there is the emotional and psychological toll as well, because everything feels different and a little unsafe. But Anna also provides great inspiration, and offers insight into the various healing modalities she has tried, including therapy, acupuncture, chiropractics, oxygenation of the blood - and more. For her, living with these symptoms has relied heavily on her state of mind being calm, and the ability to manage what she actually can smell. Listen in for a moving conversation and overcoming obstacles, when you are still unclear as to what the end result may be, and the power of the mind. Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

It's hard to believe it, but we are at the final episode of Season 1! I want to thank everyone who has listened in, and to all of our amazing guest experts. I have loved every minute of creating this podcast and am excited to announce Season 2 will launch in January, 2024! In the meantime, tune in for this season finale where I'm chatting solo! In today's episode, I dive a little deeper into my "why" of starting this podcast, which really centers around sparking change and raising awareness. We need to be both informed about the state of our healthcare, and how as patients, we can be empowered in our health care choices. It's my genuine love and passion for  this job which has me wanting to positively impact the lives of my patients, while also raising the rallying cry to fight back. Fight back against the system that isn't really here to serve you. Fight back against passive providers. Fight back and demand more. Together, patients and clinicians alike - we can demand more, expect more, and hold people and companies accountable. Tune in for a fiery (I admit), epsiode and thanks again for being here! Can't wait to see you in January for a brand new season, where we will be speaking from the patient side of things! Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

If you aren't familiar with chiropractors, or want to learn more about what someone in this profession provides, tune in to today's episode! In a deeply insightful conversation, I'm speaking today with Dr. Jason Kaufman who has created the Kaufman method for his patients - a noninvasive method and based on the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology. It is focused on three areas within the muscle system, including tension/spasm, trigger points, and the fascial system. A huge proponent of both getting to the root of the problem and not seeing patients weekly, Dr. Kaufman is challenging traditional medicine that tends to see more value in the volume of patients, rather than true treatment and care. We discuss the decision to move to a cash-based and no insurance practice, which truly means being able to care for patients in a way that is best for them - not utilizing a normalized, generalized "flow-chart" of how to offer treatment. Rather, it's recognizing that every individual is unique and deserves a customized plan of care. Prevention, and healthcare, over "sickcare", knowledge that lives within the patient, and providing folks with the courage to speak up when something isn't working with their practitioner - all are topics covered in today's episode!Join us and continue to broaden your toolkit of knowledge regarding your health!Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.Connect with Dr. Kaufman: https://kaufmanmethod.com/ 

We are back with Episode 6! With one of my dearest friends and nutrition coach, Dusty Ferrarese, we dive into what it means to age well, busting societal myths, and how living a healthy lifestyle sets the foundation - so you can do whatever you want as you head into your golden chapters! In a wide-ranging conversation, we discuss setting the foundation of building healthy habits that will last you a lifetime. Forget about perfection, forget about what society is telling you is right or wrong or good or bad, and forget about the hunt for the ideal body weight and "look." What is mission critical for aging well, and living well, is starting to stack healthy habits throughout your day that don't feel like a punishment or restriction. Exercise is not meant to be a punishment for what you did or didn't eat on a day. It's about moving your body, breathing oxygen into your lungs, and doing it in a way that you enjoy. It's knowing that there is always room for what you love in your life, as you consider the impact of everything you do towards your longer term goals!If you are looking for inspiration about reaching 100 years of age, or how best to start stacking small and manageable habits into your lifestyle, this is the episode for you!Connect with Dusty: @prettyfitforafoodieDisclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

Episode 5 of the State of Health Care Podcast is now live and today we are diving into the topic of Lifestyle Medicine! I have an amazing and robust discussion with Dr. Steve Feyrer-Melk, Ph.D., M.Ed., and the founder of The Body Lab at Optimal Heart Center in Scottsdale, AZ. Dr. Steve is passionate about helping people better help themselves, to live a lifestyle that fuels health and wellness in a positive and long-lasting way.Today we are chatting about the every day activities you can do to optimize your state of wellbeing. The key to this is to fit these activities into your individual behaviors, and actions, that make sense for you and work for you. Dr. Steve believes the foundation of this is set in movement, which is the beginning of living a truly healthy lifestyle. We also speak to the importance of giving yourself time on the health journey, throwing away the scale, arming yourself with knowledge of preventative care, setting realistic goals, and truly believing that our bodies are unique to us. Get to know them, trust them, and don't believe the saying that when things start to change, "it's just due to your age." This is a juicy episode filled with so many golden nuggets of information! Listen and please share, rate, review, and subscribe, and thanks for being here!Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.https://optimalheartcenter.com/

TRIGGER WARNING: In this episode, there is mention of suicidal ideation, please listen with care. Dreaming of becoming a physical therapist? Interested in thevariety of roads one might take to get there? Or are you already a PT, envisioning a dream clinic? Then today's episode is for you! In our conversation, I'm chatting with Tasha, a recent Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate, who started out in personal training and body building, then spent time as a vet tech, in office employment, and then hospitals, before settling into the world of physical therapy.  Tasha's view on the state of healthcare is unique. She went through her schooling during the pandemic and is working to find the balance between the critical 1:1 care that her patients need, while also managing the never-ending documentation, insurance, and technology challenges that PT's face every day.  Today we talk about her path to becoming a PT during COVID, how to sneak in PT exercises in new ways (dance class, anyone!?), what a dream clinic looks like for both of us, and how western medicine has become entirely reactive to illness and disease, not preventative. Listen in for a passionate discussion about advocating for yourself by knowing your healthcare risks and family history, being preventative with your health, and looking at what is your state of whole-body wellness.  Tune in for another amazing episode! Please don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe!Tasha's Bio: Tasha graduated as a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2022 from Midwestern University after a long winding path trying many different aspects of the medical field, including working with 4 legged patients. As a new(er) graduate and coming from various medical backgrounds and industries, she is excited to share her outlook on the state of healthcare today!  Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not asubstitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT or any of her guests. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

On today's episode, I'm excited to introduce you to Julie Hoffman! Julie has a long history in healthcare as a registered nurse, specifically starting out in Labor and Delivery, moving into Leadership, and eventually rounding our her career in Hospice. While working in hospice, she was certified as a yoga instructor and has been teaching yoga for over 20 years, in addition to being an astrologer and tarot reader!In our conversation, Julie provides amazing insight from her long time career in healthcare, and how she moved into alternative therapies and modalities, helping people live well, and longer, while looking at their overall health and wellbeing. Today, we dive into what straddling the two worlds of western and eastern medicine has felt like, learning new skills as an adult, and the crisis in healthcare both before, during, and after the pandemic.  In addition, Julie speaks to thought-provoking topics about the "treat to street" mentality of western medicine, and how most things in life can be improved upon with good diet, exercise, and balance. As a person living with Rheumatoid arthritis, Julie is someone who passionately believes in finding what works for you, and following those things that bring you joy and peace. Tune in for another amazing episode! Please don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe!Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT or any of her guests. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.Julie's Bio:Julie began studying yoga in 2002. Her teaching style is playful and inclusive. Inaddition to aerial yoga Julie has experience teaching prenatal, chair, yin, nidra,restorative and flow classes. She has completed 700-hours of yoga teacher trainingand will complete a yoga therapy program in 2023. Julie is passionate about makingyoga accessible to persons of all ages and abilities. She believes that her purpose onthis planet is to help others to heal. In her 200 hour YTT when asked where sheplanned on teaching Julie stated that she would be teaching yoga in prison. Whenasked what drove her to teach yoga in prison, she honestly answers that she has norecollection of making that conscious decision and that most likely the universechose it for her.

Welcome back! For Episode 2 of The State of Health Care Pocast, I'm delighted to be speaking with Dr. Lianne Rogers. Dr. Rogers specializes in helping older adults move with confidence and stay physically active through all stages of life. She is passionate about educating patients in the areas of fall awareness and prevention. She enjoys leading people to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle. Lianne received her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise & Sport Science from Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. She went on to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2007 from A.T. Still University located in Mesa, Arizona. In today's episode, we immediately plunge into what it's like to run your own physical therapy (PT) business, outside of the traditional clinic setting, and the pros and cons to both! From the pressures of being a PT, maintaining a work-life balance, managing how care has changed over the years, and working to create understanding about what PT's actually do and provide, it's a great episode to see what life is like as a mobile health care practitioner. In addition, Dr. Rogers speaks to the impact of COVID and how that really opened up the mobile practitioner side of health care, moving it along more quickly than most anticipated. We also touch on a core value for both of us: the community and support that PT's provide, which involves taking the time to speak with our patients, checking in on both their physical and mental well being.Tune in and if you enjoy the episode, please don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe!Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT or any of her guests. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.

Welcome to the very first episode of the State of Health Care Podcast! I'm Tracy Karas, DPT, and I'm honored you are here and listening to the show! As a health care professional of over 20 years, this topic is very close to my heart. I am always curious about what is happening, what challenges are cropping up, how are we solving them, and how do we provide the best care possible for clients and patients. The US is the forerunner world-wide in how much money we spend on health care, but usually with less than expected or desired results. On this podcast, I am speaking with other professionals in the health care industry, wellness advocates, alternative healthcare providers, clinicians, clients, and more. And no topic is off limits! Thank you for being here, as we attempt to pull back the veil and see what's truly happening in our world of health and wellness.Our first guest on the podcast is Trista, who is a licensed nurse practitioner, and we cover a lot of topics. From her journey to becoming a nurse, what she likes/dislikes about her job, the mental health challenges she faces, the PTSD that a lot of nurses experience for themselves, and life during the pandemic, Trista openly shares what it's like to be a nurse practitioner in these current times. Check our her bio below!If you've ever wondered what a day in the life of a nurse looks like, the impact of so many traveling nurses, how hospitals are doing "silent hirings", what magnet status means for hospitals, and generally, Trista's hope for her job and health care, this is the episode for you! Tune in and let us know what you think!You can follow me on social media: @betterfittherapyTrista Apostoles is a registered nurse who has been working in the healthcare industry for over a decade. As she chipped away at her degree, Trista worked as a caregiver and became a certified nurse assistant (CNA). She first got hired into acute care as a unit coordinator on a busy neuro telemetry floor until a CNA position became available. This unit specialized in stroke cases and mostly consisted of a geriatric population based on location. After graduating nursing school with a bachelor’s degree, Trista spent her first year as a new grad there before transferring to an inner-city level one trauma center within the same company. She has been on the same telemetry surgical unit ever since which specializes in cardiac procedures including coronary bypasses, heart transplants, ventricular-assist devices, and more. Furthermore, Trista spent most of 2020 caring for critical covid patients during the height of the pandemic as surgeries were cancelled and the hospital was converted into isolated areas. In total, Trista has been a registered nurse for almost five years now, with eight of those years spent in the hospital. She has precepted many new grad nurses and has served as charge nurse during her journey.Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.