In this solo episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal unpacks one of the most misunderstood foot conditions — bunions — and reframes the conversation around what truly matters: big toe mobility and how we walk.

Rather than focusing only on the bunion "bump," Dr. Emily explains why the big toe is a critical driver of propulsion, glute activation, joint health, and longevity. You'll learn how limited big toe motion quietly changes your gait, drains energy, accelerates joint wear, and contributes to issues far beyond the foot — from knee pain to low back pain and instability throughout the body.

This episode separates myth from truth, explains what bunions actually are (and aren't), and offers clear guidance on prevention, conservative care, and when surgery may truly be the right choice all through the lens of long-term movement health.

• How limited big toe motion shortens stride length and increases joint wear
• The truth about bunion myths: genetics, shoes, and "reversing" bunions
• How to slow or pause bunion progression without surgery
• When bunion surgery may be protective — and when waiting too long limits your options
• Why walking mechanics are one of the strongest predictors of movement longevity

Resources & Links

• Website & Virtual Consultations: https://thefunctionalfootdoc.com
• Instagram: @thefunctionalfootdoc
• NOBOSO Toe Spacers & Sensory Tools: https://noboso.com
• Bunion Programs & Foot Strength Resources: https://dremilysplichal.com

In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal is joined by Danielle Kalmbach, wellness entrepreneur and founder of JOLT PEMF Lab, a modern recovery and performance studio specializing in Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy.

Danielle's work sits at the intersection of nervous system regulation, recovery science, and performance culture. Through JOLT, she is redefining PEMF not as a passive modality, but as an intentional tool for restoring energy, improving resilience, and supporting whole-body regulation. Together, Emily and Danielle explore how PEMF influences circulation, inflammation, cellular energy, and the nervous system — and why it is becoming a cornerstone in both recovery and high-performance lifestyles.

Key Topics:

• Why Danielle created a more intentional, human-centered PEMF experience.
• How PEMF supports cellular energy and nervous system regulation.
• Who benefits most from PEMF, from athletes to stressed professionals.
• How PEMF fits into a modern performance and recovery stack.
• Where PEMF and recovery technology are headed next.

About Jaime Passaglia:

Danielle Kalmbach is a wellness entrepreneur and founder of JOLT PEMF Lab, a modern recovery studio dedicated to optimizing nervous system health, energy, and human performance through Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy.

With a human-centered approach to technology-driven wellness, Danielle works with athletes and high-performing individuals seeking smarter recovery, sustainable vitality, and deeper regulation — one pulse at a time.

• Website: joltpemflab.com
• Instagram: @joltpemflab

In this episode of Root to Rise, Dr. Emily Splichal is joined by Jaime Passaglia, pediatric physical therapist and Chief Health Strategy & Clinical Officer of Solodome, to explore how immersive spatial audio and vibroacoustic technology support nervous system regulation, recovery, and whole-body wellness. Together, they discuss how sound and vibration influence physiology, where vibroacoustic therapy fits within modern healthcare, and why sound may be one of the most underutilized tools in human performance and resilience.

Key Topics

• How sound and vibration influence pain, sleep, and nervous system regulation.
• Where vibroacoustics fit within functional and traditional healthcare.
• Why sound is a powerful tool for calming and organizing the nervous system.
• Solodome's shift from movement and gaming into wellness and clinical care.
• How sound and frequency may reshape wellness, healthcare, and performance.

About Jaime Passaglia

Jaime Passaglia is a pediatric physical therapist and Chief Health Strategy & Clinical Officer at Solodome Audio, where he helps create immersive spatial audio and vibroacoustic experiences that support nervous system regulation, recovery, and whole-body wellness. His work bridges sound science and human physiology, transforming sound into a powerful tool for focus, balance, and resilience.

• Website: solodome.com
• Instagram: @solodomeaudia