Tummy tuck recovery is widely misunderstood. Some people are told surgery is a “quick fix,” while others are told they should never need surgery at all. The reality is far more nuanced.In this episode of Sage Connections, I’m joined by Lisa Marie Ryan, co-creator of Tummy Tuck Rehab. Lisa is a former competitive CrossFit athlete, coach, and pregnancy and postpartum athleticism specialist—and she also brings the lived experience of navigating diastasis recti and ultimately choosing to have a tummy tuck herself.We have an honest, grounded conversation about what real tummy tuck recovery looks like—beyond the incision. We discuss physical rehabilitation, the mental and emotional layers of healing, common mistakes during recovery, and what it truly means to rebuild strength and confidence after surgery. Lisa also shares insight on decision-making, the balance between conservative rehab and surgical intervention, and why collaboration between surgeons, physical therapists, and fitness professionals matters so much.Tummy Tuck Rehab offers extensive free educational resources, including downloadable PDFs to help guide clients through the decision-making process around surgery. They are also launching a comprehensive return-to-fitness guide in January. In addition, Lisa is launching her own return-to-functional-fitness post–tummy tuck program in January and works one-on-one with pregnancy, postpartum, and tummy tuck clients.Whether you’re considering a tummy tuck, currently recovering, or a clinician wanting to better support your patients, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a more realistic framework for recovery.Connect with Lisa Marie Ryan Website: https://www.lisa-ryan.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa.marie.ryanTo learn more about Tummy Tuck RehabWebsite: https://www.tummytuckrehab.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tummytuckrehabPodcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2414621Connect with Sage Physical Therapy & WellnessWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: info@sageptwellness.com#TummyTuckRecovery#CoreRehab#WomensHealth#PelvicFloorPT#SageConnections

In this episode of Sage Connections, I’m joined by Andre Kzirian, owner of Troy City Fitness and Game Day Men’s Health in Southfield, for a grounded, evidence-based conversation on fitness, nutrition, hormone replacement therapy, and peptides—and how these systems work together to drive real results.We explore why training alone isn’t always enough, how nutrition and hormones influence fat loss and performance, and where peptides may play a supportive role when used responsibly. Andre shares his integrated approach to helping people optimize strength, recovery, metabolism, and long-term health—without relying on shortcuts or hype.If you’ve been consistent with your workouts but still feel stuck, fatigued, or frustrated with your results, this episode will help you understand what may be missing.CONNECT WITH ANDRE KZIRIANTroy City FitnessWebsite: https://www.tcfgym.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/troycityfitness and https://www.instagram.com/andre.kzirianGame Day Men’s Health – SouthfieldWebsite: https://gamedaymenshealth.com/southfield-mi/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gameday_southfield_miLocation: Southfield, MI🎁 Special Offer for ListenersFREE testosterone test for all listeners who mention Sage Connections.Connect with Sage Physical Therapy & WellnessWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: info@sageptwellness.com

Episode 20 — and our first-ever live recording!Today I’m joined by Dr. Mike Israetel, co-founder of Renaissance Periodization (RP), PhD in Sport Physiology, and one of the most respected educators in strength training, hypertrophy, and recovery.In this episode, we break down recovery from multiple angles — physical, psychological, and identity-driven — and explore how fatigue, stress, mindset, and training demands shape the way we heal and perform.We cover:• What recovery actually means• Acute vs. chronic fatigue• Sleep, stress, nutrition, and recovery• Identity shifts during injury or setbacks• Why rest is hard for so many people• Tools to rebuild trust with your bodyWhether you train hard, work in health or fitness, or are navigating burnout or injury, this conversation brings clarity to a topic most people misunderstand.CONNECT WITH DR. MIKE ISRAETELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmikeisraetelYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RenaissancePeriodizationRenaissance Periodization: https://renaissanceperiodization.comCONNECT WITH SAGE PHYSICAL THERAPY & WELLNESSWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: info@sageptwellness.comPRODUCTIONRecorded at Elev8 Sound StudiosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elev8soundstudiosFilmed by 888CreativeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/888creative_#DrMikeIsraetel #Recovery #TrainingRecovery #Overtraining #Hypertrophy #StrengthTraining #FitnessPodcast #RenaissancePeriodization #SageConnections #AthleteHealth

In this episode of Sage Connections, I sit down with Barbara Mietling, founder of Good Stuff Cacao, to explore what truly makes chocolate healthy—from ethical sourcing and sustainability to antioxidants, heavy metals, and the future of the global cacao industry.We dive into Barbara’s personal journey into chocolate-making, how Good Stuff Cacao is redefining clean, intentional chocolate, and what consumers should actually be looking for on a label. We also discuss the growing conversation around “healthy chocolate,” including the five standards popularized by Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint protocol: high polyphenols, organic sourcing, minimal sweeteners, clean ingredients, and low heavy metals.This is a must-watch episode for anyone who loves chocolate but also cares deeply about their health, the planet, and the quality of the food they consume.Topics We Cover- What actually makes chocolate “healthy”- Polyphenols and why they matter- Heavy metals in chocolate—what consumers should know- Ethical and sustainable cacao sourcing- The current state of the global chocolate industry- Barbara’s favorite Good Stuff Cacao products- The future of clean, functional chocolateTry Good Stuff CacaoUse code SAGE20 at checkout for a special discount on any purchase.Shop here: https://goodstuffcacao.comConnect with Sage Physical Therapy & WellnessWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: info@sageptwellness.com#HealthyChocolate #Cacao #Polyphenols #GoodStuffCacao #CleanEating #LongevityNutrition #BlueprintProtocol #BryanJohnson #EthicalChocolate #FoodAsMedicine #WellnessPodcast #SageConnections #FunctionalNutrition #CleanIngredients #HeavyMetals #SustainableFood

In this episode of Sage Connections, we explore the hidden benefits of acupuncture for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum healing. Dr. Madelyn Mans, DACM, LAc, shares how Traditional Chinese Medicine supports women through conception, birth preparation, and the fourth trimester with a grounded, holistic approach.We discuss cycle regulation, hormone balance, common pregnancy symptoms, birth preparation, postpartum recovery, and how acupuncture can complement pelvic floor physical therapy for comprehensive care.Whether you're trying to conceive, navigating pregnancy, or healing postpartum, this episode offers clarity, education, and supportive insight.Connect with Dr. Madelyn Mans, DACM, LAcWebsite: www.thefivewell.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiveacupuctureFacebook: The Five Acupuncture and WellnessConnect with Sage Physical Therapy & WellnessWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: info@sageptwellness.comTopics Covered- Acupuncture for fertility and cycle regulation- How traditional Chinese medicine views pregnancy and postpartum- Support for nausea, pelvic pain, sleep issues, and anxiety- Birth preparation with acupuncture- Postpartum nourishment and recovery- How acupuncture complements pelvic floor PT- What to expect during pregnancy and postpartum sessionsIf you found this episode helpfulPlease like, comment, share, and subscribe. Your support helps more women discover holistic care and evidence-informed guidance during fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum.#FertilitySupport#AcupunctureForFertility#PregnancyWellness#PostpartumHealing#TraditionalChineseMedicine#WomenHealth#PelvicFloorPT#BirthPreparation#HolisticPregnancy#TCM#FourthTrimester#NaturalFertility#SageConnections#AcupunctureBenefits

In this episode of Sage Connections, I’m joined by Dr. Derrik Faunt, PT, DPT, for an open and honest conversation about how the insurance system impacts physical therapy — and why care can look so different depending on the model you choose.We break down:- How insurance-based PT works behind the scenes- What cash-based PT offers that insurance often can’t- The true cost of care (beyond copays and deductibles)- Access, autonomy, visit limits, and the quality of treatment- What actually matters when choosing the right provider- How clinicians in different models can collaborate for better outcomesWhether you're a patient navigating your options or a clinician curious about other models of care, this episode brings clarity, honesty, and a grounded look at what you really need to know.Connect with Dr. Derrik Faunt, PT, DPT, PPSCOwner of Metro-Strength Performance RehabWebsite: www.metro-stregthpr.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/metro_strengthprEmail: info@msprehab.comYouTube: @DerrikFauntDPT Connect with Dr. Luba Khakham, PT, DPTOwner of Sage Physical Therapy & WellnessWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: info@sageptwellness.com#PhysicalTherapy #InsuranceVsCashPT #CashBasedPT #PelvicFloorPT #PTEducation #HealthcareTruths #PatientCare #PhysicalTherapist #SageConnections #HealthPodcast

In this episode of Sage Connections, I sit down with reflexologist Kristi Holmes to explore how reflexology supports the mind–body connection and promotes whole-body wellness.We discuss how specific points on the feet and hands correspond to different organs and systems in the body — and how reflexology can help with stress relief, nervous system balance, musculoskeletal support, sleep, and overall relaxation.Kristi breaks down what actually happens during a reflexology session, who can benefit from this therapy, and simple techniques you can try at home to support your physical and emotional well-being.If you have ever been curious about the deeper healing potential of reflexology, this episode will help you understand how it works and why so many people experience meaningful shifts from it.Work With Kristi HolmesInstagram: @r3reflexologyLocated in Plymouth, MIConnect with Dr. Luba Khakham at Sage Physical Therapy & WellnessWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: info@sageptwellness.com#reflexology #holistichealing #mindbodyconnection #stressrelief #nervoussystem #womenshealth #pelvichealth #footreflexology #reflexologist #wellnesspodcast #selfhealing #sageconnections #holisticwellness

In this episode of Sage Connections, I’m talking about one of the biggest myths in pelvic health — that Kegels are the answer to everything.If you’ve ever been told to “just do Kegels” for leaking, pelvic pressure, or pain, this conversation is for you. I’ll explain:What the pelvic floor actually is and how it connects to your coreWhat a Kegel really does (and why it’s not always the right solution)When Kegels can help — and when they can make things worseWhat we do in pelvic floor physical therapy to calm an overactive pelvic floorWhy proper assessment is the key to real healingThis episode will help you understand your body on a deeper level and know when it’s time to seek individualized care instead of cookie-cutter advice.Connect with Sage Physical Therapy & WellnessWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: info@sageptwellness.com📍 Located in Farmington, Michigan — specializing in orthopedics, pelvic floor, pregnancy, postpartum, and women’s health physical therapy.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review — it helps others find the information and support they deserve.#PelvicFloorPhysicalTherapy#PelvicFloorHealth#WomensHealth#PostpartumRecovery#PregnancyWellness#CoreStrength#Kegels#PelvicPainRelief#PelvicPT#SageConnectionsPodcast#FarmingtonMichigan#WomensWellness#PelvicFloorEducation#HolisticHealth