The Optimal Health Guide is a podcast from Vance Physical Therapy & Wellness designed to help you understand your body, reduce pain, and move toward lasting health. Featuring physical therapist Josh Vance, PT, MPT, D-EDX, and hosted by Michael Guzman, each episode offers clear, practical conversations about pain, recovery, diagnostics, lifestyle, and long-term wellness—so you can feel confident about your next step.
E38- Feeling Stuck in Your Recovery? Here's How to Move Forward
Feeling Stuck in Your Recovery? Here's How to Move Forward
Recovery rarely happens in a perfectly straight line.
You can be doing everything right and still have bad days, unexpected setbacks, or periods when progress seems painfully slow.
So how do you know whether you're experiencing a normal bump in the road or whether something needs more attention?
In this episode of The Optimal Health Guide, physical therapist Josh Vance talks honestly about what happens when recovery doesn't go according to plan.
You'll learn:
• Why everyone's recovery timeline is different
• How to distinguish normal soreness from concerning symptoms
• Why comparing your recovery to someone else's can leave you discouraged
• When a treatment plan may need to change
• How expectations affect the recovery experience
• Why mindset and determination matter
• The importance of making time for your recovery
• What to do when you feel stuck
Josh's encouragement is simple:
Don't stay stuck. Make a decision to move forward.
Learn more at vancept.com
Submit your questions at podcast.vancept.com
13 Oct 2026
E37- Preparing for Surgery: What You Need to Know
Preparing for Surgery: What You Need to Know
Preparing for surgery involves much more than showing up on the day of the procedure.
In this episode of The Optimal Health Guide, physical therapist Josh Vance explains how preparation before surgery, realistic expectations, and the right rehabilitation plan can make a significant difference in your recovery.
Josh discusses:
• When surgery is the right option
• Why conservative treatment often comes first
• How pre-surgery preparation improves recovery
• Questions every patient should ask before surgery
• Common misconceptions about surgery
• The role of physical therapy before and after surgery
• Mistakes that can slow recovery
• Why patience and realistic expectations matter
One of Josh's biggest messages is simple:
Surgery may repair the problem, but recovery is still a process.
Learn more at vancept.com
Submit your questions for future episodes at podcast.vancept.com
6 Oct 2026
E36- How to Be Your Own Best Healthcare Advocate
How to Be Your Own Best Healthcare Advocate
Have you ever left a doctor's appointment wishing you had asked more questions?
You're not alone.
In this episode of The Optimal Health Guide, physical therapist Josh Vance explains why asking questions is one of the most important things you can do for your health. From understanding a diagnosis to preparing for surgery, Josh shares practical advice for becoming an active participant in your healthcare.
You'll learn:
• Why asking questions leads to better care
• How to better understand your diagnosis
• Questions to ask before surgery
• When it's appropriate to seek a second opinion
• Why writing questions down beforehand can help
• How to understand realistic recovery expectations
• Why healthcare works best as a partnership
Josh's encouragement is simple:
Be engaged. Ask questions. Take ownership of your health.
Learn more at vancept.com
Submit your questions at podcast.vancept.com
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