THE FOUNDATIONS FOR FUNCTIONAL HEALTH
A whole-body, multisystem approach to overcoming chronic conditions and optimizing your health.
THE PRIMARY FOUNDATIONS OF YOUR FUNCTIONAL HEALTH
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STRUCTURAL HEALTH
Our work as Fellowship-Trained Integrative Manual Physical Therapists has identified common patterns of adaptations from old injuries that lead to pain and degeneration. Precisely and systematically addressing these optimizes the efficiency of how your body works.
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CELLULAR HEALTH
Food can make or break us. Today's food supply is full of processed ingredients that contribute to inflammation. Many of us have unrealized sensitivities and genetics that, when not addressed, add to inflammation in our bodies. Inflammation contributes to nearly EVERY disease and health issue we see today.
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DETOXIFICATION HEALTH
Our bodies are constantly exposed to toxins—from the air we breathe to the food we eat and the products we use daily. Over time, these toxins can accumulate, overwhelming our natural detoxification systems and leading to fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and other health challenges. By supporting the liver, kidneys, and other detoxification pathways with targeted strategies, we help your body efficiently eliminate toxins and restore balance for optimal health.
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NERVOUS SYSTEM HEALTH
Your nervous system is the control center of your body, regulating everything from movement to mood. Chronic stress, trauma, and imbalances in the autonomic nervous system can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to issues like anxiety, poor sleep, and pain. By addressing the root causes of nervous system dysfunction and promoting regulation through manual therapy, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes, we help you build resilience and restore your body's natural harmony.
DISCOVER THE JOURNEY TO OPTIMAL HEALTH THROUGH EXPERT GUIDANCE
Jen's Approach and Philosphy
A Holistic Approach to Healing and Wellness For over 25 years, Jen Shepherd has been at the forefront of Integrative Manual Physical Therapy, treating patients with complex health issues who have struggled despite conventional medical model intervention.
Starting with traditional physical therapy, her practice has evolved to incorporate a whole-person approach—addressing not just the physical body, but also the functional and emotional aspects that impact health.
As the needs of patients increased, our work has evolved...
OWNER-
The Shepherd Center for Integrative Health
The Foundations For Functional Health
Jennifer Chudy Shepherd,
MSPT, CFMT, FFMT, FAAOMPT, IFMCP
Jennifer unknowingly began her health journey at a young age, facing challenges such as GI issues, back pain, painful periods, knee pain, weight fluctuations, and mood swings. Driven by her own struggles and unsatisfactory experiences with medical practitioners, she pursued a career in Physical Therapy, determined to offer better care to others.
However, as her own health and patient outcomes stagnated despite exercises, stretches, and joint mobilizations, Jen’s curiosity led her to seek deeper answers. She found mentors who taught her to view the body as an interconnected system of organs and systems working in harmony. Through this holistic approach, she learned how to address the root causes of health issues by improving organ function, which in turn affected the entire body.
Jen's passion for health deepened when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, followed by Alzheimer’s. This personal experience fueled her desire to understand how to prevent diseases commonly attributed to aging. As a Fellow with the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists and a Certified Practitioner of Functional Medicine with the Institute for Functional Medicine, Jen has mastered the art of eating for her genetics, healing her gut and old injuries, and supporting her nervous system to optimize her health as she approaches 50.
Today, Jen helps people across the country who have struggled to find answers from specialists. Through her Integrative Manual Physical Therapy approach, she empowers them with the skills and tools needed to restore their health and thrive for a lifetime.
Build the FOUNDATION for Your Health Journey
The FOUNDATIONS for Functional Health is more than just a series of online courses. It’s an opportunity to learn, master, and own the foundational skills that are essential for your body to function at its best. Whether it's understanding the role of food, reducing inflammation, or improving movement, these courses provide you with the knowledge and support needed to make lasting changes.
"I consider these foundational skills... principles that your body needs in order to work as best as it can, as optimal as it can, as efficient as it can." - Jen
STRUCTURE
Build strength, mobility, and stability in this 8-week program designed to optimize your core and prevent injuries. Perfect for athletes, those recovering from injuries, or anyone seeking a stronger, more balanced body for everyday life.
CELL
Use food as medicine in this transformative program rooted in the Elimination Diet to reduce inflammation, boost energy and heal. Gain strategies to nourish your body and overcome chronic health challenges.
mini course⤵
Break free from sugar's hold and transform your health in just 30 days. This guided program helps you reduce inflammation, boost energy, and take control of your cravings with expert insights and daily strategies.
DETOX
Reset your body and restore balance with this 21-day program designed to reduce inflammation, boost energy, and support natural detoxification. Learn how to minimize toxin exposure, optimize gut health, and nourish your body with simple, effective detox techniques.
NERVOUS
Discover how to balance your Autonomic Nervous System and break free from the effects of chronic stress. This course offers science-backed techniques and guided practices to calm your body, reduce inflammation, and restore a sense of control and well-being.
THE FOUNDATIONS FOR FUNCTIONAL HEALTH
What is The Foundations For Functional Health?
The Foundations for Functional Health is more than just a learning center. It’s an opportunity to understand how the body works and what it needs to thrive. From reducing inflammation to improving posture and nutrition, our programs help you master skills that will support you for life.
"These are foundational principles... skills that your body needs to work at its best." - Jen Shepherd, PT
What You'll Learn in
The Foundations For Functional Health
Expert-Led Courses for Lifelong Health
The Foundations for Functional Health covers a variety of topics that reflect the core issues many people face today. You’ll learn how to take care of your body with nutrition strategies, movement techniques, and insights into managing inflammation naturally.
Join our Private Facebook Group
Ready to take your journey to the next level? Join our Foundations Private Facebook Group, a supportive space where you can connect with like-minded individuals and gain exclusive access to:
- Expert Insights: Get tips, advice, and bonus content from our team of experts to support your health goals.
- Community Support: Share your wins, ask questions, and receive encouragement from a thriving community on a similar path.
- Exclusive Updates: Be the first to know about new courses, challenges, and resources designed to help you thrive.
This group is your go-to resource for motivation, accountability, and practical tools to implement what you’re learning in our courses.
Don’t miss out—click below to join today and start connecting with your new community!
FREE Jen Talks to Deepen Your Knowledge
Join Jennifer for free JenTalks, where she shares her extensive experience with topics like inflammation, core mobility, detoxing, natural healing modalities and more. These live sessions are a great way to stay informed and get practical advice directly from an expert.
Please sign up for The Foundations for Functional Health: Jen's source for health topics, education, prevention and wellness.
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