Build the FOUNDATION to Restore and Optimze Your Health

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, created by Certified Functional Medicine and Integrative Manual Physical Therapy Practitioners. Whether it's understanding the role of food, reducing inflammation, balancing your nervous system, or improving movement, these courses provide you with the knowledge and support needed to make lasting changes in your life and live a life of health, vitality and joy.

Jennifer Shepherd, Integrative Manual Physical Therapist and Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner, has identified common, KEY areas that most of her patients with pain, injuries and complex health issues struggle with. To improve patient outcomes, she has developed online coursework to support the work she and her team do in the clinic. The results have been beyond encouraging and exciting, as patients and participants are not only overcoming health issues, but are also learning the skills and strategies to take care of their bodies for a lifetime.

 

For maximum benefit, we recommend working through ALL the courses within a 6 -12 month period.


 

COURSE OFFERINGS


The Shepherd Method for Structural Health

 

Build strength, mobility, and stability in this 4-6 week program designed to optimize the alignment, core stability and function of your whole, entire body. This is a critical course for anyone who has struggled with injuries and pain, want to work out more efficiently, improve their performance, and prevent injuries.

 

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The Power of Food Reset Program

 

Use food as medicine in this transformative program rooted in the Elimination Diet to reduce inflammation, boost energy and optimize the health of your cells. Gain awareness, guidance and strategies, and to nourish your body and overcome chronic health challenges every day.

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The Inner Wiring Workshop

 

Discover how your Autonomic Nervous System is affected by trauma and chronic stress AND affects the rest of your health.  You will learn strategies and practices to support your nervous system and bring your body to a better state of balance.

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Coming Soon...

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 through the integration of Manual Therapy and Functional Medicine 

 

As the needs of patients increased, our work has evolved...

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.

Increase your knowledge and stay inspired on how to best care for your amazing body! We share our insights, case studies, personal expeiences, tips and so much more.

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Disclaimer: All content provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Accessing or using this information does not establish a practitioner-patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions or starting new treatments.

 

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