What to Really Expect After Surgery: A Physical Therapist’s Perspective

What to Really Expect After Surgery: A Physical Therapist’s Perspective

Surgery is just the first step. Recovery is where the real work happens. In this episode, Dr. Chelsea Smith [https://www.hiflexhealth.com/dr-chelsea-smith-3/] is joined by Physical Therapy Assistant Simon Ibrahim [https://www.hiflexhealth.com/simon-ibrahim/] to discuss what patients can truly expect after surgery. Drawing on over two decades of clinical experience, Simon shares insights on post-op rehab for total knee replacements, ACLs, and shoulder/rotator cuff surgeries—including common misconceptions, realistic timelines, and why good rehab should challenge you—but not traumatize you. If you’re facing surgery or navigating recovery, this conversation will help you understand the process, avoid common pitfalls, and move forward with confidence. Connect with HiFLEX Health & PerformanceWebsite: https://www.hiflexhealth.com [https://www.hiflexhealth.com] Blog: https://www.hiflexhealth.com/blog [https://www.hiflexhealth.com/blog] Email: chelsea@hiflexhealth.comRead the Blog Post from This Episode https://www.hiflexhealth.com/blog/what-to-really-expect-after-surgery

Behind the Scenes: How HiFLEX Partners with Trainers for Better Results

In today’s special episode, we’re sharing a conversation Dr. Chelsea Smith had on the Uncaged Clinician podcast with host David Bailiff. You’ll hear Chelsea unpack how HiFLEX Health & Performance: – Grew from a mobile PT practice into a hybrid clinic in Chattanooga – Builds deep, collaborative relationships with local trainers (like Blake at Hex Performance) – Keeps Christ and client-centered care at the heart of every decision – Creates a seamless experience so you’re not bouncing between providers who don’t talk to each other – Uses word-of-mouth, trust, and aligned values instead of aggressive sales tactics Even though this conversation was originally recorded for other clinicians, we wanted to share it with you because it gives a behind-the-scenes look at how we think about your care, your goals, and the partnerships that make a difference in your results. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to HiFLEX Health & Performance 02:49 – Building relationships with local trainers and Hex Performance 06:04 – Why collaboration and communication matter in your care 09:11 – Keeping ego out of the way and staying focused on your goals 11:52 – Creating a seamless experience between PT and training 14:53 – Word-of-mouth, trust, and shared values in Chattanooga 18:05 – Choosing the right partnerships and matching the right audience 21:01 – Practical tips for building strong PT–trainer relationships Connect with HiFLEX: Website: https://www.hiflexhealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiflexhealthRequest an appointment: https://www.hiflexhealth.com/contact-us/Swimmers Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/swimmerPT Original conversation recorded for the Uncaged Clinician Podcast with host David Bailiff and shared here with appreciation.

Dry Needling Explained

In this episode of the HiFLEX Health & Performance Podcast, Dr. Chelsea Smith explains everything you need to know about dry needling: what it is, how it works, what you can expect to feel, and the benefits for pain relief, mobility, and muscle activation. She also shares the unique HiFLEX approach (Integrative Dry Needling), which looks at the whole body — not just the pain site — to create long-lasting results. Plus, learn how dry needling differs from acupuncture, and why safety and patient comfort are always the top priorities at HiFLEX. Key Takeaways: * Dry needling explained in simple terms * The HiFLEX whole-body approach (IDN) * What you may feel during treatment * Benefits for pain, function, and performance * Dry needling vs. acupuncture * Safety, training, and patient care Chapters: 0:00 – Welcome & Introduction0:40 – What is Dry Needling?2:55 – The HiFLEX Approach: Integrative Dry Needling5:15 – Where Do We Place the Needles? (Shoulder Example)10:00 – What Will I Feel During Treatment?14:20 – Benefits of Dry Needling17:00 – Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture20:15 – Safety, Education & Whole-Body Care21:00 – Final Thoughts & Next StepsServing patients in the Chattanooga, TN area with mobile physical therapy and in-office appointments.Learn more: www.hiflexhealth.comInstagram: @chattanooga_physical_therapy [https://www.instagram.com/]

Beyond Treatment: Lifting Patients in Prayer

Healing is never just physical. At HiFLEX Health & Performance, we believe God designed the body to move, heal, and thrive. In this episode, Dr. Chelsea Smith takes listeners behind the scenes of her practice, sharing how prayer is woven into every part of patient care. From praying before patients even step through the door, to walking alongside those with chronic pain, Chelsea explains why prayer is not an afterthought but a vital part of the healing process. She also shares powerful patient stories, meaningful compliments she’s received, and the scriptures that anchor HiFLEX’s culture of care. Whether you’re a patient seeking hope, a practitioner longing to serve well, or someone curious about the connection between prayer and healing, this episode will encourage you. Stay connected: Visit hiflexhealth.com [http://www.hiflexhealth.com/] or follow us on social media for more resources to help you move, heal, and thrive.

The Sleep Pain Connection

Dr. Chelsea Smith explores the powerful relationship between sleep, stress, and pain. Learn how disrupted sleep can increase nervous system sensitivity and slow the healing process—and how better rest can lead to faster recovery and less pain. She shares real-life case studies, actionable tips for sleep hygiene, insights from her faith, and how physical therapy supports the body’s rest-and-repair state. Whether you're battling chronic pain or simply want to feel better and move stronger, this episode offers practical tools and valuable education. Topics Covered: * Why deep sleep is essential for healing * The connection between stress and poor sleep * How sleep impacts nerve sensitivity and pain perception * Faith-based practices to promote peace at night * Physical therapy’s role in improving sleep and recovery * Nutrition, habits, and supplements for better rest Visit www.hiflexhealth.com [https://www.hiflexhealth.com] to learn more or connect with Dr. Chelsea for a consultation.Prefer reading? The blog version of this episode is available on our website at www.hiflexhealth.com/blog [https://hiflexhealth.com/blog] .