HiFLEX Health and Performance Podcast

Surgery is just the first step. Recovery is where the real work happens.In this episode, Dr. Chelsea Smith is joined by Physical Therapy Assistant 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.comBlog: https://www.hiflexhealth.com/blogEmail: [email protected] the Blog Post from This Episodehttps://www.hiflexhealth.com/blog/what-to-really-expect-after-surgery

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 tacticsEven 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 & Performance02:49 – Building relationships with local trainers and Hex Performance06:04 – Why collaboration and communication matter in your care09:11 – Keeping ego out of the way and staying focused on your goals11:52 – Creating a seamless experience between PT and training14:53 – Word-of-mouth, trust, and shared values in Chattanooga18:05 – Choosing the right partnerships and matching the right audience21:01 – Practical tips for building strong PT–trainer relationshipsConnect 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/swimmerPTOriginal conversation recorded for the Uncaged Clinician Podcast with host David Bailiff and shared here with appreciation.

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 termsThe HiFLEX whole-body approach (IDN)What you may feel during treatmentBenefits for pain, function, and performanceDry needling vs. acupunctureSafety, 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

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 or follow us on social media for more resources to help you move, heal, and thrive.

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 healingThe connection between stress and poor sleepHow sleep impacts nerve sensitivity and pain perceptionFaith-based practices to promote peace at nightPhysical therapy’s role in improving sleep and recoveryNutrition, habits, and supplements for better restVisit 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 .

Is stretching really helping your pain and mobility—or just wasting your time?In this episode, Dr. Chelsea Smith busts the most common myths about stretching and explains why static stretching might not be the solution for tight hips, hamstrings, or shoulder pain. Discover smarter ways to improve flexibility, stability, and range of motion that actually translate into better movement and less pain.What your "tight" muscles are really telling youThe better alternative to static stretchingTry-it-now movement tests for hip flexors and hamstringsWhy strengthening (not stretching) improves rangeTips for improving squat depth without painWe're breaking down some of the most common problems people face when trying to stretch their way out of discomfort - discussing why it doesn't work, what's really happening in your body and what to do instead. Highlights include:Why static stretching may not helpHow to tell the difference between tension and weaknessThe real reason you can’t get deeper in your squatWhat to do if you’re hypermobile but still feel stiffAlternatives that actually create lasting mobilityVisit www.hiflexhealth.com (http://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).

In this episode of the Highlex Health and Performance Podcast, Dr. Chelsea Smith explains the science, purpose, and powerful healing potential behind Amino Neuro Frequency (ANF) therapy. From frequency medicine and inflammation to trauma-informed healing and real-life success stories, this conversation is a deep dive into how God-designed bodies can heal—without chemicals or invasive treatments.🔎 Topics include:What ANF therapy is and how it worksHow frequencies affect the body and brainFour phases of treatmentThe connection between inflammation, pain, and emotional traumaWhy mindset matters in healingSuccess stories and how to try ANF careVisit 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.

Feeling stressed? Neck and shoulder tension creeping in? You might be breathing all wrong.In this episode of the HiFLEX Health & Performance Podcast, Dr. Chelsea Smith shares a simple 5-minute breathing reset that can hack your nervous system to calm down, ease stress, and relieve pain—fast! Find more tips on the HiFLEX blog: www.hiflexhealth.com/blog🔗 Connect with UsEmail: [email protected]: www.hiflexhealth.com](http://www.hiflexhealth.comSocial Media: Follow us for more health insights!Stay Learning, Stay Moving, Stay Healing

Welcome to Episode 4 of the HiFLEX Health & Performance Podcast! Join Dr. Chelsea Smith as she discusses how to Fast-Track Your Comeback with your Home Exercise Program! Recovering from an injury or surgery? Ready to get back to your sport or active lifestyle? Learn how a Home Exercise Program (HEP) can help you recover faster, prevent re-injury, and achieve long-term results. Find more tips on how your HEP can fast-track your comeback on the HiFLEX blog: www.hiflexhealth.com/fast-track-your-comeback 🔗 Connect with Us Email: [email protected] Website: www.hiflexhealth.com](http://www.hiflexhealth.com Social Media: Follow us for more health insights! Stay Learning, Stay Moving, Stay Healing

Welcome to Episode 3 of the HiFLEX Health & Performance Podcast! Join Dr. Chelsea Smith as she dives into understanding and connecting with your body’s baseline. In this episode, Dr. Chelsea explores why knowing your "normal" is essential for tracking health, identifying changes, and promoting healing. From monitoring joint mobility to checking lymph nodes, she shares simple self-check tips to maintain whole-body awareness. Tune in to learn how to proactively manage your physical and emotional health. Don’t wait for major symptoms to show up—take small steps today to know your body better, prevent issues, and improve clarity in conversations with health professionals. 🔗 Connect with Us - Email: [email protected] - Website: [www.hiflexhealth.com](http://www.hiflexhealth.com) - Social Media: Follow us for more health insights! Stay Learning, Stay Moving, Stay Healing

Join your host Dr. Chelsea Smith, PT and guest Dr. Sarah Peterson, PT as they discuss the power behind truly 1:1 care and the impact it makes having time for attention to detail. In this episode we discuss: Delving Deep to Uncover the Root IssueComprehensive Care for Holistic HealingFaster Recovery with Fewer VisitsEmpowering Patients for Long-Term Success

Welcome to the first episode of the HiFLEX Health & Performance Podcast! In this inaugural episode, Dr. Chelsea Smith, your host and expert physical therapist, delves into the compelling reasons behind starting this podcast. The human body is a remarkable and complex design, created to move and heal with incredible efficiency. Our mission with this podcast series is to break down this intricate design into tangible, bite-sized pieces that are easy to understand and apply to your daily life. Join us as we explore the foundational concepts of physical therapy, sports rehab, post-surgical recovery, and pain relief. We’ll share our journey and insights gained from years of helping our patients achieve their health goals. You’ll learn how your body should ideally work, and gain practical knowledge that can help you optimize your health and performance. In "Why Start a Podcast?", we’ll discuss: * The rationale behind launching our podcast * How we aim to simplify complex body mechanics * What you can expect from future episodes Tune in and discover how understanding your body’s design can empower you to move better, heal faster, and live a healthier life. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and start your journey to better health with us. Learn more about Dr. Chelsea Smith Learn more about HiFLEX Health & Performance