(Not Your Doctor, Not Google, Definitely Not TikTok) When pain shows up—whether it’s your knee, back, shoulder, or foot—most people follow the same script: Google the symptoms. Try a few stretches from social media. Wait it out. Eventually call a doctor when it doesn’t go away. By the time they reach physical therapy, the problem has often been lingering for weeks or months. In 2026, there’s a better way: start with physical therapy first . The Traditional Referral Maze (And

January motivation is powerful. New routines, new goals, new energy. But every year, we also see a familiar downside: people getting hurt just weeks into doing something “good” for their health. At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance , January is one of our busiest months—not because people are lazy or reckless, but because many fall into the too much, too soon  trap. The body wants consistency and progression, not shock and surprise. The good news? Most New-Year injurie

Knee pain has a way of sneaking into daily life. Maybe it started as a dull ache going up stairs. Maybe your runs don’t feel as smooth anymore. Or maybe your knee just doesn’t trust you the way it used to. For many adults, the first instinct is to book a doctor’s appointment or request imaging. But here’s something most people don’t realize: For the majority of knee pain cases, physical therapy should be the first stop—not the last. Knee Pain Is Common—And Often Mechanical Th

Every January, we see the same pattern. People recommit to exercise, clean up their nutrition, and set ambitious goals—only to be sidelined weeks later by nagging aches, stiffness, or a preventable injury. What’s usually missing? Mobility. Not stretching. Not foam rolling for five minutes when something already hurts. True, joint-specific mobility that prepares your body to move well before you ask it to do more. The good news: you don’t need an hour-long routine or a complic

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s natural to reflect on accomplishments, challenges, and lessons learned. When it comes to your body and movement , looking back on the year can reveal a lot about your habits, strengths, and areas that might need more attention. At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance , we encourage our patients to take stock of their movement patterns, injuries, and progress —because understanding what your body has been through is the first step toward sett

As the year winds down, many of us are juggling work, family, and holiday commitments. Amid the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to let your physical health take a back seat. But one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself is an end-of-year mobility check : taking stock of how your body moves and identifying areas that need attention before the new year begins. Physical therapy isn’t just for injury recovery; it’s a proactive tool to maintain function, prevent pain, and

The start of a new year is often filled with resolutions, but how often do those goals actually stick? If your aim is to move more, feel stronger, or reduce aches and pains , physical therapy offers strategies to make your movement goals realistic, achievable, and sustainable. At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance , we help active adults set intentional, evidence-based movement goals  that consider your body’s unique capabilities, limitations, and lifestyle—so you can s

If you’ve ever felt rushed through a healthcare appointment, waited weeks to get started, or been told “your insurance only allows a few visits,” you’re not alone. Many people assume that physical therapy is physical therapy—regardless of how it’s delivered. But how care is structured matters , and it can dramatically impact your results, your experience, and how quickly you feel better. At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance , we operate under a cash-based model. For ma

December is the perfect time for cozy sweaters, holiday chaos, and… a movement checkup? Yep—while most people are wrapping gifts, you can wrap up something even more valuable: a clear understanding of how your body is actually doing at the end of the year. Just like you look at your finances, schedule annual medical visits, or tidy up loose ends before January hits, checking in on your movement, strength, and mobility can set you up for a healthier, stronger, and more confide

As the year winds down, most of us reflect on accomplishments, set goals, and prepare for the holidays. But how often do we check in with the one thing that makes it all possible—our body ? An end-of-year physical check-in isn’t just for your primary care provider. For active adults, especially those juggling work, fitness, and family, a PT-guided movement and function assessment can be an invaluable way to wrap up the year—and start the next one stronger, safer, and pain-fre

As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to reflect on accomplishments and growth, but have you paused to consider what your body has achieved  over the past 12 months? From walking the dog, running errands, and hitting workouts to recovering from aches, pains, or injuries, your body has been quietly working hard to keep you moving. At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance , we encourage our patients to take a moment to appreciate the resilience and capabilities of their

The end of the year has a funny way of making everyone pause and reflect. Maybe you think about how active you felt (or didn’t). Maybe you remember a nagging injury that slowed you down. Or maybe you just know you want  next year to feel different—stronger, steadier, more intentional. Here’s the good news: You don’t need a “new year, new you” overhaul to make real progress. You just need clear movement goals, a game plan that actually fits your life, and a body that’s moving

As the calendar flips to a new year, many of us think about resolutions, especially when it comes to health and fitness. But instead of vague promises like “exercise more” or “get stronger,” setting realistic movement goals  can make a huge difference in maintaining motivation, preventing injury, and seeing real progress. At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance , we help patients set achievable, sustainable goals  that prioritize their body’s health, mobility, and perform

There’s something about January that makes people believe a magical switch flips and suddenly they’ll stretch more, cross-train better, sleep 8 hours, drink more water, AND commit to a whole new workout routine. Then reality walks in like, “Hey, remember your schedule? And your kids? And that shoulder you’ve been ignoring since June?” Here’s the truth: January isn’t a fresh start for your body. It’s just another month… and if anything, it often highlights the things you didn’

As the year winds down, many of us focus on reflecting on accomplishments, setting resolutions, and planning for the year ahead. One often-overlooked aspect of preparation? Your body. A year-end checkup with a physical therapist  can provide invaluable insights into your movement, strength, and overall musculoskeletal health, setting the stage for a strong, active, and injury-free 2026 . At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance , we help patients leverage year-end assessme

As the year winds down, many of us focus on wrapping up work projects, holiday plans, and family commitments. But December is also an ideal time to pause and check in with your body . Just like a car needs routine maintenance, your body benefits from a comprehensive assessment to ensure you’re moving efficiently, safely, and comfortably heading into the new year. At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance , we help active adults identify areas of stiffness, weakness, or imba

The start of a new year often brings a fresh set of goals, whether it’s running a 5K, improving strength, or simply moving without pain. But setting resolutions isn’t just about willpower; it’s about understanding your body, setting realistic targets, and building a plan that works for you . Physical therapy can play a crucial role in helping you turn intentions into sustainable progress , ensuring that your goals are safe, achievable, and effective. At Nashville Physical The

The new year is often a time for fresh starts: new goals, new routines, and renewed energy. But without a thoughtful plan, starting a fitness program or ramping up activity after weeks of holiday indulgence can sometimes backfire, leading to aches, injuries, or frustration. A physical therapy-guided approach can help you reflect on the past year, reset your body, and rebalance your movement patterns  so you step into the new year strong, healthy, and injury-free. At Nashville

(Your guide to wrapping up the year feeling strong, mobile, and ready for whatever January throws at you.) As we roll into December, most people are juggling holiday events, travel plans, extra sweets, and a to-do list that refuses to shrink. What usually falls off the radar? Body maintenance. And no, we’re not talking about squeezing in one heroic workout before New Year’s to “earn” your resolutions. We’re talking about a real, thoughtful look at how your body has been movin

There’s a moment in your 40s, 50s, or 60s when you pick up a suitcase, squat down to grab something off the floor, or carry groceries inside and think… “Huh. That felt heavier than it used to.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and it’s not a sign you’re “getting old.” It’s a sign your muscles are sending you a memo: Use me… or you’re going to notice I’m not as helpful as I used to be. The good news? Muscle responds at every age. You’re not too old, too stiff, too we