(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

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

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 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

Think of a movement assessment as your performance check-up. Just like your car gets regular tune-ups to avoid breakdowns, your body needs regular check-ins to prevent wear and tear.

Physical therapy is about much more than bouncing back from an injury—it’s about optimizing how your body moves, preventing future problems, and helping you stay active at every stage of life.

But here’s the truth: in most cases, you don’t need an MRI before starting physical therapy—and waiting for one might actually delay your recovery.

A lot of people think strength training is something you “should’ve started in your 20s.” By the time we reach our 50s, 60s, or beyond, it can feel intimidating — like the weight room belongs only to athletes or young gym-goers. The truth? Building strength is one of the most powerful things you can do at any age to keep your body healthy, resilient, and independent.

We don’t often think about balance until something happens to shake it—like a stumble on the stairs or a near-miss on a slick floor. But...

If you’re over 50, lifting weights (or using bodyweight resistance) isn’t just about building muscle—it’s about maintaining independence, protecting your joints, and staying active for decades to come. At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance, we help adults of all ages discover the benefits of strength training and learn how to do it in a safe, effective way.

When people think about aging well, they often focus on eating right, staying active, and keeping the heart healthy. Those are all essential, but there’s another piece of the puzzle that doesn’t always get enough attention: mobility and flexibility.

The truth is, strength is one of the biggest predictors of independence as we age. And unlike some parts of aging, losing strength isn’t inevitable—it’s something we can absolutely work on at any age.

Aging is a natural part of life—but how we age is largely up to us. Healthy aging means maintaining strength, mobility, balance, and independence so you can enjoy life to its fullest at every stage. The great news? It’s never too early—or too late—to start investing in your future health.

If you're preparing for surgery—whether it's an ACL reconstruction, joint replacement, or rotator cuff repair—you're likely focused on what comes after: rehab, healing, and getting back to your active life. But here's a game-changing concept that doesn't get enough attention: prehabilitation, or “prehab,” is physical therapy before surgery—and it can significantly improve how quickly and fully you recover.

When you think of physical therapy, you might imagine exercises and machines. But a big part of what makes physical therapy effective—especially for pain relief and improved movement—is something more personal: manual therapy. This hands-on approach is a cornerstone of physical therapy, and at Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance, we use it to help our patients move better, feel better, and get back to the activities they love.

At Nashville Physical Therapy & Performance, we want to make it easy to know when it’s time to see a PT—and why you shouldn’t wait. Whether you're an athlete, a desk worker, or somewhere in between, here are six signs your body is asking for help now.

Whether you're a runner, cyclist, gym enthusiast, or weekend warrior, ensuring that your body moves efficiently and without restrictions can

Not all physical therapy is created equal. With our focus on individualized attention, hands-on techniques, and evidence-based practice, we

we'll explore the reasons why you shouldn't ignore what your body is trying to tell you and how listening to your body can lead you to seek