HiFLEX Health and Performance Podcast

Dr. Chelsea Smith, Physical Therapist

0.0 (0)
Health & Fitness
Updated Monthly

All things physical therapy where we believe that Almighty God created us to move and to be able to heal. Join us as we talk through whole body health, pain relief, post-surgical rehab, life lessons we’ve learned, things we repeatedly tell our patients, and more…

Feb 24

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 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: chelsea@hiflexhealth.comRead the Blog Post from This Episodehttps://www.hiflexhealth.com/blog/what-to-really-expect-after-surgery
12/03/2025

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 & 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 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.
10/21/2025

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
09/11/2025

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 or follow us on social media for more resources to help you move, heal, and thrive.
07/10/2025

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 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 .
06/17/2025

The Truth About Stretching

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 you The better alternative to static stretching Try-it-now movement tests for hip flexors and hamstrings Why strengthening (not stretching) improves range Tips for improving squat depth without pain We'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 help How to tell the difference between tension and weakness The real reason you can’t get deeper in your squat What to do if you’re hypermobile but still feel stiff Alternatives that actually create lasting mobility Visit 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).
05/09/2025

Understanding Amino Neuro Frequency Therapy

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 works How frequencies affect the body and brain Four phases of treatment The connection between inflammation, pain, and emotional trauma Why mindset matters in healing Success stories and how to try ANF care Visit 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.
02/28/2025

5-Minute Nervous System Hack to Calm Down, Ease Stress & Reduce Pain

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: chelsea@hiflexhealth.comWebsite: www.hiflexhealth.com](http://www.hiflexhealth.comSocial Media: Follow us for more health insights!Stay Learning, Stay Moving, Stay Healing
12/23/2024

Fast-Track Your Comeback: The Home Exercise Program

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: chelsea@hiflexhealth.com Website: www.hiflexhealth.com](http://www.hiflexhealth.com Social Media: Follow us for more health insights! Stay Learning, Stay Moving, Stay Healing
11/12/2024

Touching Base with Baseline

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: chelsea@hiflexhealth.com - Website: [www.hiflexhealth.com](http://www.hiflexhealth.com) - Social Media: Follow us for more health insights! Stay Learning, Stay Moving, Stay Healing
08/26/2024

The Power of Time & Attention to Detail

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
08/09/2024

Why Start a Podcast?

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

12 Episodes

All things physical therapy where we believe that Almighty God created us to move and to be able to heal. Join us as we talk through whole body health, pain relief, post-surgical rehab, life lessons we’ve learned, things we repeatedly tell our patients, and more…

Creator

Dr. Chelsea Smith, Physical Therapist
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

12
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Dr. Chelsea Smith, Physical Therapist
Show Website

HiFLEX Health and Performance Podcast