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.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

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.

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