The bounceback Blog
Get helpful insights on injury recovery, movement tips, and how to live pain-free—direct from a Chattanooga physical therapist who gets results.
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At Bounceback Physical Therapy in Chattanooga, I recently worked with a woman in her 40s who had been dealing with persistent elbow pain for months. She’d tried getting massages in Chattanooga TN hoping to ease the ache. Each massage felt great in the moment – providing relaxation and a brief reprieve from the pain – but within a day or two, the elbow pain always crept back. Frustrated and still hurting, she decided to give physical therapy a try. After her very first one-on-one session at my clinic, she was amazed at the difference. “This is the best I’ve felt in a long time,” she told me, relieved and smiling. Her story is a common one: massages can offer short-term relief, but they don’t always solve the root cause of pain.
Massage Feels Good, But Why Does the Pain Keep Coming Back? If you’re an active adult in Chattanooga dealing with stubborn elbow pain, nagging neck aches, shoulder soreness, or low back stiffness, you might have tried booking massages in Chattanooga TN for relief. Massage therapy is wonderful for relaxing tight muscles, reducing stress, and improving circulation. For many people, a good massage releases tension and provides temporary relief from pain or stiffness. The problem is that often within a few days, the tightness and pain return. Why does that happen? In many cases, the reason pain comes back after a massage is that the underlying issue wasn’t fixed. The massage treated the symptom (tense, sore muscles) but not the cause. Think of it this way: muscles often become tight or painful for a reason. For example, if you have an elbow tendon injury or a slight joint misalignment, your body might make certain muscles work overtime to protect that area. A massage will loosen those overworked muscles for a short while, but it won’t correct the tendon problem or joint issue beneath the surface. As a result, your body goes back to its protective patterns – and those muscles tighten up again. It’s a cycle many of us know too well: you feel better after a massage or quick fix, but by the next week you’re booking another appointment because the pain is flaring up once more. Muscle tension or joint dysfunction often returns unless the underlying issue is addressed. For instance, let’s say your elbow pain actually stems from poor shoulder mechanics or a pinched nerve in your neck. A massage focused on your forearm might soothe the muscles around your elbow, but it won’t resolve the shoulder or neck problem causing the stress on your elbow in the first place. Similarly, if your lower back is always tight, there could be weakness in your core or hips contributing to the strain – a massage won’t strengthen those weak areas, so the tightness returns as you go about your normal activities. In short, massages treat the symptoms on the surface, not the deeper cause, which is why the relief can be so short-lived. Physical Therapy: Treating the Source for Long-Term Relief Physical therapy takes a different approach – one that focuses on finding and fixing whatever is truly causing your pain. When the woman with the elbow pain came to Bounceback PT, I didn’t start by just massaging her arm. I began with a thorough evaluation to pinpoint why she was hurting. Was it a tendon issue like tennis elbow? Was it coming from her neck, or maybe how she was using her arm during workouts? This kind of diagnostic evaluation is a hallmark of physical therapy. We identify any underlying problems in muscles, joints, or movement patterns that a typical massage session wouldn’t catch. From there, we use hands-on care and targeted exercises to treat the root cause. In her case, I discovered that her elbow tendons were indeed inflamed from overuse and that she had some shoulder mobility restrictions contributing to extra stress on the elbow. So, our treatment plan addressed both: I used manual therapy techniques (yes, this can include massage-like work, but very specific to what her body needs) to relieve tension in the overused forearm muscles and mobilized her shoulder joint to improve its movement. We also went over a couple of simple exercises she could do at home to strengthen certain muscles and take pressure off the elbow. This combined approach — hands-on relief plus corrective exercise — meant that not only did she feel better immediately, but we were actively fixing the underlying issues so the pain stayed away. Here’s how physical therapy’s approach differs from a standard massage session:
The bottom line is that you shouldn’t have to keep dealing with recurring pain. Massages in Chattanooga TN will always have their place – they’re fantastic for relaxation, easing stress, and giving you a short-term boost in how you feel. But if you find yourself needing a massage every week just to cope with pain, it may be time to look a little deeper. Pain is your body’s way of telling you something isn’t quite right. By working with a physical therapist to find out what that something is, you can fix it and finally break out of the cycle of pain and temporary relief. In the case of my patient, she realized that what she thought was ‘just a tight muscle’ in her elbow was actually a treatable condition that physical therapy could improve. Unlike the short-term relief she had been getting from massage, she’s already noticing real progress. And once we fully resolve the root issue, she won’t need ongoing treatment—just the occasional massage for relaxation instead of pain relief. If you’re an active adult in the Chattanooga area who is tired of fleeting relief and ready for a more permanent solution, know that you have options. Physical therapy can address everything from that chronic neck pain or nagging shoulder pain to long-standing back or elbow pain. The key is the right approach and a focus on the root cause. Ready to Finally Fix the Root Cause of Your Pain? You don’t have to keep chasing short-term relief or putting up with pain that limits your life. Imagine a future a few weeks or months from now: waking up without that familiar ache, getting back to your favorite activities – whether it’s lifting weights, playing with your kids, or exploring the Tennessee Riverwalk – without pain holding you back. That lasting relief is possible when you address the problem at its source. Take the Next Step: If you’re in Chattanooga (or the Hixson area) and have been relying on quick fixes like massages but still struggling with pain, it may be time to try a different approach. Schedule a free discovery call with me at Bounceback Physical Therapy. In this 15-minute call, we’ll chat about what you’re going through, I’ll listen to your story, and we can see if our one-on-one, root-cause-focused approach is the right fit for you. This call is completely free – a no-obligation chance to get advice from a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in helping active adults find lasting relief. Don’t settle for temporary relief when you could fix the issue for good. Book your free discovery call today, and let’s get you on the path to feeling your best and doing the things you love without pain. We’re here to help you bounce back for good!
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At Bounceback Physical Therapy in Chattanooga, I recently worked with a patient who thought her painful headaches would never go away. This patient – a woman in her 30s – had been in a car accident over a decade ago. Since then, she suffered one-sided headaches that started at the base of her skull and radiated up behind one eye. These debilitating headaches came with a cascade of other issues: jaw pain, chronic neck stiffness, mid-back aches, even low back pain. After years of living like this, she told me, “I figured I’d just have to live with the pain forever.” It broke my heart to hear her say that, because I knew it didn’t have to be that way.
Fast forward a few weeks, and this same woman was pain-free for the first time in 10 years. In just 4–5 weeks of one-on-one treatment at my clinic, all her symptoms resolved – the headaches vanished, her neck and jaw felt normal, and even her back pain was gone. She was stunned by the change. “I can’t believe I have no more headaches – I honestly thought I’d be stuck with that pain for life,” she said with a smile. Her story is a powerful example of how identifying the right kind of headache and treating its root cause can truly change someone’s life. In her case, the culprit was something called a cervicogenic headache – a big word meaning a headache that actually starts in the neck. Many people haven’t heard of cervicogenic headaches, and they often get confused with migraines or tension headaches. Today, I want to use her success story to shed some light on what cervicogenic headaches are, how they differ from migraines and tension-type headaches, and how the right approach to physical therapy can provide lasting relief. If you’re looking for headache treatment in Chattanooga or Hixson and you’ve been told to “just live with it,” keep reading – there is hope! What Are Cervicogenic Headaches? Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that originate from issues in the neck. In other words, the head pain you feel is actually referred pain from a problem in your cervical spine (neck). Typically, a cervicogenic headache starts at the base of the skull (upper neck) on one side and can radiate to the forehead or behind the eye. The pain is often described as a steady, dull ache (not the throbbing of a migraine), and it usually stays on the same side of the head. What’s happening is that something in the neck – perhaps muscle tension, joint dysfunction, or nerve irritation – is triggering pain signals that travel up into the head. It’s common for cervicogenic headache sufferers to also have neck stiffness or pain, and certain neck movements or postures will usually provoke the headache. This type of headache is considered a secondary headache, meaning it’s a symptom of an underlying issue (in this case, a neck problem) rather than a primary headache disorder on its own. In my patient’s situation, her old car accident had left her with lingering neck and upper back issues (whiplash can do that). Over years, that unresolved neck dysfunction led to those daily headaches. She actually thought they were migraines at first, because the pain would shoot behind her eye. But the key clue was how they started in her neck. As soon as I examined her, I could tell her neck was the troublemaker – and if we fixed her neck, we’d fix the headaches. That’s exactly what we did. Before I dive into how we treated it, let’s clarify how cervicogenic headaches differ from other common headaches like migraines and tension headaches. Not all headaches are created equal, and understanding the difference is important for getting the right treatment. Cervicogenic vs. Migraine vs. Tension: What’s the Difference? When patients come in seeking relief for chronic headaches, one of the first things I do is determine what type of headache they’re dealing with. Migraines, tension-type headaches, and cervicogenic headaches are three of the most common types I see, and each has distinct characteristics:
How Physical Therapy Relieves Cervicogenic Headaches (and Even Helps Migraines) After diagnosing my patient with cervicogenic headaches, we immediately started a comprehensive treatment plan focused on correcting the issues in her neck (and elsewhere) that were driving her pain. In her case, and with many of my patients, a combination of hands-on therapy, targeted exercises, and lifestyle adjustments did the trick. Here are some of the key elements of how we approach headache treatment in Chattanooga at Bounceback Physical Therapy:
And it’s not only cervicogenic headache sufferers who benefit. I want to emphasize that even migraine sufferers can often get improvements through physical therapy. While PT isn’t a direct cure for migraine (since migraines have complex neurological causes), many people with migraines have neck posture issues or muscle tension that trigger or exacerbate their migraine attacks. By working on those factors – improving posture, loosening neck muscles, teaching relaxation techniques – we can reduce one of the common migraine triggers. I’ve had migraine patients who, after a course of PT, report fewer headaches or less intense episodes. It’s all about taking a holistic view of the person’s health rather than just handing them a pill. So if you’re dealing with headaches, especially ones accompanied by neck pain or triggered by certain movements, consider seeing a physical therapist. The right physical therapy for headaches in Chattanooga can address issues that medications and general treatments overlook. As my patient discovered, you don’t have to live with headaches forever. With a thorough evaluation and an individualized, hands-on approach, you can find relief even if you’ve suffered for years. Ready to Leave Your Headaches Behind? If you’re tired of just managing your headaches with pills and want a real, lasting solution, let’s talk. Schedule a free discovery call with me today so I can hear your story and help determine if we’re a good fit to solve your pain. 📍 Serving Chattanooga, Hixson, Red Bank, Soddy Daisy, and surrounding areas 💬 One-on-one care from a Doctor of Physical Therapy (no crowded clinics or generic programs) 🏃 Faster relief and longer-lasting results – so you can get back to living your life pain-free! I’d love to help you bounce back from headache pain and get you back to doing what you love. Feel free to reach out for a free consultation – relief is closer than you think. Warmly, Dr. Chase Helgren, PT, DPT Owner, Bounceback Physical Therapy (Chattanooga/Hixson, TN) At Bounceback Physical Therapy in Chattanooga, I recently had a patient who initially came in for neck and upper back tightness. But during one of our sessions, she casually mentioned that she had been seeing a podiatrist for foot pain—something she hadn’t brought up until then.
She had been diagnosed with Morton’s neuroma, a condition where a nerve between the toes (typically between the 3rd and 4th) becomes irritated and painful. She told me she had gotten an injection, which helped tremendously—at least for a while. “What happens when the injection wears off?” I asked. “I don’t know,” she replied. “Well, I’d rather help fix the root of the problem than wait for it to flare up again,” I said with a smile. She paused. “Can physical therapy actually help with foot pain like this?” That’s when it hit me: What’s obvious to me as a physical therapist often isn’t obvious to the people I work with. Yes—physical therapy can absolutely help relieve foot pain, including conditions like Morton’s neuroma. What Is Morton’s Neuroma? Morton’s neuroma is irritation of a nerve bundle located near the toes—typically between the third and fourth toes. When too much pressure is placed on that area, it can cause sharp, burning, or tingling pain. The root cause? It’s often due to abnormal mechanics in the foot and ankle. Why Foot Pain Happens (And Why Injections Alone Don’t Fix It) During normal walking, pressure starts on the outside of your heel and shifts across the foot, ending with a push-off from the big toe. But when this movement is altered—due to things like tight calves, limited ankle motion, or poor toe mobility—it can overload the wrong structures, like the nerves near the toes. In this patient’s case, we found:
How We Treated It at Bounceback PT Instead of just masking her symptoms with another injection, we worked on restoring her mobility and mechanics. After just one session, she left feeling relieved—not only physically, but mentally—because she now had a clear plan to actually fix her foot pain. By doing just a few daily mobility and strengthening exercises, she’s now on track to avoid further irritation, stay active, and eliminate the need for repeat injections. Chattanooga Foot Pain Relief Starts With the Right Diagnosis If you're dealing with foot pain in Chattanooga or the Hixson area and haven't found lasting relief, it's worth looking beyond temporary fixes. At Bounceback Physical Therapy in Hixson, I take a full-body approach to movement and pain—so even if your issue seems small or unrelated, there might be a bigger picture we can help with. Whether it's Morton’s neuroma, plantar fasciitis, ankle stiffness, or something else, you don’t have to settle for temporary solutions. Ready to Fix the Root Cause of Your Foot Pain? If you're tired of just putting a band-aid on your foot pain and want long-term results, let's talk. Schedule a free discovery call today so I can hear your story and help determine if we're a good fit. 📍 Serving Hixson, Chattanooga, and surrounding areas 💬 One-on-one care from a Doctor of Physical Therapy 🏃 Faster relief. Longer-lasting results. How life-changing relief happened after everything else failed At Bounceback Physical Therapy in Hixson, TN, I offer more than just physical therapy—I offer transformation. Since opening in 2024, I’ve been honored to help people who’ve suffered for years finally get lasting relief—sometimes in a single session.
If you’re someone who’s tried everything (chiropractic, injections, generic PT) without success, these stories might sound too good to be true. But they’re real people, right here in our community, who found real results when their body was finally treated as a whole—not just a collection of symptoms. 1. 10 Years of Daily Back Pain Gone in One Visit This patient had lived with persistent mid-back pain for over a decade. She felt it with every deep breath and any time she rotated her spine. By the time she came to me, she had also developed lower back pain around her SI joint. She had already:
During her evaluation, I noticed her pain was very specific—it worsened with deep breathing and changed depending on which way she turned her head. It pointed clearly to a rib dysfunction. I performed a precise joint manipulation and gave her corrective exercises to keep the area mobile afterward. The result? Complete relief--after just one visit. It’s now been over a year, and the pain hasn’t come back. She later wrote: “After years of waking up to an arresting pain and dreading moving my back, I wake up most mornings now with my first thought being – praise God, my back still doesn’t hurt anymore!” 2. Years of Knee Pain During Running—Gone in 4 Weeks This woman in her 50s had been forced to give up running. Knee pain during workouts and daily activities made it impossible to enjoy movement, even though she was committed and working with a trainer. After a thorough assessment, I diagnosed Jumper’s Knee (patellar tendinosis)—but also uncovered the why:
We worked on the root causes through mobility work and neuromuscular retraining. Just four weeks later, she ran pain-free—smiling the entire time. Her words? “I can’t believe I can run again. I honestly thought I was done.” 3. Chronic Lower Back Pain for 3.5 Years—Fixed in 3 Visits This client came in with constant lower back pain, scoring it a 7/10. It affected:
During my assessment, I found that while her mobility was great, her foot mechanics were completely off. Overpronated, unstable feet were silently contributing to her back pain. We corrected her foundation first. The result? After just three visits, she was sleeping pain-free, running without issues, and lifting again. Months later, her back was still 100% pain-free. What Makes Bounceback Different? Most of my patients come to me after trying everything else. What sets Bounceback apart is the focus on:
If you’re ready for your own breakthrough, I’d love to hear your story. Let’s start with a free phone consultation. We’ll chat briefly and I’ll let you know if I believe I can help. 👉 Click here to schedule your free consultation Warmly, Dr. Chase Helgren, PT, DPT Bounceback Physical Therapy – Hixson, TN Chattanooga’s scenic hills and trails make it a great place to run—but all that elevation and mileage can take a toll. I’m Dr. Chase Helgren, a physical therapist based in Hixson. At Bounceback Physical Therapy, I help Chattanooga runners recover from pain and run stronger than ever.
After treating dozens of runners over the years, I’ve noticed five injuries that show up again and again. In this post, I’ll explain each injury — what it feels like, why it happens, and how Chattanooga physical therapy can help you recover. Before diving into injuries, remember that local running resources can also help keep you healthy. Front Runner Athletics, Chattanooga’s run specialty store (family-owned since 1982), can fit you with the right shoes for your gait. Their manager, avid runner Andrew Dorn, emphasizes that proper footwear can “transform the way you feel… both in motion and at rest” and is “crucial for managing pain, enhancing enjoyment, and preventing injury”. Dorn also coaches runners through his DRED Running program, helping athletes improve form and training plans. When added to expert Chattanooga physical therapy for runners, these resources can make a big difference in preventing and treating injuries. Bounceback PT serves all of Chattanooga – from Hixson and Red Bank to downtown and beyond. If you live downtown or in nearby neighborhoods, they’re just a short drive away at the Lift Gym in Hixson. Let’s look at the five most common running injuries and how targeted physical therapy in Chattanooga can help you overcome each one: 1. Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome) Runner’s knee is one of the most common issues I see among my patients. It often starts as a dull, aching pain around or behind the kneecap that flares up after running downhill or going down the stairs. In my Chattanooga physical therapy clinic, I’ve worked with many people who say their knee hurts when they go up or down stairs, run, or even just after sitting for a while. Symptoms include:
At my Hixson clinic, I use hands-on therapy, guided stretching, and exercises. For example, I might teach you quad-strengthening moves or glute activation exercises to take pressure off the knee. A patient of mine once struggled with knee pain that put her running on hold. After a few weeks of focused physical therapy - following years of pain while running - she was not only pain-free but also felt more confident on her runs. 2. Achilles Tendonitis Achilles tendonitis is another frequent complaint at my Hixson clinic. It shows up as pain at the back of the heel, especially when the tendon is stretched or loaded (like first thing in the morning or during running and jumping). Runners often tell me their calves and heels feel tight, and they sometimes hear a small “pop” of pain if the tendon gets inflamed. Achilles tendonitis often comes from overuse — hitting the trails too hard, sprinting uphill on Lookout Mountain, or not giving the calf muscles enough time to adapt. In Hixson and Red Bank (hilly areas of Chattanooga), I see it a lot after spring marathon training or long hill sessions. When a runner comes in with Achilles pain, I first check factors like calf tightness, foot mechanics (high arches or flat feet), and training errors. Treatment in my practice often includes:
3. Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) Shin splints cause a burning or aching pain along the inner part of the lower leg. Runners often notice this pain when they increase mileage too fast or run on hard surfaces or uneven trails. It feels tender to the touch on the shin bone (tibia), and usually shows up partway through a run. In Chattanooga, shin splints can happen to anyone: a newbie adding too many miles, or even a seasoned runner trying out concrete sidewalks. In my physical therapy assessments, I look at muscle flexibility (tight calves and ankles can contribute) and training habits. Here’s what I focus on with shin splints:
4. Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome IT band syndrome is notorious among runners who add speed workouts or hill runs. The pain is usually felt on the outside of the knee, sometimes extending up toward the hip. Runners often describe a sharp or burning pain on the outer knee after running a few miles. The IT band is a thick tissue that runs from the hip to the knee. It can get tight and rub against the knee if the hips or glutes aren’t doing their job. In my assessment, I check how well the hip abductors and glute muscles are working, and whether the IT band is too tight. Treatment in my clinic typically involves:
5. Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain) Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel and arch pain among runners. People with plantar fasciitis often say they feel a sharp or stabbing pain under their foot when they take their first steps in the morning, or when they start running. During a run it might ease up a bit or stay sore throughout. This injury happens when the plantar fascia (the band under your foot) gets overstretched or strained. Many athletes I’ve treated here in town have triggered their heel pain by incorporating steep trail descents or using shoes with poor support. In my physical therapy sessions for plantar fasciitis, I focus on:
Ready to Bounce Back from Pain? If you’re struggling with any of these running injuries, I’d love to help. At Bounceback Physical Therapy, every session is one-on-one, hands-on, and built around your goals. Schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation here and let’s get you back to the trails — stronger and pain-free. If you live in Chattanooga, Hixson, Lakesite, or Soddy Daisy, there’s a good chance you or someone you know has struggled with lower back pain. It’s one of the most common reasons people miss work, stop exercising, or avoid doing the things they love. And the frustrating part? Most people try things like rest, YouTube stretches, or quick-fix treatments… but don’t get lasting relief. At Bounceback Physical Therapy in Hixson, I help people with lower back pain every day — and while every person is unique, there are a few consistent patterns I see that make a big difference. If I had to narrow it down, here are my top 3 tips for getting real results: 1. Find the Movement That Makes You Feel BetterLower back pain usually falls into one of three patterns:
Often, the best results come from a combination of movement and stability. Once you’ve found what your body responds well to, the key is repetition. Your spine craves consistency and feedback. Helping it move in the right direction can quickly calm down sensitivity and reduce pain. 2. Centralize Your Symptoms If you’re feeling symptoms like:
The first goal in these cases is centralization — meaning we want the symptoms to move closer to your back rather than further away. That’s a great sign that your body is responding to the right movement. So how do you do that? Let’s say bending forward (like tying your shoes or sitting) causes more leg pain. But gently arching your back (like standing tall or doing a press-up on your stomach) feels better and makes the leg symptoms reduce. That’s centralization in action. It’s not about “fixing” your spine in one day — it’s about doing the right movement repeatedly to calm the nervous system and reduce pain over time. 3. Stay Moving (Even If It’s Just a Little) One of the worst things you can do for lower back pain is to stop moving completely. Bed rest might seem like the safe option, but research shows it often delays recovery and increases stiffness and fear of movement. Instead, try gentle activity like:
A Real-Life Example: From Hip Pain to the Right Back FixLet me share a quick story about Emily, a runner from Hixson who came to me with outer hip pain that had been bugging her for months. She assumed it was a hip issue — maybe her IT band, maybe her glutes, maybe even her shoes.
But during our evaluation, we noticed something interesting: every time she extended her back, the pain significantly decreased. And every time she rounded her back (especially while sitting or bending forward), the pain got worse. It turned out the root cause wasn’t in her hip at all — it was a referral pattern from her lower back. Her body responded really well to spinal extension. So we focused her plan on that: repeated extension movements, avoiding aggravating flexion positions, and gently restoring her mobility and stability. Within just a few visits, she was back to running without pain — and more importantly, she now knew how to manage it if symptoms ever returned. That’s what personalized care can do. When Should You See a Physical Therapist in Chattanooga? If your back pain is:
At Bounceback Physical Therapy, we specialize in working with active adults in Hixson, Lakesite, and Soddy Daisy who are tired of quick fixes and want a real solution. Our sessions are always one-on-one, and we take the time to dig deep and figure out the root cause of your pain — not just where it hurts. Ready to Feel Better? If you’re ready to stop guessing and start healing, let’s talk. We offer a free 15-minute consultation (phone screening) to help you understand what might be going on — and whether our approach is a good fit for you. 👉 Click HERE to book your free consultation 📞 Or call/text (423) 212-3149 More Resources Hey Chattanooga friends! If you’re an active adult (30s–50s) dealing with nagging shoulder pain, I get it. Whether you love hiking Signal Mountain, kayaking on the Tennessee River, or lifting weights at the gym, shoulder pain can seriously slow you down. I’m Dr. Chase Helgren, PT, DPT of Bounceback Physical Therapy in Hixson (inside LIFT Gym), serving Chattanooga, Hixson, Red Bank, Soddy Daisy and nearby areas. Shoulder pain is surprisingly common – affecting about 20% of adults at any time (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). If reaching overhead, tossing a ball, or even sleeping on your side hurts, you’ve come to the right place. I help folks like you figure out why the shoulder hurts and fix it for good, so you can get back to doing what you love. Why most shoulder Pain Treatments Miss the markYou’ve probably tried some quick fixes: rest, ice, pain pills, or even a cortisone shot. These might ease the pain for a little while, but then it often comes right back. In my experience, this happens because most treatments only chase symptoms, not the root cause. It’s like turning off a car’s check-engine light without fixing the engine!
The Bounceback 3-Step Method: Find, Fix, PreventAt Bounceback Physical Therapy, we use a simple 3-step method to solve shoulder pain for good. Our approach is personal, hands-on, and completely one-on-one. I like to call it the “Bounceback Method,” and it works like this:
Not All Shoulder Pain Is the Same (Common Patterns We Treat)Shoulder pain isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are several common patterns or categories of shoulder problems, and identifying which one you have guides the treatment. Here are a few we often see:
Understanding your specific type of shoulder problem is crucial. That’s why our first step is always a detailed evaluation – so we know exactly what we’re treating. Success Stories: Real People, Real ResultsNothing speaks louder than real results. Here are two stories from Chattanooga-area patients who finally fixed their shoulder pain by getting to the root cause:
Case #1: Months of Shoulder Pain – 80% Better in Two Weeks. Let’s call her Jessica. Jessica is a weekend hiker who had nagging shoulder pain for about 3-4 months. It was a constant dull ache (3/10) and shot up to 6–7/10 whenever she reached overhead or lifted her arm. She’d tried ibuprofen and some random exercises from the internet – but the pain always came back. When she came to Bounceback, our exam revealed something key: a lot of neural tension (tight nerves running from her neck into her arm). We spent the first session teaching gentle nerve-gliding exercises and doing hands-on work to free up those nerves. By her second visit (just 10 days later), she told us her shoulder pain was already about 80% gone. She could finally raise her arm overhead with little discomfort. Months of frustration turned into rapid relief once we addressed the nerve tension – because we fixed the actual cause, not just numbed the pain. Jessica couldn’t believe how much better her shoulder felt. Case #2: Shoulder Pain with Overhead Lifting – Fixed in One Session. Emily is just getting back into the gym and developed a sharp twinge in her shoulder every time she did an overhead press or even reaching overhead . It had gotten so bad that she couldn’t lift more than the bar without pain. In her initial evaluation, we found her lats were extremely tight and her rotator cuff (shoulder stabilizers) were underactive. In our one-on-one session, we tackled these root issues right away: we foam-rolled and stretched out her lats, did exercises to wake up her rotator cuff muscles, and performed a “sleeper stretch” to open up the back of her shoulder. By the end of that session, Emily had regained almost full range of motion and her overhead pain was gone. She left amazed – pain-free after just one visit! Within weeks she was back to lifting weights with no shoulder issues. It turned out the surprising fix was simply releasing her tight muscles and properly engaging her cuff, not masking the pain. These success stories show what happens when you stop treating symptoms and start fixing the cause. At Bounceback Physical Therapy, we see examples like Jessica and Emily every day – patients who had tried everything else, and finally got real relief once they found why their shoulder hurt. Ready to Get Started? If this sounds like what you need, let’s talk. I’d love to help you overcome your shoulder pain for good. Schedule a free discovery call with me, Dr. Chase Helgren, PT, DPT. During our no-cost phone consultation, we’ll discuss your pain and your goals, and I’ll explain how our customized, one-on-one approach can get you back to lifting, playing, and living without shoulder pain (bouncebackchatt.com). I help active Chattanoogans just like you recover faster and feel stronger – without pills, injections, or unnecessary procedures. You can have the same breakthrough results. Give us a call or click below to book your discovery call today, and let’s get your shoulder moving pain-free again! Schedule Your Free Discovery Call Now: (423) 212-3149 | bouncebackchatt.com/get-started Bounceback Physical Therapy – Personalized, one-on-one care for lasting shoulder pain relief in Chattanooga and beyond. Sources: Information provided here is based on clinical evidence and expert experience, including studies showing the prevalence of shoulder pain and the effectiveness of targeted physical therapy. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov bouncebackchatt.com bouncebackchatt.com bouncebackchatt.com pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov bouncebackchatt.com. Hey Chattanooga friends! If you’re an active adult struggling with stubborn back pain, you’re probably tired of treatments that just don’t cut it. I’m Dr. Chase Helgren, a physical therapist here in Chattanooga (in Hixson, inside Lift Gym), and I want to talk to you about what actually works for lasting back pain relief. You might be in your 30s, 40s, or 50s, living life to the fullest in our beautiful city – hiking Signal Mountain, paddling on the Tennessee River, or just chasing the kids around – until back pain slows you down. I get it, because I help people just like you every day. In fact, about 80% of us will suffer from back pain at some point in our lives (cornerstonephysio.com), and it can be incredibly frustrating when it keeps coming back no matter what you try. So, let’s chat about why that happens and how we do things differently at Bounceback Physical Therapy to finally fix your back pain. Why Most Back Pain Treatments Fail You’ve probably tried the usual stuff: rest and painkillers, heating pads, maybe even a quick chiropractic adjustment or some generic exercises from Dr. Google. They might help a little, but then… boom, the pain returns. Why does this happen? In my experience, most back pain treatments fail because they only chase the symptoms instead of addressing the root cause. It’s like putting a band-aid on a leaky pipe – it might slow the drip, but it doesn’t fix the problem. Here are a few common problems with symptom-focused back pain treatments:
The Bounceback 3-Step Method: A Root-Cause Approach that DeliversAt Bounceback Physical Therapy, our whole philosophy is fixing the root cause of your pain so you can get lasting relief. I often say we don’t just treat your back – we treat you, the whole person. Our approach is personal, thorough, and completely one-on-one. We like to call it the “Bounceback Method,” and it’s a simple 3-step process:
Throughout each of these steps, you’ll always work one-on-one with me, a licensed physical therapist who truly cares. That one-on-one, hands-on care is our big differentiator. In our Hixson back pain clinic, you’re not just a number in a busy therapy gym. It’s just you and me, working together each session. I’ll adjust and progress your treatment as you improve, and you’ll never be left doing exercises by yourself while I treat someone else. This personal approach is how we consistently achieve faster, more effective results for our patients. Now, you might be wondering: “Okay, Dr. Chase, that sounds great – but what exactly is the root cause of my back pain?” Excellent question! Let’s talk about the most common types of back pain I see in active adults and how we tackle each one. Not All Back Pain Is the Same (3 Common Types We Treat)Back pain can come from a lot of different issues. Part of my job is to figure out which type you have, because that guides the treatment. Here in our Chattanooga clinic I frequently see three main patterns:
Local Success Story: Emma’s Journey to a Pain-Free BackI already mentioned Emma’s story earlier as an example, but I want to highlight it because it hits so many points we’ve talked about. Emma is a 44-year-old Chattanooga resident (North Shore area) who loves kayaking and yoga. She came to my clinic with a mind-blowing 14-year history of lower back pain. Over the years, she had been told she had degenerative discs and probably some arthritis. Her pain was a daily 3-4/10 ache and would spike to an 8/10 if she sat longer than 30 minutes or tried to lift anything heavier than a laundry basket. Long car rides were miserable, and she had basically given up on living an active lifestyle and going to the gym regularly with her husband. She’d tried a lot: pain medications (which upset her stomach), chiropractic adjustments (helped for a day or two, then pain returned), and even had plans to get injections (she ended up cancelling her injections because the therapy helped so quickly). When I first met Emma, I could see she was skeptical. (Can’t blame her – after 14 years, I’d be skeptical too!) But we went through our 3-step Bounceback process. In her evaluation, I spotted a couple of key things: her core muscles were very weak (likely from years of pain and not moving normally), and she had a lot of stiffness in her mid-back and hips. This combo meant her lower back discs were taking on too much strain whenever she sat or bent – no wonder she was in pain. I explained to Emma that our plan would involve both manual therapy to relieve the disc pressure and improve her mobility, and targeted strengthening to support her spine better. After just one session of hands-on treatment and a few corrective exercises, she stood up and said, “Wow, I feel looser.” That was the first win. By her third visit, she reported being able to sit through an entire movie with only mild discomfort – huge progress! By visit four, she was essentially pain-free doing normal daily activities. We then spent a couple more sessions working on higher-level core stability and safe ways for her to return to the gym. Today, Emma has started to go back to the gym regularly and plans to finally start to lose weight without pain holding her back. She told me the other day, “I honestly never thought I’d get rid of that pain. I wish I had found this approach years ago.” Her story is just one example, but it shows how even chronic, long-term back pain can turn around fast with the right approach. It’s not magic – it’s just about finding what’s been missed and addressing it with focused, one-on-one care. (By the way, if you’re ever curious about more success stories like Emma’s, feel free to ask – I have plenty of local examples, from weekend warriors to retirees, who got back to living their lives pain-free. Seeing Chattanooga neighbors reclaim their active lifestyles is hands-down the best part of my job!) Frequently Asked Questions about Back Pain PTQ: How long will it take until I feel relief?
A: This is understandably the #1 question on people’s minds. The answer varies for each person, but many of my patients feel some relief after the very first session. Because I use manual therapy and make adjustments in real-time, you often walk out feeling looser and less pain than when you came in. Significant improvements typically happen within the first few visits (for example, Emma saw big changes by her 3rd visit). That said, if you’ve had pain for years, we may need several weeks to fully resolve it – think of it as peeling back layers of an onion. I’ll be honest with you from the get-go about what to expect. But rest assured, you won’t be coming for 3 months with zero progress. We’ll be looking for some positive change within a couple sessions, and we’ll build on that momentum. My goal is to get you feeling and moving better as fast as possible, and then keep you that way. Q: Do I need a doctor’s referral to come see you? A: Nope! In Tennessee, you do not need a referral to start physical therapy. We have what’s called “direct access,” meaning you can come straight to me without seeing your physician first. This is great because it saves time and gets you on the road to recovery sooner rather than later. Of course, I’m happy to coordinate with your doctor if needed, and if we discover anything during your evaluation that warrants a physician’s opinion, I’ll guide you on next steps. But for most folks with back pain, you can literally just call us and book an appointment directly – no extra hoops to jump through. (And if you have insurance questions about this, I can help clarify those too.) Q: Will I really get one-on-one care each visit? A: Absolutely, 100% yes. One-on-one care is a core value at Bounceback Physical Therapy. When you come in for your session, it’s your time. You’ll be working directly with me (Dr. Chase) for the entirety of each appointment. I don’t double-book patients, and I don’t hand you off to a technician while I bounce between rooms (a common practice at some larger clinics – but not here!). This means we can accomplish more in each session. I’m monitoring your form, adjusting exercises on the fly, and doing lots of manual, hands-on techniques as needed. Many patients tell me this focused attention is a game-changer compared to other experiences they’ve had. It also means faster results, because we can address issues immediately rather than wasting time. So yes, you will always have one-on-one treatment – that’s the only way I work. Ready to Finally Overcome Your Back Pain? You deserve to live life without being limited by back pain. Imagine waking up with a smile because you’re not dreading that familiar ache, or being able to play with your kids, hit the gym, or explore Chattanooga’s trails without worrying about your back. That’s what I want for you, and it’s totally within reach. If you’re in Chattanooga (or Hixson, Soddy Daisy, Red Bank, North Shore – anywhere in our area) and looking for physical therapy for back pain in Chattanooga that actually works, I invite you to come see what makes us different. Let’s get to the bottom of your pain and fix it together. Take the next step: Book a free discovery call with me, Dr. Chase Helgren. This is a no-obligation, 15-minute chat where we can talk about what you’re going through, I can answer any other questions, and we’ll see if we’re a good fit to help you. It’s basically a stress-free way for you to get advice from a back pain specialist (me!) and understand your options. To schedule your free discovery call, you can reach out here or visit our website to pick a time that works for you. Don’t keep living with pain and hoping it will magically go away. Let’s be proactive and get you back to feeling great. I’m here to help you bounce back (see what I did there? 😉) and start moving freely again. I can’t wait to hear your story and help you write the next, pain-free chapter of your active life. – Dr. Chase Helgren, PT, DPT (Owner, Bounceback Physical Therapy in Chattanooga) Ready to finally find relief? Book your Free Discovery Call today and let’s get you on the path to a stronger, pain-free back! https://www.bouncebackchatt.com/get-started.html Why does my pain keep coming back even after treatment? Often it’s because most treatments only address the symptoms and not the underlying issue, leaving the root cause unresolved. At Bounceback Physical Therapy in Chattanooga, Dr. Chase Helgren provides one-on-one care that targets the true source of pain, helping active adults get back to the activities they love without pain medications, injections, or surgery. If you're searching for physical therapy in Chattanooga that actually fixes your pain for good, you're in the right place. Too many active adults deal with nagging aches or injuries that never fully go away. You might feel better for a while with rest, medication, or even standard PT, only to have the pain return when you try to resume your active lifestyle. It's frustrating and discouraging, but it doesn't have to be that way. At Bounceback Physical Therapy, our approach is different. Instead of just temporarily relieving symptoms, we focus on uncovering why you're hurting in the first place. Whether it's lower back pain that keeps you off the hiking trails or a shoulder twinge that stops you from hitting the gym, we aim to find the root cause so we can address it head-on. This article will walk you through how our Chattanooga physical therapy clinic, led by Dr. Chase Helgren, helps active adults achieve real, long-lasting pain relief. Why Treating Just the Symptoms Isn't EnoughMasking pain with quick fixes might give you temporary relief, but it often leads to an endless cycle of discomfort. Taking a pill or getting a cortisone shot might ease the pain for now, but if the underlying problem isn't addressed, the pain is likely to come back. The same goes for approaches that only focus on the body part that hurts while ignoring the bigger picture. Simply put: treating just the symptoms is like mopping up water from a leaky roof without fixing the leak. The relief is temporary, and the problem continues to lurk beneath the surface. Here are a few problems with symptom-focused treatments:
It's also worth noting that relying on pain medications alone can backfire. Not only do they fail to fix the actual problem, but they can also lead to other issues. Health experts now encourage people to seek out drug-free treatments for pain whenever possible. One study even found that patients who got physical therapy for common issues (like back, knee, or shoulder pain) early on were significantly less likely to need opioid painkillers later . That means addressing pain through movement and corrective exercise isn't just effective—it can literally keep you healthier and safer in the long run. Still skeptical about trying physical therapy again? We hear this often: "I’ve already done PT, and it didn’t help." That’s exactly why we do things differently. Many previous treatments fail because they focus on symptoms, not the real cause. Our goal is to uncover what others may have missed — and fix it at the source. The Bounceback Method: One-on-One Physical Therapy for Lasting ReliefSo how do we break the cycle of short-term relief and finally solve the problem? At Bounceback Physical Therapy, we use what we like to call the Bounceback Method, a personalized approach that zeroes in on the root cause of your pain and works with you one-on-one to fix it. Dr. Chase Helgren, PT, DPT has developed a comprehensive, three-step process for helping our clients not only get out of pain, but stay that way. 1. Find the Real Cause of Your Pain: Every new client starts with a thorough evaluation – we call it a Total Body Diagnostic – to pinpoint exactly what's going on. This isn't your quick five-minute check-up. Dr. Chase takes the time to assess your movement from head to toe, ask questions about your health history and lifestyle, and really listen to your concerns. The goal is to identify all the factors that could be contributing to your pain. By the end of this exam, you'll know why you're hurting (sometimes it's an "Aha!" moment when we discover, say, that your shoulder pain is actually linked to your mid-back stiffness or that old car accident injury). 2. Fix the Problem, Not Just the Symptoms: With the true cause identified, we create a custom treatment plan tailored just for you. No generic printouts of exercises here – your program is built around your specific needs and goals. Dr. Chase works with you in one-on-one physical therapy sessions to address those problem areas. This often includes hands-on techniques (to improve mobility and ease pain) and targeted exercises (to strengthen weak spots and correct imbalances). Because it's one-on-one, you get undivided attention. You won’t be passed off to an aide or left doing exercises on your own while the therapist juggles other patients. Each session is focused entirely on you, ensuring that every stretch and movement is done correctly and is moving you toward your goals. As a result, you start to feel improvements faster – many clients see significant changes within the first few visits as their pain decreases and they start moving better. 3. Stay at Peak Performance (Keep the Pain Gone): The final step to our approach is making sure that once you're feeling better, you keep feeling that way. Pain relief is fantastic, but we want you to go a step further – to return to, or even improve beyond, the activities you love with confidence. We'll help you reinforce healthy movement patterns, build strength and flexibility in the right areas, and essentially "bulletproof" your body against future injuries. Think of it as tuning up your body: after recovering, we guide you through performance exercises and maintenance tips so you're not just pain-free, but also stronger and more resilient than before. This is especially important for active adults who want to continue hiking, running, golfing, or keeping up with the kids or grandkids without setbacks. By addressing those lingering imbalances or weaknesses, we help reduce the chance that your pain will ever make a comeback. Success Stories: Real People, Real Results with Bounceback Physical TherapyNothing speaks louder than seeing active adults overcome chronic pain and return to the activities they love. These are real stories from Chattanooga residents who had tried everything else before finally fixing the root cause of their pain. Case #1: 3.5 Years of Low Back Pain Resolved in Just 3 Visits Let’s call her Sarah. She came to Bounceback Physical Therapy in Chattanooga after struggling with lower back pain for over three years. Her pain was constant—2/10 while standing, 6–7/10 when lifting, and 5/10 while running. She also had numbness and tingling down her leg and had major trouble sleeping. Before working with Dr. Chase, she’d already seen:
She continued for two more sessions to reinforce strength and prevent recurrence. Months later, when she returned for a knee issue, she casually mentioned her back had never flared up again. Case #2: 7 Years of Hip and Knee Pain Resolved with a Full-Body Approach Another client, Emily, had a goal many runners dream of: qualifying for the Boston Marathon. But she was stuck. For over 7 years, she battled:
At Bounceback Physical Therapy, we uncovered the missing links:
By taking a total-body, root-cause approach, she finally saw real change. Within 8 visits, she was running up to 3 miles without pain — for the first time in years. She said, “I finally feel like I’ve found someone who figured out what’s really going on.” Case #3: 10 Years of Mid-Back Pain Resolved in Just One Session Our final story features Rachel, who endured mid-back pain for a full decade. She experienced daily discomfort that worsened when she took deep breaths or rotated her torso. Over the years, she consulted with two different chiropractors, received X-rays while working in a pain management clinic, and even tried traditional physical therapy—all of which only offered temporary relief. Then she came to Bounceback Physical Therapy in Chattanooga. During her initial evaluation, Dr. Chase identified a specific restriction in her thoracic spine and a mobility issue that had gone unaddressed for years. After just one one-on-one session, Rachel experienced complete relief. It’s now been over a year and a half, and the pain has never returned. This case is a perfect example of how a root-cause approach can produce life-changing results—even when someone has been in pain for a decade. These stories are just three examples of what happens when you stop chasing symptoms and start fixing what’s actually causing the problem. That’s what Bounceback Physical Therapy is all about — helping Chattanooga’s active adults move better, feel better, and stay pain-free for the long run. FAQs About Physical Therapy in ChattanoogA How long does it take to see results with physical therapy in Chattanooga? Many of our clients start to notice real improvements within just 1 to 3 visits. The average plan of care at Bounceback Physical Therapy ranges from 5 to 8 sessions, depending on the complexity of the issue. What types of pain or injuries do you treat at Bounceback Physical Therapy? At Bounceback Physical Therapy, we help active adults in Chattanooga with back pain, neck pain, shoulder issues, hip pain, knee discomfort, and more. Whether your pain is new or something you’ve dealt with for years, we work to find and fix the root cause so it doesn’t return. What makes Bounceback Physical Therapy different? We offer one-on-one physical therapy in Chattanooga with a focus on identifying and treating the root cause of pain. Each session is with Dr. Chase Helgren, DPT—not an aide or tech—and your plan is customized to your body and your goals. How do I know if physical therapy will work for me? If your pain has lasted more than 6 weeks, or if you've tried treatments without lasting relief, it's time to address the root cause. Book a free discovery call to find out if our approach is right for you. Ready to Fix the Root Cause of Your Pain for Good?Living in the Chattanooga, TN area means there's so much to enjoy – from the scenic Chattanooga Riverwalk to the challenging trails of Signal Mountain. You shouldn't have to miss out because of pain. If you're tired of temporary fixes and truly want to address the root cause of your aches, it's time to take action.
Imagine yourself a few weeks or months from now: waking up without that familiar pain, tackling your favorite activities or workouts with confidence, and not constantly worrying about injuring yourself again. That's the outcome we strive for at Bounceback Physical Therapy. Our approach is all about empowering you to take control of your health and stay active on your own terms. If this sounds like the kind of results you want, we invite you to reach out and take the next step. At Bounceback, we make it easy to get started. Begin with a free 15-minute discovery call where you can chat with Dr. Chase about what's going on and see if our approach is the right fit. If it is, we'll get you in for that in-depth evaluation and start your personalized plan. Don't settle for just managing symptoms or waiting until things get so bad that surgery feels like the only option. You deserve to feel your best and do the things you love without pain holding you back. Let us help you get there. Ready to finally find lasting relief? Book your Free Discovery Call with Dr. Chase at Bounceback Physical Therapy in Chattanooga and start your journey to a stronger, pain-free life today. |
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