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

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.

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 .