Summit Physical Therapy

02/05/2026

Many of the falls we see come through are from individuals doing dual task activities or from being on unstable surfaces. Here are some simple balance exercises that can make a big difference in stability, coordination, and fall prevention especially as we age.

Single-Leg Balance

Stand on one foot for 20–30 seconds, then switch sides. Want a challenge? Try closing your eyes or standing on a softer surface like a foam pad. Always keep a wall or support nearby for safety.

Ankle Sways (Weight Shifts)
Stand with feet hip-width apart and gently shift your weight forward, backward, and side to side without lifting your feet. This helps activate the receptors in your joints and muscles that keep you balanced.

Heel-to-Toe Walk (Tandem Walking)

Walk in a straight line by placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the other—like walking a tightrope. This improves coordination and trains your body to stay stable on a narrow base of support.

Do you need help improving balance or preventing falls?

Our team of professionals are here to help you move with confidence. Contact us to get started or comment "BALANCE" for a link to connect.

02/01/2026

Feeling unusually tired or noticing a drop in strength can sometimes be early signs that your body needs attention. As one of our clinic managers shared here, if symptoms like this are ongoing or concerning, the first step is always to check in with a medical professional.

The encouraging news is that movement, especially something as simple as walking, can play a powerful role in supporting heart health.

Research shows that walking around 7,000 steps per day has been linked to about a 25 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to very low activity levels. Studies also suggest that adding just 500 extra steps a day, roughly a quarter mile, is associated with a 14 percent lower risk of heart disease, stroke, or heart failure. Regular walking has also been connected to lower risks of heart attacks, stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular related death.

Walking helps strengthen the heart, improve circulation, and support overall wellbeing. Small, consistent steps really do add up.

Listen to your body. Move with intention. Take care of your heart.

DM us with any questions. We would love to hear your story.

01/30/2026

As we age, our ability to maintain balance during daily activities tends to decline. All three systems responsible for balance, vision, vestibular, and somatosensory can weaken over time. Around the age of 50, the receptors in our joints and muscles begin to lose their efficiency, meaning they provide less accurate information to the brain about the body’s position. As a result, the brain may struggle to respond appropriately to correct balance.

In addition to aging, certain health conditions such as diabetes, strokes, and vascular problems can impair the somatosensory system, making it even harder to maintain balance. This is why regular exercise and activities that engage the somatosensory system are crucial as we get older.

If you are concerned about your balance we are here to help. Comment "INFO" below and we will send you a link to schedule an appointment so we can get to know you. Also feel free to DM us or call at 423-777-4974.

01/29/2026

Understanding your metabolism changes everything. Metabolic testing shows how your body actually uses energy, from resting calorie burn to fat vs. carb use. Measuring your VO₂ Max gives a clear picture of cardiovascular fitness. With personalized data, you can tailor nutrition and move toward your health goals with confidence. Stop guessing and start knowing. See how your body actually uses food for energy. With this data, you will know the right balance of protein, carbs, and fats to fuel your workouts, recovery, and daily life.

To learn more about the test comment “LEARN” below and we will send you the link!

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. We are not diagnosing or treating any condition, and this is not medical advice. Statements referenced reflect third-party opinions.

01/29/2026

01/24/2026

To our Knoxville and Chattanooga communities, thank you.

We are truly grateful for the trust you place in us. It is an honor to serve you and to be a part of your recovery, strength, and progress.

01/23/2026

Yes, stress impacts both the body and the mind, often leading to headaches, tension, tight muscles, pain, and fatigue. Our care is designed to help your body feel better, while also creating space to support your mental well being.

If you happen to be struggling with any of these things, we are here to help.

Comment “Relief” and let’s start a conversation.

01/22/2026

Thank you Isabella! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

01/20/2026

POV: you’re Batman and still somehow need PT.

01/17/2026

Pain can lie. Movement usually doesn’t.
Here’s how our PTs use simple tests to figure out whether pain is coming from the hip or the nerves. Identifying where it's coming from matters for recovery.

If you are dealing with this type of pain, comment “RECOVERY” and we will send you a link to connect with us. Alternatively, give us a call at 423-777-4974. We would love to meet you!

01/17/2026

Summit Physical Therapy is teaming up with Nutrition World to offer complementary 15 minute walk in consultations with a board certified physical therapist. If you are dealing with aches, chronic pain, or an injury, stop by and get expert guidance on your next steps. Also if you have general questions about your musculoskeletal system, this is the perfect time to ask. No appointment needed. Come take the first step toward feeling better!

📌 Location: 6201 Lee Hwy, Chattanooga, TN, United States, Tennessee 37421

⏰️ Date and time: January 29th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM

01/13/2026

We asked one of our physical therapists to rank these tools and behaviors for helping back pain.

- Massage gun for solving your back pain: Rank 3 - 4
- A quality chair with lumbar support: Rank 9
- Getting up and moving every 30 to 60 minutes: Rank 10
- Heating pads for long term use: Rank 1
- Daily walking: Rank 10
- Resting in hopes that the pain will go away: Rank 1

Comment “RECOVERY” and we will send you a link to connect with us, or simply give us a call at 423-777-4974. We would love to meet you!