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Is physical therapy only necessary after an injury? This is the default idea for many. But for a proactive, whole-person approach to health, we may want to rethink this approach.
Recently on the podcast, we spoke with Dr. Tyler Brazelton, a leading physical therapist and owner of Excel Health and Performance in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Brazelton brings a unique perspective to his practice, drawing on his background as a college athlete and his extensive training in cutting-edge therapies like high-powered laser therapy, dry needling, and blood flow restriction training.
Dr. Brazelton shared his insights on how physical therapy, when integrated into your wellness routine, helps you optimize your physical abilities, prevent future injuries, and enhance your overall well-being.
From Athlete to Advocate: A Passion for Movement and Healing
Dr. Brazelton’s journey into physical therapy began on the baseball field. While playing at Tennessee Tech, he sustained a hamstring injury that introduced him to the world of physical therapy. This experience, coupled with the guidance of a skilled physical therapist, ignited a passion for helping others regain their mobility and optimize their physical potential.
“I was fortunate to have a great physical therapist who took me under his wing,” Dr. Brazelton recalled. “Learning about injuries, not just my own, sparked my interest in the field.”
Motion Is Lotion: The Power of Proactive Physical Therapy
One of Dr. Brazelton’s core beliefs is the importance of staying active. In our sedentary modern world, many of us spend hours sitting behind desks, leading to muscle tightness, imbalances, and an increased risk of injury.
“Our bodies are designed to move,” Dr. Brazelton emphasized. He advocates for incorporating regular movement into our daily routines as a preventative measure.
“Even if you’re not experiencing pain, a physical therapy assessment can be incredibly beneficial,” Dr. Brazelton shared. “It helps identify hidden weaknesses or movement dysfunctions that could lead to problems later on.”
Beyond RICE: Embracing Innovative Therapies for Faster Healing
Remember the old adage of RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) for acute injuries? While still a valuable approach, Dr. Brazelton highlights new research pointing to the limitations of ice in the healing process. “We’ve learned that ice can actually delay healing by reducing inflammation, which is a crucial part of the body’s natural repair process,” he explained.
Instead of relying solely on ice, Dr. Brazelton advocates for alternative approaches like heat therapy, laser therapy, and other modalities to promote blood flow, reduce pain, and accelerate healing.
Harnessing the Power of Light: High-Powered Laser Therapy
Dr. Brazelton is particularly passionate about the use of high-powered laser therapy, a cutting-edge treatment that uses concentrated light to stimulate healing at the cellular level.
“Think of your cells as batteries,” he explained. “The energy from the laser recharges these batteries, promoting cell regeneration, reducing inflammation, and blocking pain signals.”
This non-invasive treatment has shown remarkable results in treating a wide range of conditions, from acute injuries like blisters and tendonitis to chronic pain.
“I’ve seen incredible results with high-powered laser therapy,” Dr. Brazelton shared. “Patients experience faster healing, reduced pain, and quicker recovery times.”
Optimizing Performance With Blood Flow Restriction Training
Another technique Dr. Brazelton incorporates into his practice is blood flow restriction training. This innovative approach uses a specialized cuff to restrict blood flow to a specific area during exercise.
While it might sound counterintuitive, restricting blood flow during exercise has some incredible benefits. It tricks the brain into thinking the body is working harder than it actually is, triggering the release of growth hormones that promote muscle growth and healing.
Blood flow restriction training has been shown to be effective in a variety of populations, from athletes looking to enhance performance and recovery to individuals recovering from injuries or surgery.
Dry Needling: A Precise Approach to Pain Relief
Dry needling, often confused with acupuncture, is another valuable tool in Dr. Brazelton’s arsenal. While both dry needling and acupuncture use thin needles, the approach and philosophy are quite different.
Dry needling focuses on releasing trigger points, which are tight, knotted areas within muscles that can cause pain and restrict movement. “Think of dry needling as a way to ‘comb’ out those knots in your muscles,” Dr. Brazelton explained. “The needles help to release tension, reduce pain, and improve flexibility.”
Beyond the Traditional: Physical Therapy Specializations
Dr. Brazelton’s expertise extends beyond the traditional realm of physical therapy to encompass specialized areas like golf performance, injury prevention, and concussion care.
Optimizing Golf Performance
As a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) certified medical professional, Dr. Brazelton understands the unique demands golf places on the body. “The golf swing is a complex movement that requires a high degree of coordination, strength, and flexibility,” he pointed out. “Even small imbalances or weaknesses can affect your swing mechanics and increase your risk of injury.”
Through a comprehensive TPI assessment, Dr. Brazelton identifies physical limitations that could be hindering a golfer’s swing and increasing their risk of pain or injury. By addressing these underlying issues, he helps golfers improve their swing mechanics, enhance their performance, and prevent future injuries.
Navigating Concussions: A Team Approach
With the increasing awareness of concussions, especially in youth sports, Dr. Brazelton emphasized the importance of early detection, proper management, and safe return-to-play protocols.
“Concussions are serious injuries that can have long-term consequences if not managed properly,” he shared. He advocates for the importance of a qualified healthcare professional who can assess the injury, develop an individualized treatment plan, and guide the recovery process.
Dr. Brazelton works closely with athletes and their families to educate them on concussion symptoms, provide appropriate treatment, and ensure a safe return to their sport.
Partnering With Excel Health and Performance
At Excel Health and Performance, Dr. Brazelton and his team are committed to providing exceptional, personalized care.
“We pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our patients and developing individualized treatment plans that address their unique needs,” Dr. Brazelton shared.
The clinic offers a wide range of services, including manual therapy, high-powered laser therapy, dry needling, blood flow restriction training, and more. They also provide specialized programs for athletes, golfers, and individuals recovering from concussions.
Your Journey to Optimal Health
Dr. Brazelton’s insights highlight the crucial role proactive physical therapy can play in your overall health and well-being. By addressing physical limitations, correcting imbalances, and promoting healing, physical therapy can help you move better, feel better, and live better.
At Brentwood MD, we believe in empowering you to take control of your health. Partnering with a skilled physical therapist is an investment in your long-term health and well-being.
To learn more about Dr. Brazelton and Excel Health and Performance, visit their website at www.excelhp.com.
Remember, you don’t have to wait for an injury to seek the benefits of physical therapy. Take a proactive approach to your health and unlock your body’s full potential.
Dr. Wright joined Brentwood MD in 2022 as the model allows him to spend more time connecting with patients and build a foundation of exceptional care. He is a Nashville native and completed his family medicine residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where he also served as Chief Resident. He believes that your health deserves a prominent position on your priority list, and would be honored to serve you and your family.
