Treating the Cause, Not Just the Symptom
October is National Physical Therapy Month, which makes it a good time to talk about a piece of chronic pain care that sometimes gets overlooked: movement. At Pain Consultants of East Tennessee (PCET), physical therapy isn’t an afterthought – it’s built into how our Functional Rehab team works alongside your physicians to support long-term pain management.
Chronic pain rarely responds to a single fix. It often takes a combination of approaches working together, and physical therapy is frequently one of the most effective pieces of that plan.
What Physical Therapy Can Add to Your Plan
Our Functional Rehab program is staffed by licensed physical and occupational therapists – including Laurel Andersen, PT, CLT-LANA, CEAS and Amy Knapp, PT, DPT, CEAS – who work directly with PCET’s physicians and advanced practice providers. That coordination matters: your therapist and your prescribing provider are looking at the same treatment plan, not working from separate playbooks.
Depending on your needs, physical therapy sessions may focus on building strength around a painful area, improving flexibility and range of motion, correcting movement patterns that put extra strain on the body, or gradually increasing activity tolerance so daily tasks feel more manageable. Occupational therapy, offered through the same program, can help with the practical side of pain – adapting how you approach everyday tasks at home or work.
Why Movement-Based Care Pairs Well With Other Treatments
Physical therapy is often used alongside other parts of a PCET treatment plan – behavioral medicine support, interventional procedures, or ongoing monitoring through programs like Remote Therapeutic Monitoring. The goal isn’t to replace those other tools, but to give your body the strength and mobility to get more benefit from them.
Every plan looks different, because every patient’s pain is different. Your care team will talk with you about whether physical therapy fits your specific situation and what a reasonable pace of progress might look like.
Getting Started With Functional Rehab at PCET
If you’re an existing PCET patient, ask your provider whether a referral to Functional Rehab makes sense as part of your plan. If you’re new to the practice, our Fast Track program can help get you seen quickly so your care team can evaluate where physical therapy might fit in.
Pain Consultants of East Tennessee has locations in Knoxville and Oak Ridge. Call (865) 579-0552 to learn more about our Functional Rehab program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is physical therapy only for injuries, or can it help with chronic pain too?
Physical therapy is commonly used for both. For chronic pain, it’s typically focused on building strength, improving mobility, and supporting the other parts of your treatment plan over time.
Will physical therapy hurt?
Some mild soreness after a session is common, similar to starting any new activity. Your therapist will work with you to set a pace that fits your comfort level and goals.
Do I need a referral to start Functional Rehab at PCET?
In most cases, your PCET provider will coordinate the referral as part of your overall treatment plan. Ask your provider at your next visit if you’re interested.
How does physical therapy work with other PCET treatments?
Your Functional Rehab team communicates directly with your physicians and advanced practice providers, so physical therapy is coordinated with any other treatments in your plan rather than happening separately.
