News & Blog

Brand New Baby, Brand New Year

Posted on February 4, 2021

Every baby is special, but there can only be one first baby at a hospital at the start of the new year. This year, the first baby born at Fort Sanders Regional is Adel Lee Abbott, born at 1:51 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2021.

Stronger by the Day

Posted on January 28, 2021

Sandra Savage couldn’t have predicted the whirlwind she experienced after contracting COVID-19. When her symptoms worsened, she sought care at Fort Sanders Regional.

Welcome Meredith Oruc, MD

Posted on January 27, 2021

We’re proud to welcome OBGYN physician Dr. Meredith Oruc to our women’s healthcare team! Dr. Oruc will see patients at our Knoxville location. Learn more.

DAISY Award Winner: Kathryn Merola

Posted on January 22, 2021

Congratulations to our October DAISY award winner from Women’s Services – Katie Merola!

Set Up for Success

Posted on January 14, 2021

Josh Ellis was tired of being big. He decided to have bariatric surgery at Fort Sanders Regional and now has more confidence than before.

Running After Repair

Posted on January 7, 2021

Lingering pain from hip surgery slowed Margaret Keele down. She found relief with dry needling at Covenant Health Therapy Center – Downtown.

Dry Needling Now Available

Covenant Health Therapy Center – Downtown at Fort Sanders Regional provides personalized physical therapy with an emphasis on one-on-one care. The physical therapists are highly educated and experienced in the treatment of complex, painful conditions.

What is Dry Needling?

Physical therapists use dry needling to release or inactivate trigger points to relieve pain or improve range of motion. Physical therapists may use dry needling as part of an overall treatment plan.

The technique uses a “dry” needle, one without medication or injection, inserted through the skin into areas of the muscle. Other terms commonly used to describe dry needling include trigger point dry needling and intramuscular manual therapy.

Who can it help – and how?

Dry needling is beneficial for patients who have pain, tight musculature, limitations in movement, and weakness. Dry needling can be effective in treating pain and dysfunction in areas such as:

Muscle spasms
Muscle tension
Sprains and strains
Headaches
Low back pain
Neck pain
Hip, knee, ankle and foot problems
Hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder problem

What else should we know about dry needling?

Physical therapists are legally required to attend continuing education specifically for dry needling. It is rarely a stand-alone treatment and is usually incorporated into treatment with physical therapy.

Our clinicians are trained in special techniques and have certifications to meet the needs of a variety of patients. We have therapists certified in dry needling and Astym therapy, a deep-tissue massage technique.

Covenant Health Therapy Center – Downtown is open Monday through Friday with late-day appointments available. For more information, call (865) 331-1300 or visit CovenantHealth.com/Therapy-Centers.