Expert Care and Patient Trust at Covenant Health Therapy Center – Tazewell

As Patrick Shiroda moves through shoulder exercises, a physical therapist stands nearby, feet firmly planted, watching every move. Patrick knows there are therapy centers where his physical therapist would be required to work with several patients at once. That’s the primary reason he’s at Covenant Health Therapy Center – Tazewell instead of somewhere else.

“I like that they do a one-on-one here,” Patrick says. “It makes a difference.”

This one-on-one approach allows the physical therapist to completely focus on the patient and to catch details that might be missed otherwise. “Small details can make a difference,” says Brad Davis, PT, DPT, the certified specialist.“For example, if he’s doing shoulder exercise and I’m with another patient, I might miss something that could make a difference in his recovery.”

That level of commitment to excellence has prompted Patrick to come to Covenant Health Therapy Center – Tazewell for help through the process of joint replacements, balance issues and shoulder surgeries.

“He’s doing everything right,” Patrick says about Davis. “That’s why I keep coming back.”

Individualized Treatment Plans for Better Outcomes

Covenant Health Therapy Center – Tazewell follows evidence-based practices. Davis stays up-to-date with the latest research and shares his insights with the team of therapists to continually improve patient outcomes.

Another evidence-based key to success at Covenant Health Therapy Center – Tazewell is the center’s commitment to creating personalized treatment plans for each patient. Davis says that more often than not, a one-size-fits-all approach to physical therapy results in limited success.

“You’ll have some patients get better. You’ll have some that won’t,” Davis says. “If you want to maximize your chance of all patients getting as much benefit as possible, you have to individualize.”

When Davis meets a new patient, he considers everything that might impact recovery. He delves into complete medical history, he tests details, he reviews things like deficits, goals and even finances and insurance.

Davis takes the detailed information and creates a plan that is very specific to the patient. During the focused, one-on-one sessions, Davis is problem-solving and refining the personalized plan as the patient meets new challenges or shows progress.

Therapy Center Provides Support and Caring

Joining Patrick at therapy sessions is his wife, Dawn. Married for 38 years and together as a couple for 50, the Shirodas have faced multiple medical challenges the same way they’ve faced everything else in life for half a century: together.

“Patrick and I help each other out,” Dawn says. “When one person is down with therapy, it helps to have another one there.”

Originally from Wisconsin, the Shirodas made the town of Tazewell, Tennessee, their home a long time ago. Covenant Health Therapy Center – Tazewell has served almost as a “home away from home” during therapy sessions. The Shirodas say the camaraderie among staff and patients makes coming to physical therapy feel like an opportunity instead of a chore. Patrick and Dawn also are able to bring smiles and encouragement to new patients who might be hurting and a little uncertain.

“When we first came here in 2019 for his knee, I was scared to death,” Dawn says. “I was afraid to touch him, but through the first few treatments, I got more confidence to help him with therapy exercises at home.”

Eventually it was Dawn’s turn to be the patient. After her knee replacement she was nervous again, but Davis and his team helped Dawn find her way to recovery.

“You have to build up a confidence. You’ve got to trust them, and that took a couple of visits,” Dawn recalls. “He [Davis] knows exactly what he’s doing, and he’s been great about explaining everything.” 

She says the physical therapists show genuine care for patients, expressing concern and always asking the right questions. 

High-Quality Rehabilitation Therapy in Claiborne County

As an extra bonus, while therapy centers in Knoxville are more than an hour away, the drive to Covenant Health Therapy Center – Tazewell is less than 10 minutes from the Shirodas’ home. Patrick and Dawn receive the kind of care usually provided in larger cities, but conveniently located in their own community.

“This place is amazing,” Dawn says.

Covenant Health Therapy Center – Tazewell is a department of Claiborne Medical Center. Physical therapists offer a wide range of specialty services including:

– Lymphedema treatment

– Stroke rehabilitation

– BIG and LOUD (specialized therapy for patients wih Parkinson’s)

– Treatment for vertigo

– Postoperative care for orthopedic conditions such as joint replacement and muscle/tendon repair

A doctor’s referral isn’t necessary for an assessment. For information or to schedule a first appointment, call 423-626-1811.