How Mary Found Pain Relief Through Covenant Health Therapy

After months of worsening hip pain, Mary Phillips feared she would lose the active lifestyle she loved. Through expert physical therapy at Covenant Health, she regained strength, reduced her pain and returned to the activities that matter most. 

Mary’s Hip Pain

Mary has always lived an active life. She and her husband walk several miles each week, but her mobility began to decline. 

“It felt like someone stuck a knife in my hip,” Mary said. “I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t sit. I couldn’t even roll over without pain.” 

Because of her long history of back issues, Mary believed her back was causing the pain. During a visit, her Covenant Health primary care physician, Alicia Brooks, MD, at Fort Loudoun Primary Care, recommended physical therapy and referred her for care. 

Beginning Physical Therapy  

Mary started therapy feeling unsure about her progress. “I felt discouraged,” she explained. “My pain kept getting worse, and I didn’t think therapy would help.”  

She began working one-on-one with physical therapist Brian Cartledge, PT, DPT, at Covenant Health Therapy Center – Lenoir City, a department of Covenant Health Fort Loudoun. Through a comprehensive evaluation that considered her medical history, current symptoms and movement patterns, Brian developed a personalized care plan tailored specifically to Mary. 

“Mary came to us with hip pain and a complex history,” Brian shared. “We assessed how her body moved and built a plan around that.”  

He focused on posture, movement, strength and flexibility, not just the source of pain. 

“He explained every exercise and why it mattered,” Mary said. “That made a big difference to me.” 

Each session built on the last, and she also followed a guided home exercise program. 

“At first, some of the exercises felt impossible, but he supported me every step of the way,” she explained.  

Brian noticed Mary’s determination and commitment. “She stayed motivated and consistent,” he shared. “That’s what helped her make such remarkable progress.” 

Seeing Results 

Over time, Mary’s pain decreased and her mobility improved.  

“I have more mobility than I’ve had in decades,” she said. “I can even lie on my stomach without pain. I haven’t been able to do that since before I had my children.” 

Just as important, Mary learned how to care for her body long-term. “I have an arsenal now,” she said. “I know how to move, strengthen and keep myself moving forward.” 

A Supportive Team 

Mary says the care team at Covenant Health made an impact from the beginning. 

“Everyone here is kind and encouraging,” she shared. “You don’t always come in feeling your best, but they treat you with respect.”  

She credits Brian’s support for helping her push beyond what she thought was possible. “He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” she said.  

Looking Ahead with Hope 

By the end of therapy, Mary’s hip pain resolved and her strength improved.  

“I came in thinking I couldn’t get better, but I was wrong,” she explained.  

Today, she enjoys walking, traveling and spending time with her family. 

Mary said, “I feel like I can live my life without limits.” 

Therapy Services at Covenant Health  

At Covenant Health, expert care, advanced therapy and dedicated teams come together to help patients move forward stronger and healthier.  

You can start therapy without a physician referral. Learn more about Covenant Health therapy services, find a location near you and take the next step in your care journey.