FAQs

No. You do not need a referral from another doctor to schedule an appointment with us. You can call our office directly and book your first visit. Some insurance plans may have referral requirements for certain services, and if yours does, our front desk team can help you figure out what’s needed before you come in.

Your first appointment starts with a thorough consultation — we’ll ask about your symptoms, your medical history, your daily activities, and what you’ve already tried. From there, your provider will perform a physical examination, which may include orthopedic and neurological tests, range-of-motion assessments, and in some cases diagnostic imaging like X-rays. By the end of that visit, you’ll have a clear picture of what’s going on and a recommended treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. In many cases, treatment can begin the same day.

Yes. We accept almost all major insurance plans as well as Medicare. For services not covered by insurance — or for patients who prefer a self-pay option — we also accept CareCredit, which allows you to break treatment costs into manageable monthly payments. Our front desk team can verify your benefits before your first appointment so there are no surprises.

Our office is at 900 E Hill Ave, Suite 205, Knoxville, TN 37915 — conveniently located just east of downtown Knoxville, easily accessible from I-40 and the surrounding areas of East Tennessee.

Yes. Chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive treatment options available for musculoskeletal pain. The risk of serious complications is extremely low — significantly lower than the risks associated with common alternatives like prescription painkillers or spinal surgery. Some patients experience mild soreness after an adjustment, similar to what you’d feel after a good workout, and that typically fades within 24 hours. Our providers tailor every treatment to the individual patient’s condition, age, and comfort level.

Most patients find adjustments to be comfortable and even relieving. You may hear a popping or cracking sound — that’s simply gas being released from the joint, similar to cracking your knuckles. It’s not painful. If you’re nervous about your first adjustment, let your provider know. We use a range of techniques, including gentler, low-force methods, and we always work within your comfort level. Most patients tell us they feel noticeably better immediately after treatment.

Chiropractic care is most commonly associated with back and neck pain, but it’s effective for a much wider range of conditions. These include headaches and migraines, sciatica, herniated or bulging discs, joint stiffness, shoulder pain, hip pain, sports injuries, auto accident injuries, repetitive strain injuries, and even certain types of numbness or tingling in the extremities. Because the spine and nervous system are closely connected, improving spinal function can have a positive ripple effect on your overall health. If you’re not sure whether your condition is something we treat, reach out — chances are good that we can help.

That depends entirely on your condition, how long you’ve had it, your overall health, and your goals. Some patients find significant relief in just a few visits. Others with chronic or more complex conditions benefit from a longer course of care. We’ll lay out a recommended treatment plan at your first visit, and we reassess regularly to make sure you’re progressing. We’re not interested in locking you into an endless treatment schedule — our goal is to get you better and give you the tools to stay that way.

No. You’re never locked into treatment. Some patients come in for a specific issue, get the relief they need, and move on. Others discover that periodic maintenance visits help them stay ahead of recurring pain and keep their body functioning at its best — the same way you’d see a dentist for regular cleanings even when your teeth don’t hurt. That choice is always yours. We’ll give you our honest recommendation, and you decide what works for your life.

Absolutely. Research consistently shows that chiropractic adjustments are effective for tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches (headaches that originate from the neck). Many patients who have lived with chronic headaches for years find significant relief through spinal manipulation — often after just a handful of visits. If your headaches are related to neck tension, posture, stress, or spinal misalignment, chiropractic care is one of the most effective and drug-free approaches available. We see this regularly at our clinic, and the results speak for themselves.

When your chiropractor and your physical therapist are in the same building, working from the same treatment plan, you get better results — faster. The chiropractic adjustment restores proper joint mechanics, and the physical therapy strengthens the surrounding muscles and soft tissues so the correction holds. The two disciplines complement each other naturally, and having them coordinated under one roof means nothing gets lost in translation between providers. That integration is a big part of what makes our approach work.

Regenerative therapies are typically a good fit for patients with chronic joint pain (knees, shoulders, hips), degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, and soft tissue damage who want to explore options beyond medication and before considering surgery. It’s not the right fit for everyone, and we’ll tell you that upfront. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your condition, discuss your goals, and give you an honest assessment of whether regenerative treatment is likely to benefit you. We’d rather point you toward the right solution than sell you something that won’t help.

Most patients describe the treatment as a mild to moderate discomfort during the injection itself, similar to a standard joint injection. There’s no surgery, no general anesthesia, and no lengthy recovery. Some soreness at the injection site is normal for a few days afterward, and we’ll give you specific aftercare instructions to support healing. Most patients return to their normal activities within a day or two. Results develop gradually over weeks to months as the body’s healing response takes effect.

Most insurance plans do not currently cover regenerative medicine treatments, as many of these therapies are still considered elective or investigational by insurers. We offer transparent pricing and accept CareCredit for patients who want to break the cost into monthly payments. During your consultation, we’ll give you a clear picture of costs upfront so you can make an informed decision with no surprises.

We offer GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, including semaglutide, which have been clinically proven to help patients achieve significant, sustained weight loss. These medications work by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates appetite, helping you feel fuller longer and reducing cravings. Clinical studies have shown average weight loss of 15–20% of body weight when combined with lifestyle changes. Your provider will evaluate your health history, discuss your goals, and determine the right medication and dosage for your situation.

Yes, when supervised by a qualified provider. That’s the key distinction — this is not a fad diet or an over-the-counter supplement. It’s a medically supervised program with regular check-ins, dosage adjustments, and monitoring of your overall health throughout the process. Some patients experience mild side effects when starting medication (most commonly nausea), which typically improve as your body adjusts. We start with a low dose and increase gradually to minimize any discomfort.

The medication makes it dramatically easier to eat less and make better choices — but it works best when combined with healthy nutrition and regular physical activity. Think of it as the assist your body has been needing, not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. We provide guidance on nutrition and activity as part of the program, so you’re not just losing weight — you’re building habits that help you keep it off.

IV therapy can benefit a wide range of people. We see patients who are recovering from illness or fatigue, athletes looking for faster recovery, people preparing for or bouncing back from travel, individuals dealing with chronic dehydration, and anyone who wants to support their overall wellness with a targeted nutrient boost. It also pairs well with our medical weight loss program, since patients on appetite-suppressing medications sometimes need additional hydration and vitamin support.

Yes. IV therapy is a well-established medical practice administered by trained professionals in a clinical setting. The risk of adverse effects is very low. You may feel a slight pinch when the IV is placed, and some patients experience a mild cool sensation as the fluids enter the bloodstream. Each session typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, and most people feel noticeably better by the time they leave.

Yes. We operate Federal Injury Centers of Knoxville (FICOK) under the Phoenix Spine & Health umbrella, and it’s dedicated specifically to serving federal employees injured on the job. If you’re covered under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), we provide the medical care, OWCP-compliant documentation, and free claims assistance that federal workers need to get their benefits approved. There is no charge, no copay, and no out-of-pocket cost for OWCP patients. Visit our FICOK page for more details, or call us directly.

Nearly all federal civilian employees are covered, including full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers. This includes employees of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), the Department of Energy (ORNL, Y-12), TVA, the IRS, the VA, TSA, and every other federal agency. Members of unions like NALC, APWU, AFGE, NFFE, and NARFE are all covered. Certain volunteers, Peace Corps members, and federal jurors may also qualify. If you’re a civil employee or officer of the United States government, FECA almost certainly covers you. If you’re not sure whether your specific position qualifies, our team can help you figure that out — it only takes a few minutes.

FECA covers two broad categories. Traumatic injuries are caused by a specific event during a single work shift — a slip and fall, a vehicle accident, a lifting injury, or an equipment-related incident. Occupational diseases develop over time due to repeated workplace exposure — conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic back or neck pain from repetitive duties, respiratory issues, or degenerative joint disease from years of physical labor. FECA also covers aggravation of pre-existing conditions if your work duties made the condition worse. The injury does not need to be severe to qualify; both minor and major work-related conditions are covered. We see the full range at our clinic — from letter carriers with chronic shoulder pain to office workers with disc injuries that built up over years. If your job caused it or made it worse, it’s worth looking into.

Act quickly. Report the injury to your supervisor immediately — even if it seems minor, because symptoms often worsen over time. Seek medical care right away from a provider who understands OWCP documentation requirements (this is critical — more on that below). Then file the appropriate claim form through the ECOMP portal: Form CA-1 for a traumatic injury, or Form CA-2 for an occupational disease that developed over time. You have 30 days to submit your claim form, but the sooner you file, the stronger your case. Keep copies of everything — your injury report, your medical records, and all correspondence with OWCP. If you’re unsure about any of these steps, call us before you file. We walk new patients through the entire process so nothing gets missed.

Yes — and this is one of your most important rights under FECA. You are legally entitled to select your own treating physician. Your supervisor, your agency, and your HR department cannot force you to see a specific doctor or use an agency-affiliated clinic. However, not every doctor understands the OWCP system. The documentation standards are far more rigorous than what a typical family physician is trained to provide, and incomplete or vague medical reports are one of the leading causes of claim denials. Choosing a provider who specializes in OWCP/FECA cases — one who knows the correct forms, injury codes, and causation language — is the single most important decision you’ll make in your claim. That choice is yours, and we’re here if you want a team that does this every day.

Yes, but with a specific requirement. Under FECA, a chiropractor is recognized as a “physician” when their treatment consists of manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation — and that subluxation must be confirmed by X-ray. As long as the clinical notes and diagnostic imaging clearly document the subluxation, chiropractic care is fully covered. This is one of the areas where provider experience really matters. If the documentation doesn’t explicitly reference the subluxation confirmed by imaging, OWCP can deny the visits entirely. Our providers know exactly how to document chiropractic treatment so that it meets OWCP’s requirements from the very first visit.

No. Under FECA, all medical costs related to your accepted work injury are paid in full by the federal government. There are no copays, no deductibles, and no coinsurance. You should never use your personal health insurance (FEHB, BCBS, etc.) for a work-related injury. If a doctor or pharmacy is asking you for a copay, something is wrong — it likely means your treatment is being billed to your personal insurance instead of OWCP, and that can create serious problems for your claim down the road. At our clinic, there is no charge, no upfront cost, and no out-of-pocket expense. Your care is billed directly to OWCP, the way it’s supposed to be. If you’ve been paying out of pocket somewhere else, we can help you sort that out too.

Claim denials are far more common than they should be — and the most frequent cause is insufficient or improperly worded medical documentation. If your doctor’s report doesn’t explicitly establish a causal connection between your injury and your federal employment, or if the correct injury codes aren’t used, the claim is likely to be denied. The good news is that a denial is not the end. You can request reconsideration with new medical evidence, request a hearing before OWCP, or appeal to the Employees’ Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB). In many cases, getting proper documentation from an experienced OWCP provider is enough to overturn a denial. We work with patients who come to us after a denial all the time — it’s one of the most common reasons people find us.

FECA requires claims to be filed within three years of the date of injury. For occupational diseases, the clock starts when you become aware (or reasonably should have become aware) that your condition is related to your work. Even if you’re outside the three-year window, compensation may still be available if written notice was given within 30 days of the injury or if your employer had actual knowledge within that timeframe. That said, delays hurt your case. The sooner you file, the stronger your documentation and the better your chances of approval. If you’ve been sitting on an injury because you weren’t sure where to go or how to start, reach out — we’ll help you understand where things stand and what your options are.

If you suffer a traumatic injury and miss work, you may be entitled to Continuation of Pay — your full regular salary for up to 45 calendar days while your claim is being processed. COP is only available for traumatic injury claims (not occupational disease claims). After COP ends, if you’re still unable to work, you may receive wage-loss compensation at 66⅔% of your pay (no dependents) or 75% (with dependents). To claim wage loss beyond COP, you’ll need to file Form CA-7 through your agency. Our team can walk you through the timing and paperwork so you don’t lose any benefits you’re owed during your recovery.

A Schedule Award provides compensation for the permanent loss of use — or partial loss of use — of specific body parts, including arms, legs, hands, feet, fingers, toes, eyes, ears, and the back. If your work injury has caused a lasting impairment, you may be entitled to additional compensation on top of any wage-loss benefits you’ve already received. There is no time limit on claiming a Schedule Award, and many federal employees don’t realize they’re eligible — sometimes years after the original injury. If you think a past injury may have left you with a permanent impairment, it’s worth having a conversation with our providers about whether you qualify.

Because the success or failure of your claim depends almost entirely on the quality of your medical documentation. OWCP requires medical reports that use specific language, correct injury codes, and clearly establish causation — that your injury or condition is “causally related to your federal employment.” Most family doctors and general practitioners are not trained in OWCP documentation standards, and vague or incomplete reports are the number one reason claims get denied or delayed. An experienced OWCP provider doesn’t just treat your injury — they ensure every clinical note, every diagnostic report, and every medical narrative is written to meet Department of Labor standards. That’s the difference between a claim that moves forward and one that sits in limbo for months.

Yes — that’s one of the biggest things that sets us apart. We provide free claims assistance to every patient. Our team is trained on every OWCP form — CA-1, CA-2, CA-7, CA-16, CA-17, CA-20 — and we know exactly what claims examiners are looking for. We handle the medical documentation, ensure the correct injury codes are used, write the medical narratives that tie your condition to your employment, and coordinate with OWCP throughout the process. You focus on getting better. We handle the paperwork.

We take a multidisciplinary approach tailored to each patient’s needs. Our services include chiropractic care, physical therapy, medical evaluation and diagnosis, and rehabilitative treatments designed to address the root cause of your pain — not just mask the symptoms. Whether you’re dealing with back and neck injuries, joint pain, repetitive stress conditions, or soft tissue injuries, our providers build a customized treatment plan to get you out of pain and back to work. Every treatment is documented in full compliance with OWCP standards, so your care and your claim move forward together.

Federal Injury Centers of Knoxville operates under the Phoenix Spine & Health umbrella — same founders, same providers, same standard of care. We created FICOK specifically to serve the federal employee community in East Tennessee, because we saw firsthand that injured federal workers in this region had no local option for specialized OWCP care. We are the only clinic in East Tennessee dedicated to FECA/OWCP injury care for federal employees. Our office is located at 900 E Hill Ave, Suite 205, Knoxville, TN 37915 — conveniently accessible to federal employees working at USPS facilities, ORNL, Y-12, TVA, the IRS, the VA, and other agencies across the region.

Call us or book an appointment online. Your initial consultation is free, and our team will walk you through every step — from filing your claim to beginning treatment. If you’ve already filed a claim and it’s been denied, or if you’ve been treating with a provider who isn’t familiar with the OWCP process, we can help with that too. The sooner you’re seen by a team that understands this system, the better your chances of getting the care and benefits you’ve earned.

In most cases, yes. Many patients who’ve had spinal surgery continue to experience pain or stiffness afterward — a phenomenon sometimes called “failed back surgery syndrome.” Chiropractic care can often help manage these ongoing symptoms by improving mobility and function in the areas surrounding the surgical site. In fact, many patients find that if chiropractic care had been explored earlier, surgery might have been avoided altogether. We’ll review your surgical history and imaging before recommending any treatment, and we’ll always work within the boundaries of what’s safe for your situation.

Absolutely. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is both safe and beneficial. As your body changes, the added weight and shifting posture place increased stress on your spine and pelvis. Regular adjustments can relieve back pain, improve pelvic alignment, and support a more comfortable pregnancy overall. Our providers use techniques specifically adapted for pregnant patients and can adjust their approach as your pregnancy progresses.

Two things. First, we’re truly multidisciplinary — chiropractic care, physical therapy, regenerative medicine, medical weight loss, and IV therapy all under one roof, with providers who collaborate on your treatment plan rather than working in silos. That means you get a coordinated approach to your health, not a patchwork of disconnected appointments at different offices. Second, we take the time to listen. We’re not a volume-driven clinic that rushes you through a five-minute visit. We build treatment plans around your specific condition, your goals, and your life — and we adjust as things change. That’s the standard of care we set for ourselves, and it’s what keeps our patients coming back and referring their families.