Growing Access to Orthopaedic Care in Middle Tennessee

Middle Tennessee continues to experience tremendous growth, bringing new neighborhoods, businesses and families to communities throughout the region. As those communities expand and age, so does the need for specialized healthcare that is both convenient and comprehensive. Whether someone is looking for relief from years of joint pain, managing a chronic spine condition or dealing with an unexpected injury, having access to experienced orthopaedic specialists close to home can make all the difference.

Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee has grown alongside the communities it serves by expanding its team of specialists, investing in advanced technology and increasing access to exceptional orthopaedic care throughout Middle Tennessee. From four convenient Orthopaedic Urgent Care walk-in clinics and six rehabilitation locations to comprehensive spine care and specialized orthopaedic surgery, patients benefit from a coordinated team dedicated to restoring mobility, relieving pain and helping them return to the activities they love.

One of the latest additions to that team is John D. Dockery, M.D., a board-certified physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. With more than twenty years of experience in physiatry and musculoskeletal medicine, Dr. Dockery brings advanced expertise in non-surgical spine care, interventional spine procedures and rehabilitation medicine.

Physiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect movement, function and quality of life, often helping patients find relief through non-surgical treatment options before surgery is considered. Dr. Dockery develops individualized treatment plans that may include advanced diagnostic evaluation, therapeutic exercise guidance, conservative therapies and image-guided procedures designed to restore function and improve quality of life. His expertise includes advanced treatments such as kyphoplasty, the Intracept procedure for vertebrogenic low back pain, epidural steroid injections, radiofrequency ablation and other minimally invasive spine procedures that expand treatment options for patients throughout Middle Tennessee.

Dr. Dockery's arrival also marks an exciting milestone for the Spring Hill community. Bone and Joint is expanding its Spring Hill location with a dedicated interventional spine suite equipped with fluoroscopy (C-arm) technology, allowing advanced image-guided spine injections and specialized procedures to be performed on-site. The expansion brings highly specialized spine care closer to home while strengthening collaboration between orthopaedic surgeons, physiatrists and rehabilitation specialists caring for patients throughout the area.

Expanding care, however, goes beyond adding physicians and new clinical space. It also means making sure patients know where to turn when injuries happen unexpectedly. During the summer months especially, sports, vacations, yard work and outdoor activities often lead to sprains, strains, fractures and other musculoskeletal injuries. Access to specialized orthopaedic care in a timely manner allows patients to begin the appropriate treatment without unnecessary delays. 

Bone and Joint’s four Orthopaedic Urgent Care locations in Brentwood, Nolensville, Spring Hill, and Thompson's Station, as well as the after-hours option at the Franklin location, provide convenient walk-in access to orthopaedic-trained providers. Patients receive expert evaluation, on-site X-ray when needed, as well as same-day treatments such as splinting, bracing or casting. Whether someone twists an ankle on the pickleball court, sustains a sports injury, experiences sudden joint pain or simply isn't sure where to turn for an orthopaedic injury, Bone and Joint Institute's Orthopaedic Urgent Care provides convenient, walk-in access to specialized evaluation and treatment - no appointment necessary.

Recovery often extends well beyond the initial diagnosis or procedure. Rehabilitation is a vital part of restoring strength, mobility, balance and function after an injury or surgery. Bone and Joint Institute's physical therapists work closely with its physicians throughout each patient's recovery, ensuring treatment plans are coordinated and adjusted as healing progresses. This integrated approach provides a seamless continuum of care - from the initial evaluation and treatment through rehabilitation and a safe return to work, sports and everyday life.

A coordinated, patient-centered approach has long been a hallmark of Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee. From orthopaedic surgeons and physiatrists to physical therapists, advanced practice providers and clinical staff, every member of the care team works together to support patients from diagnosis through recovery.  Rather than navigating multiple healthcare systems, patients have access to a network of orthopaedic specialists who communicate with one another and share the common goal of helping individuals move better, recover more confidently and return to the lives they enjoy.

As Middle Tennessee continues to grow, Bone and Joint continues to invest in the physicians, technology and services needed to meet the region's evolving orthopaedic needs. The addition of Dr. Dockery, the expansion of specialized spine services in Spring Hill, convenient Orthopaedic Urgent Care locations and comprehensive rehabilitation services all reflect a continued focus on making expert orthopedic care more accessible for the communities of Middle Tennessee today and for years to come.

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For more information about the services offered or to schedule an appointment, visit boneandjointtn.org.