When expanding our clinical team, my priority is always to find professionals who don’t just understand the mechanics of rehabilitation, but who truly embody our mission: Treat the whole human with exceptional care with a goal that goes far beyond pain free.
That is exactly why I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Payton Azbell, PT, DPT to our sports and orthopedic physical therapy team in Cool Springs.
Whether you are an active adult looking to maintain functional longevity, a high school athlete striving to return to competition, or a dedicated runner battling chronic discomfort, Dr. Payton brings a unique blend of high-level athletic training, advanced clinical assessment, and evidence-based care to our community.
If you are ready to book a visit with Payton CLICK HERE. If you want to learn more keep reading!
Here is why Dr. Payton is the perfect fit to elevate the care we provide at our Cool Springs physical therapy clinic.
1. A Lifelong Foundation in Elite Sports & Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Dr. Payton’s connection to physical therapy runs deep. As a second-generation physical therapist following in his mother’s footsteps, rehabilitation is practically in his DNA.
As with many PTs, his clinical passion is rooted in personal experience. As a former baseball player, he personally battled shoulder pain with throwing. Experiencing firsthand the profound impact that expert, targeted physical therapy can have on athletic performance and recovery ignited his journey toward becoming a sports physical therapist in Franklin. He understands the frustration of being sidelined, and more importantly, he knows exactly what it takes to build a bulletproof recovery plan to get you back in the game.
2. Advanced Sports Medicine and Industrial Ergonomics Training
Dr. Payton’s clinical background sets him apart from standard orthopedic providers. His educational and professional journey includes:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training (Northern Kentucky University)
- Industrial Athletic Trainer Experience: Worked in occupational health focusing on high-demand movement optimization, ergonomic efficiency, and injury prevention. For all of our clients who have postural pain in their back from sitting all day, Payton is uniquely qualified.
- Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT): Earned from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
- Specialized Certifications: Fully certified in Level I Trigger Point Dry Needling, an exceptional modality for relieving deep muscle tension, improving localized blood flow, and accelerating recovery from acute or chronic sports injuries.
This diverse background means he doesn’t just treat symptoms. He looks at human movement holistically—analyzing how you move at work, in the gym, and on the field to eliminate the root causes of pain.
3. Comprehensive Running Rehab & Gait Analysis Experts
For the running community in Franklin, Brentwood, and the greater Nashville area, Dr. Payton brings an invaluable resource: our Running Fitness Assessment program.
If you are a runner dealing with nagging limitations that hold back your pace or mileage, Dr. Payton specializes in breaking down the exact mechanics causing your discomfort. Utilizing video gait analysis, comprehensive mobility testing, localized strength assessments, and training volume consults, he successfully helps runners overcome common overuse injuries, including:
- Achilles Tendonitis and Calf Tightness
- Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
- Shin Splints
- Poor Running Endurance & Biomechanical Inefficiencies
4. A Shared Commitment to Longevity and Athletic Lifestyles
At our clinic, we believe that fitness is a lifelong pursuit. Dr. Payton shares this philosophy entirely. His treatment style seamlessly blends strength and conditioning principles, advanced movement analysis, and hands-on manual care.
His expertise spans a wide range of patient needs, including:
- Post-Operative Rehabilitation: Safely guiding patients through ACL reconstructions, rotator cuff repairs, and joint arthroscopies.
- Youth Sports Recovery: Helping young athletes safely return to sport with the confidence and structural stability needed to reduce future injury risk.
- Active Adult Longevity: Giving “weekend warriors” and lifelong movers the tools to maintain an active lifestyle, build functional strength, and age gracefully without chronic pain.
Experience the Elite Level of Care at Cool Springs
When he isn’t in the clinic helping patients reach their goals, Payton stays true to his athletic roots through weight training, running, spending time with his wife and their golden retriever, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs (I should have double checked this in the interview process).
Dr. Payton Azbell is now accepting new patients and looking forward to helping you move better, recover faster, and perform at your highest potential. To hop directly on Payton’s schedule click the link below:
Book Your Evaluation with Dr. Payton
Connect With Us Today
Ready to eliminate pain and upgrade your performance? Schedule an evaluation or a comprehensive Running Fitness Assessment with Dr. Payton today.
- Phone: 615-814-2907
- Email: frontdesk@elevate615pt.com
- Locations: Serving you proudly in Cool Springs, Franklin, Donelson, and Brentwood.
- Learn More About Dr. Payton Azbell, PT, DPT, ATC Performance Physical Therapist in Cool Springs:
Our Website: Click HERE
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