Knoxville Physical Therapy: Celebrating 30 Years of Care
On March 1, 1995, East Tennessee Spine & Sport opened its doors in Knoxville with one goal: to help people move better, feel better, and live better. Thirty years later, that mission remains unchanged — but the reach, impact, and size of our company have grown tremendously.
Our Growth and Expanding Reach
Founded by Greg DeFilippo, our locally owned and operated practice started with a vision for patient-first, research-driven physical therapy in East Tennessee. Now, as we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’re proud to say we’ve grown where Knoxville needed us to grow — with nine clinic locations open by the end of this summer, including:
- Bearden
- Farragut
- Hardin Valley
- Lenoir City
- North Knoxville
- North Knoxville’s Pelvic Health Clinic
- Oak Ridge
- South Knoxville
- The Nest at Old Weisgarber
Expert Leadership and Specialized Care
We’re proud to be physical therapist owned and operated, with leadership shared among five dedicated partners: Greg DeFilippo, Graeme Keys, Donnie Sharp, Bill Pendergrass, and Whitney Terry. Together, they’ve built a company that continues to push the standard for outpatient physical therapy in our region.
East Tennessee Spine & Sport is home to more certified McKenzie therapists than any other group in the region, and we’ve long been leaders in applying the latest research-backed treatment techniques to help our patients recover faster and stronger.
We’re also the largest provider of pelvic floor therapy services in East Tennessee, with a dedicated team that includes two therapists certified through Herman & Wallace’s Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification (PRPC) — one of the highest distinctions in the field. This program has grown to meet the unique needs of patients across all life stages, and we’re proud to be a trusted resource for pelvic health in our community.
Our Commitment to the Knoxville Community
What truly sets us apart isn’t just our credentials — it’s our heart for this community. Over the last three decades, we’ve worked hard to invest in Knoxville both inside and outside the clinic. From supporting high school athletic and academic programs to partnering with incredible organizations like OneKnox Collective, Emerald Youth Foundation, The Koinonia Foundation, and Young-Williams Animal Center, we believe that giving back is part of what keeps us grounded in our mission.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
Thank you to every patient, provider, and community partner who has been part of our journey these last 30 years. We’re proud of where we’ve been — and even more excited for what’s ahead.