New Client

You deserve a different experience than what the medical system is currently providing. You've made a choice to prioritize your health and we've made a choice to ensure your success. Rushed appointments are replaced with detailed assessments, skilled treatments, and uninterrupted 1-on-1 sessions. Together, we’ll build a plan to reduce your pain and to come alongside you in your long-term health... Read More

You deserve a different experience than what the medical system is currently providing. You've made a choice to prioritize your health and we've made a choice to ensure your success. Rushed appointments are replaced with detailed assessments, skilled treatments, and uninterrupted 1-on-1 sessions. Together, we’ll build a plan to reduce your pain and to come alongside you in your long-term health journey.


Running Evaluation

We perform a detailed slow motion treadmill gait analysis to maximize performance and decreases injury risk. We then complement these form changes with precision programming to ensure you show up to the starting line of your next event injury free and ready to perform!


Massage Therapy

Her training is in using the “Edgework” technique. This technique is based on applying the ideal level of pressure to maximize stress reduction, while minimizing resistance or negative reaction to the client’s neuromuscular system. She also has training and experience in Swedish, prenatal and sports massage, as well as myofascial release. Clinical massage therapy Deep-tissue therapy Sport... Read More

Her training is in using the “Edgework” technique. This technique is based on applying the ideal level of pressure to maximize stress reduction, while minimizing resistance or negative reaction to the client’s neuromuscular system. She also has training and experience in Swedish, prenatal and sports massage, as well as myofascial release.

Clinical massage therapy
Deep-tissue therapy
Sports massage
Prenatal massage
Postural distortion
Active release therapy


Current Client

We eliminate pain and maximize performance for active individuals. We replace generic physical therapy advice with comprehensive assessment and treatment plans that enable our clinicians to create a specific road map for your active and accelerated recovery. Stop "waiting it out" and start making progress back to the activities you love today.


Current Client - Restore & Perform

Restore and Perform is our solution to help keep your past injury where it belongs: in the past. Your Restore & Perform program is your personal outlet each month and is intended to keep you maintaining past progress, preventing future issues, or improving overall recovery. Our clinicians may perform manual therapy, movement assessments, or updated exercise prescriptions based on your specific ... Read More

Restore and Perform is our solution to help keep your past injury where it belongs: in the past. Your Restore & Perform program is your personal outlet each month and is intended to keep you maintaining past progress, preventing future issues, or improving overall recovery. Our clinicians may perform manual therapy, movement assessments, or updated exercise prescriptions based on your specific needs!


Mental Performance Coaching

Mental Performance Coaching (MPC) helps athletes and fitness-minded individuals strengthen the mental side of performance the same way training builds the physical side. An MPC equips you with tools to set and achieve meaningful goals, build resilience under pressure, and stay consistent even when motivation fades. Whether you’re an athlete preparing for competition, someone pushing through a t... Read More

Mental Performance Coaching (MPC) helps athletes and fitness-minded individuals strengthen the mental side of performance the same way training builds the physical side. An MPC equips you with tools to set and achieve meaningful goals, build resilience under pressure, and stay consistent even when motivation fades. Whether you’re an athlete preparing for competition, someone pushing through a training plateau, or simply striving for personal growth, MPC bridges the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

In practice, this means learning how to reframe anxiety, sharpen focus, and develop a mindset that thrives in both training and competition. With strategies that include visualization, confidence-building routines, and structured goal setting, an MPC ensures you’re not just physically prepared but mentally unstoppable. By managing stress and cultivating mental toughness, you gain the clarity and confidence to perform at your highest level, on the field, in the gym, or in everyday life.

Taylor is Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) who specializes in clinical massage and structural bodywork. She graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 2015 with a B.S. in Kinesiology. In 2018 she earned her certification in professional clinical massage therapy from the Florida School of Advanced Bodywork. Taylor has over 4 years experience massaging clients of all ages, backgrounds and pain needs. She opened Knox Muscle Therapy in March, 2021 and has enjoyed sharing her expertise and experience with her clients in the comfort of their own homes and offices.

Taylor’s background and training is in using the “Edgework” technique. This technique is based on applying the ideal level of pressure to maximize stress reduction, while minimizing resistance or negative reaction to the client’s neuromuscular system. She also has training and experience in Swedish, prenatal and sports massage, as well as myofascial release.

Taylor is Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) who specializes in clinical massage and structural bod... Read More

Dr. Taylor Comford is a Physical Therapist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist in Knoxville, TN. He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from University of Tennessee Health Science Center, as well as his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Lee University. The first 5 years of his career he became a Board Certified Specialist in BOTH Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy.

Dr Comford spent 5 years serving as the PT for the SPHL Hockey Team - Knoxville Ice Bears, managing acute and chronic injuries. He is also a medical provider with USA-weightlifting

In addition to owning and operating Onward Knoxville he also serves as faculty for the South College DPT program, where he educates up and coming PT’s in orthopedic evaluation and treatment techniques. Taylor is also certified in the Management of the Fitness Athlete. He has a unique treatment style, combining the use of skilled hands-on techniques, as well as progressive exercise, in order to help you achieve your goals and improve your overall well-being. Outside of the clinic, you can find Taylor a local music venue, covering a local fitness competition, spending time at a UT sporting event or at his local CrossFit..

Dr. Taylor Comford is a Physical Therapist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist in ... Read More

Avery is a physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist. She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis, and a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science at Trine University, where she also competed in Acrobatics & Tumbling.

Avery was a level 10 gymnast and has over ten years of experience coaching in the sport. She is passionate about helping others gymnasts and artistic athletes get stronger, stay healthy, and achieve their potential.

Most importantly, she strives to partner with her clients to help them achieve their goals, so that they can feel confident doing what they love. In her free time, she enjoys getting outdoors, finding workout classes, and spending time with friends and family.

Avery is a physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist. She received he... Read More

Meaghan has been practicing in orthopedics and pelvic health since 2017. She received her Bachelor’s degree from VCU, where she played D1 soccer for 4 years; and prior to beginning her doctoral program at the University of Lynchburg, she spent one season playing professionally in Europe.

Academically, she continued her education with a focus in pelvic health and orthopedics. She received her Pelvic Rehab certification in 2021, she is ICE trained for the Pregnancy & Postpartum population, and has training in Clinical Management of the Fitness Athlete. She treats pelvic, penile & vaginal dysfunction throughout the lifespan.

Her primary goal is to help her clients feel confident and empowered in navigating their healthcare and goals. Her free time is filled CrossFit, mountain biking, soccer, hiking with her pup, Charlie & spending time with family & friends.

Meaghan has been practicing in orthopedics and pelvic health since 2017. She received her Bachelo... Read More

Kate Hess is a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) with a strong background in therapeutic bodywork. She received her massage therapy certification from Rexburg College of Massage Therapy and studied Exercise Science at Utah Tech University, where she also played Division I soccer. With over a decade of experience in competitive athletics, Kate brings a unique perspective to her work with active individuals and athletes.

Kate focuses on deep tissue and therapeutic massage aimed at providing lasting relief from chronic tension, pain, and muscular dysfunction. She enjoys working with motivated clients who want to understand the root cause of their discomfort and make real progress in their recovery. Her approach combines clinical intent with a calm, focused presence to create impactful results.

Outside the treatment room, Kate enjoys staying active—playing in a weekly soccer league, kayaking, sand volleyball, hunting, and fishing. She’s passionate about helping people feel their best so they can keep doing what they love.

Kate Hess is a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) with a strong background in therapeutic bodywork.... Read More

Doug has been practicing in orthopedics and sports since 2021. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee where he was a place kicker for one season. He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Mary Baldwin University.

Douglas completed a sports residency program through Upstream Rehab Institute in 2023 where he worked with the local minor league hockey team, Knoxville Ice Bears; semi-professional soccer team 865 Alliance. He served in 2024 with the North America East Crossfit Semifinals medical team. His experience spreads across multiple domains of sports and athletes.

Doug wants to make sure his clients return to their specific goals with improved confidence and quality!

Best of all he lives the “be about” lifestyle! Keep your eyes out on the Hyrox and DEKA competition floor! Outside of competition you will also find him hiking and traveling!

Doug has been practicing in orthopedics and sports since 2021. He received his Bachelor’s degree ... Read More

Hannah has been actively working in health, exercise, and sport performance since 2022, gaining experience across sport coaching, personal training and fitness specialist roles, and mental performance coaching. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Health, Exercise, and Sport Studies and Psychology from Denison University in 2023. She is currently pursuing her M.S. in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Hannah holds certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine and plans to apply for Certification in Mental Performance Consulting through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. While in her graduate program, she has gained hands-on experience providing mental performance services, in both individual coaching sessions and group workshops. She is passionate about helping her clients enhance their performance by coaching mental techniques to sharpen skills such as focus, confidence, goal setting, and stress management.

Hannah is originally from Ohio, and in her free time she enjoys exploring Knoxville and surrounding areas with her husband, Jacob, and their one-year-old puppy, Ronan. We love finding our favorite local restaurants, parks, and coffee shops in our new city!

Hannah has been actively working in health, exercise, and sport performance since 2022, gaining e... Read More

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Onward Physical Therapy
Located at: 2459 University Commons Way, Knoxville
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