Healing in Safety
Healing in Safety: Trauma-Informed Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain, Gut Health, and Pelvic Comfort
Many people come to Root & Ember Physical Therapy in Colorado Springs after years of managing chronic pain, digestive issues like IBS or constipation, or discomfort during medical or pelvic exams. These challenges often go beyond muscles or joints — they’re tied to how the nervous system holds patterns of protection.
A history of developmental, physical, or sexual trauma can make the body stay on alert long after the event. Chronic tension, pelvic or abdominal tightness, disrupted digestion, or anxiety around exams are common signs. In these cases, traditional approaches can feel overwhelming or rushed.
Why This Approach Matters
Healing begins with safety. Instead of pushing the body to release tension or perform, the focus is on helping the nervous system recognize that it no longer needs to stay on guard. Change happens when the body feels supported, not forced.
At Root & Ember, sessions integrate nervous-system-informed care and principles from Somatic Experiencing® and co-regulating touch. Treatment moves at a pace your body can handle, guided by subtle cues of “yes” and “not yet.” The private, out-of-network nature of the practice allows me to stay grounded and calm — never rushed, never trying to speed through a process that needs time and care.
What Sessions Look Like
Sessions begin with grounding and orienting — giving your system a chance to feel safe before physical work begins.
Touch, movement, or breath work is introduced gradually and always with consent.
Techniques may include gentle manual therapy, visceral or pelvic floor work, and guided awareness of internal sensations.
The focus is on allowing your body to feel supported and comfortable every step of the way.
Internal Exams on Your Terms
Internal pelvic exams are never rushed or assumed. We wait until your body signals a clear “yes”, and we respect subtle signs of “not yet.” This ensures the nervous system is not overridden and allows healing to unfold naturally. Over time, this pacing reduces anxiety around exams, increases trust in touch-based care, and supports regulation of the nervous system.
The Healing Impact
When the body feels safe, tension releases. Pain often decreases, digestion improves, and pelvic floor function becomes easier. Beyond physical changes, clients report feeling more connected and at ease in their bodies, able to engage with life and care in a way that once felt impossible.
If you’ve struggled with chronic pain, IBS or constipation, or discomfort during medical or pelvic exams — especially with a trauma history — your body has been protecting you. With the right approach, it can learn to feel safe again.
At Root & Ember Physical Therapy, healing comes from supporting your body’s natural ability to repair, rather than overriding it.
🌿 Root & Ember Physical Therapy | Trauma-informed pelvic floor and chronic pain care in Colorado Springs
