FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GETTING STARTED

  • No referral or diagnosis is needed. Colorado is a direct access state, which means you can begin physical therapy without seeing a medical doctor first.

    One important note: I’m not legally able to see clients with government-funded insurance plans (like Medicare or Medicaid), even if you're planning to pay out of pocket. If that’s your situation, I’d be glad to help connect you with someone who offers similar care.

    If you're unsure whether this applies to you—or just want to explore if this work feels like a fit—you're welcome to schedule a free 30-minute exploration call.

  • Your first session at Root & Ember Physical Therapy is about building trust and laying the foundation for healing. You don’t need to show up any certain way—just as you are. We’ll meet you there with care, curiosity, and a deep respect for the wisdom your body already holds.

    What Will Happen in the First Session?

    1. A Conversation First

    2. Body-Based Assessment

    3. Hands-On Treatment or Interventions

    Take a look at our blog post for further information about the first visit. If you have specific concerns, needs, or preferences before your session, feel free to reach out—we’re here to make this experience as comfortable and supportive as possible.

  • You can head to the Contact Page to book your free 30-minute exploration call. Just let me know a bit about what you’re hoping for, and I’ll follow up to schedule a time that works for you.

The Approach

  • It’s completely normal if terms like nervous system regulation or somatic experiencing feel unfamiliar at first. These are simply tools to help us understand how stress, injury, or past experiences might influence how your body moves, feels, and heals.

    Everything we do is rooted in physical therapy principles, with the option to gently incorporate nervous system work if—and when—it feels right for you. We move at your pace, always checking in to ensure the process feels supportive, not overwhelming. Read the blog on SE Bodywork for further understanding. 

    You don’t need to know anything in advance—my role is to guide you in a way that feels clear, safe, and aligned with your goals.

  • That’s a really valid concern—and you’re not alone. Many of my clients come to me after trying traditional physical therapy and not seeing the progress they were hoping for.

    What makes this work different is the integrative, nervous system-informed approach. We don’t just treat the body in isolation—we consider the whole person, including the nervous system, stress responses, trauma history, and the emotional context of your symptoms. This kind of work can be especially powerful when pain or dysfunction has felt stuck or resistant to more conventional methods.

    We might incorporate movement, breath, education, hands-on techniques, or Somatic Experiencing®—always guided by your comfort, capacity, and goals. My job isn’t to push through a protocol, but to listen closely and work collaboratively with you to support true healing.

    If you’re curious but unsure, you’re always welcome to book a free 30-minute exploration call so we can talk through what you’ve tried and whether this might be a good fit.

  • We have a blog post with a compilation of testimonials. You can clink this link to get to them.

  • Not at all—this is your space, and you get to decide what feels right to share.

    While some of the techniques I use (like Somatic Experiencing®) are designed to gently support the body’s stress and healing responses, they do not require you to talk about past experiences or trauma. The focus can stay entirely on physical healing unless you choose otherwise.

    Many people find relief through body-based approaches that don’t involve verbal processing. We always move at your pace, with respect for your boundaries and comfort level. This is about supporting your whole self—without pressure, expectation, or pushing into anything you’re not ready for.

  • That’s absolutely okay. Hands-on work is never required, and your comfort and consent always come first.

    We can explore many effective approaches that don’t involve touch—like movement, breathwork, nervous system education, and somatic practices. There are lots of ways to support healing, and we’ll always move at your pace.

    If you’re curious but unsure, we can talk more during a free 30-minute exploration call to see what feels right for you.

  •  While I do not currently have a behavioral health therapist on staff, I highly recommend that clients have access to a trusted mental health provider outside of our work together—especially when navigating complex pain, emotional stress, or long-standing patterns in the nervous system.

    Our sessions can bring up a range of sensations or feelings, and having a therapist as part of your support team can be incredibly helpful in making sense of those experiences. We can collaborate (with your consent) to ensure your care feels integrated and supported across both physical and emotional aspects of healing.

  • Nope. Internal exams are never required. Your care is always guided by your comfort, your boundaries, and your goals.

    As a policy, I prefer to work together for a few visits before considering any internal exam. This gives us time to build trust, understand your nervous system, and make sure you feel grounded and safe in your body. If we ever decide to perform an internal assessment, we’ll talk it through step by step. You’ll always have the option to say yes, no, or “not right now.”

    There are many effective ways to support pelvic health and healing without any internal or hands-on treatment. You’re in charge of what happens with your body in this space.

CONSENT-BASED CARE

LOGISTICS & PAYMENT

  • Root & Ember Physical Therapy is a cash-based practice. After working in hospital-based settings and within the limitations of insurance-driven care, I started Root & Ember Physical Therapy to offer something different—something more aligned with what I believe truly supports healing. Instead of being limited by what insurance allows or dictates, I can now focus fully on what each client needs, using our time in the way that best serves your body and your goals.

    Payment is due at the time of service. I accept cash, credit/debit cards, and Venmo.

    This model supports a deeply personalized, whole-person approach—centered around nervous system regulation, trauma-informed care, and individualized physical therapy.

  • I believe that clarity and transparency are essential parts of a supportive therapeutic relationship. That’s why all pricing is shared upfront—so there are no surprises. You’ll always know the cost of each session and any additional services before they’re provided.

    Initial Consultation: $245 for a 90 minute session

    Follow up/Returning Client: $180 for a 50-55 minute session

    6-Session Follow Up Package: $972 (10% or $108 savings when purchasing the package vs. 6 individual 50 minute sessions).

    Functional Dry Needling (FDN) Tune Up: $50 for a 20 minute session

    I understand that investing in your health is a meaningful commitment, and I’m happy to discuss your goals, budget, and how to make the most of each session. My aim is to provide care that feels both valuable and accessible within your means. If you ever have questions about pricing or need support in planning your course of care, please don’t hesitate to ask.

  • It’s a completely valid question—especially if you’re used to quick, insurance-covered visits or traditional models of care.

    The rates at Root & Ember Physical Therapy reflect a few key things:

    • Specialized, trauma-informed expertise

      • You're working with a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy, trained not only in pelvic health and movement science, but also in Somatic Experiencing®, nervous system regulation, and whole-person healing. This depth of training allows us to address complex, persistent issues in a way that truly supports long-term change.

    • More time + focused attention

      • Initial evaluations are longer than most insurance-based PT visits, and you’ll never be shuffled between patients or left to do exercises alone. You get 1:1 care the entire time, personalized to your body, goals, and capacity.

    • Space to be heard

      • Many people arrive feeling like they haven’t had the time or space to fully explain what they’re experiencing. Rachael’s model allows for sessions that are genuinely unrushed, where your story, symptoms, and questions are met with attention and curiosity. This depth of listening helps reveal patterns that are often missed in quick appointments, making it easier to understand what’s actually driving your discomfort.

    • Freedom from insurance limitations

      • Because I’m not bound by what insurance will “allow,” I can offer care that’s more holistic, more attuned to your pace, and more likely to lead to real, lasting results. You’re not just paying for a session—you’re investing in an approach designed to actually help you heal.

    • Sustainable outcomes, not just symptom relief

      • While the upfront cost might be more than a co-pay or a massage, this work is about getting to the root—not chasing symptoms. Many clients find they need fewer total health care visits over time, feel more empowered in their bodies, and make progress that actually sticks.

    That said, I know finances matter. I’m always happy to talk through your goals and budget to help you get the most out of your care. And if you’re unsure, you’re welcome to start with a free 30-minute exploration call—no pressure, just clarity.

  • At Root & Ember Physical Therapy, I understand that life happens—illnesses, emergencies, and unexpected events can arise. To support flexibility, each client is granted one late cancellation or no-show grace visit. This means that if you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice, you will not be charged one time.

    After that one-time grace, any cancellations made less than 48 hours before your appointment (including no-shows) will be charged at the full session rate. To avoid being charged, cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.

    In return, I also commit to honoring your time. If I must cancel within 48 hours due to illness or emergency, the visit will be rescheduled at the next available appointment slot. If this happens a second time, you will receive one free credit for the service you were scheduled to receive. This policy is intended to support mutual respect, fairness, and commitment to your care and healing journey.

  • Nope. While a large part of my practice focuses on pelvic health and postpartum care—which often brings in women and birthing people—I work with people of all genders.

    Some clients come in for support with things like stress, chronic tension, injury recovery, or nervous system regulation. If you’re drawn to this kind of care, you’re welcome here.

    If you’re unsure whether your needs are a fit, feel free to reach out or book a free 30-minute exploration call. We can sort it out together.

  • You will get the most out of your session if you’re able to take the session to focus fully on yourself and your healing. For that reason, coming without your child is highly encouraged whenever possible.

    That said, I understand that life is real, childcare isn't always available, and sometimes you have to make it work. If circumstances arise where you need to bring your child, you are absolutely welcome to do so—we’ll make the best of it together and ensure your care still feels supportive and worthwhile.

  • You're welcome to bring a partner, support person, or friend if it helps you feel safe, comfortable, and supported. Having someone present who is invested in your well-being and wants to better understand your condition can be incredibly beneficial.

    That said, some clients find it more helpful to have a private, uninterrupted space to focus fully on their own experience. This work often requires vulnerability and connection to one’s inner world, and sometimes that feels easier without an observer.

    Ultimately, it’s up to you. I trust you to choose what feels most supportive for where you’re at in your healing journey.

INCLUSION & SUPPORT

  • Every person’s healing journey is unique, and the number of sessions needed will vary based on your symptoms, goals, and how your body responds to treatment.

    For more acute or straightforward concerns, some individuals may benefit from as few as 4–6 sessions.

    For more complex or chronic conditions, it’s common to begin with 10–12 sessions, followed by a re-evaluation to assess progress and update your care plan. At that point, we’ll determine the most supportive next steps and provide a more comprehensive prognosis.

    Because this work involves not just physical symptoms but also how your nervous system processes and adapts to change, it often takes a few sessions to understand your body’s patterns and responsiveness to care. This relationship-building process helps guide a plan and pace that is truly supportive and sustainable for you.

    Your care is always tailored to meet your body where it’s at—and adjusted along the way to support lasting, meaningful change

  • While everyone’s body and story is different, many clients have reported noticing changes like:

    • Greater awareness of your body’s needs and capacity to listen—supporting more sustainable energy throughout the day

    • Reduced pain intensity and fewer flares

    • Improved pain management strategies 

    • More confidence in your body—whether returning to favorite activities, hobbies, work, or time with loved ones

    • Easier bowel movements and improved bladder control

    • More comfort and pleasure with intimacy

    • Relief from tension or gripping patterns

    • A greater sense of ease and strength in movement

    • Increased embodiment and awareness of your body’s cues, needs, and rhythms

    These shifts may unfold gradually or show up more noticeably right away, depending on what’s happening in your body and the kind of support you need. Our work will be guided by your goals, and grounded in what feels safe and sustainable for you.

    You can also read what others have shared about their experiences in our blog section: testimonials. 

OUTCOMES & EXPECTATIONS