Rachel Carter graduated from Regis University in 2006 with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and started her PT career at Craig Rehabilitation Hospital working with people who sustained catastrophic spinal cord injuries.  Here she was introduced to Functional Manual Therapy and was an instant convert to its concise and immensely effective methodology.  She followed this interest and in 2010 achieved the prestigious certification in FMT.  

She has since also certified in  Functional Dry Needling through Kinetacore and is one of fewer than 50 practitioners nationwide to achieve credentialing in both.  She has found the melding of these two treatment strategies in addition to several others to have evolved into a holistic, incredibly effective and integrated physical therapy practice.  As a mother of two, a former nationally-ranked water skier, and an Ironman triathlon finisher, she loves the Colorado active lifestyle and welcomes the challenge to help her clients get back to doing what they love!

What is FMT?

The Functional Manual Therapist is trained to identify specific mobility limitations within the joints, soft tissues, viscera and neurovascular tissues. Limited mobility in these structures can impair a patient's function and ability to automatically and efficiently control our activities of daily living. The IPA is the original source of Functional Mobilization™ (FM) and Soft Tissue Mobilization. Gregory Johnson first developed and presented Soft Tissue Mobilization to the physical therapy profession in 1979 as an adjunct to joint mobilization. Over the years, Mr. Johnson developed Functional Mobilization™, an effective evaluation and treatment system for joints, soft tissues, visceral and neurovascular structures. This unique and immediately effective intervention combines active movements and resisted contractions with a specific directional pressure to produce efficient mobility. FM strategies provides the therapist an ability to assess the effect of limited mobility on function in both weight bearing and non-weight bearing positions, promoting a more direct relationship between the mechanical treatment and the desired functional outcome.

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a general term for a therapeutic treatment procedure that involves multiple advances of a filament needle into the muscle in the area of the body which produces pain and typically contains a trigger point. There is no injectable solution and typically the needle that is used is very thin. Most patients will not even feel the needle penetrate the skin, but once it advances into the muscle, the discomfort can vary from patient to patient. Usually a healthy muscle feels very little discomfort upon insertion of the needle; however, if the muscle is sensitive and shortened or contains active trigger points, the subject may feel a sensation much like a muscle cramp, often referred to as a 'twitch response".

How do I schedule an appointment?

I am not currently taking new clients.  For a list of other CFMT's in the area, please visit www.instituteofphysicalart.com and click on 'IPA World'

What should I expect during my first session?

During your first session, expect to spend some time where I ask you a lot of questions to help me understand your history, your symptoms, your lifestyle, etc.  This is like dumping out the box of puzzle pieces.  Then we'll spend some time where I look at your body and how you move.  This is like starting to figure out how the pieces fit together.  We will definitely spend some time on treatment the first day to see how your body responds and eventually we will have that puzzle put together.  Please remember to wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows skin access.  Shorts and a camisole are preferred for women, shorts and bare trunk for men.  If you are a runner, please bring your running shoes.
 

What are your rates?

$135.00 per hour

How long will I need to keep coming to PT?  

This depends on several factors including how long the symptoms have persisted, what other areas of the body require treatment, and what you do with your body outside of therapy (including how diligently you do your "homework").  The beauty of using Functional Manual Therapy is that it is holistic in nature and extremely effective so rest assured, you will not be coming in twice a week for months.  Usually, I will see patients once a week for around 4 weeks and then together we will decide what makes the most sense for how to proceed.  But again, it depends on the unique story that your body has to tell.

What forms of payment do you take?

I can accept cash, check, credit card or a Health Spending Account (HSA) card.

Why don't you take insurance?  

By choosing to be an "Out of Network Provider" I have the flexibility and autonomy to allow the needs of my patients and only the needs of my patients to dictate the type of treatment I provide, the duration of their treatment sessions, the frequency of these sessions, and how long to continue therapy.  In short, it allows me more time and freedom to spend one on one with you to help you achieve your goals.  I can, upon request, give you the necessary documentation to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

Will my insurance reimburse me for treatment?

It depends on your specific policy and deductible.  The best way to tell for sure is to call your insurance company and ask if they reimburse for out of network providers.