Exploring Life & Business with Ashlyn Gardner PT, DPT of Dwell Pelvic Physical Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlyn Gardner PT, DPT.

Hi Ashlyn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Norman, Oklahoma, and I’ve always loved school and being involved in just about everything growing up! I went on to attend the University of Oklahoma (Boomer Sooner), where I initially started as a business major. After taking an elective Health and Exercise class, I switched my major to Health and Exercise Science (similar to Kinesiology). During my junior year, I began working as a physical therapy tech and quickly fell in love with the field. I loved the idea of helping people get back to the activities that make their lives meaningful.

In my first year of PT school, I was “accidentally” placed with a pelvic floor provider for my very first rotation – a rare opportunity typically reserved for third-year students. Looking back, I know it wasn’t an accident at all. That experience showed me how meaningful it is to help women reconnect with strength and confidence in their bodies after birth, cancer, or other diagnoses. Throughout the rest of my training, I also discovered a passion for sports physical therapy during two of my later rotations. When I graduated, my goal was to begin in sports and eventually sub-specialize in pelvic health. But as life often does, it had other plans.

About a year after graduation, I accepted a position at a pelvic floor–only clinic in Denver, where I remained until May 2025. Over those three years, I was deeply mentored, immersed in the pelvic health world, and eventually served as the lead therapist at my clinic during my final year. After leaving that position, I wasn’t exactly sure what my next step would be. I spent a month exploring opportunities in the sports world but kept feeling pulled toward something more personal and patient-centered. For years, I had talked with my patients about how powerful mobile care could be, imagining a way to support those in chronic pain, during pregnancy, or newly postpartum, all within the comfort of their own homes.

In June, I reached a crossroads. It was one of those moments in life where you just have to jump, and on June 23rd, 2025, Dwell Pelvic Physical Therapy was officially born. Since then, it’s been a beautiful journey of starting and growing a business from the ground up. October 2025 marked my first month of having a full patient caseload. It has been such a joy. My goal is to continue establishing and expanding Dwell as a mobile physical therapy practice only, because I truly believe it fills a gap that Denver needs. There are so many amazing pelvic therapists in this city – I just wanted to offer something different, to make care more comfortable and convenient.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Looking back, starting Dwell feels like the most natural next step I could have taken. There have definitely been challenges, and I’m still learning and building a solid foundation, but overall it’s gone pretty smoothly, which is absolutely wild to say! If you had told me on March 1st, 2025, that I’d be running my own business just a few months later, I wouldn’t have believed you.

One of the hardest adjustments has been working solo. I spent three years leading and collaborating with a team, so transitioning to working on my own was a pretty big change. Luckily, the therapy community in Denver is amazing, and I’ve been able to connect with other solo practitioners, which has made a huge difference. I also have an incredible support system, thanks to my parents, roommates, friends, and boyfriend, who have been instrumental in the behind-the-scenes work of Dwell, making it all easier.

There’s also this funny kind of anxiety that comes with starting something new – when things are going well, you can’t help but think, “When is the other shoe going to drop?” But I’m learning to lean into the joy, stay grateful for the growth, and trust that the path is unfolding the way it’s meant to.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dwell Pelvic Physical Therapy?
Dwell Pelvic Physical Therapy is a mobile pelvic health practice serving women across the Denver metro area. I bring one-on-one, individualized pelvic floor physical therapy directly to my patients’ homes so they can receive care in the environment where they feel most comfortable. My focus is helping women feel strong, confident, and capable in their bodies, whether they’re navigating pregnancy or postpartum recovery, managing pelvic pain, leaking, or prolapse, or simply wanting to move and load their bodies without fear.

I describe myself as a “fitness-forward, whole-person pelvic floor therapist.” That means I specialize in the pelvis but also look beyond that to assess how the entire body moves and functions as a whole. I emphasize restoring strength, mobility, and confidence through movement, as well as treating with skilled manual therapy and dry needling when appropriate. I also consider the bigger picture, encompassing mental health, daily movement, nutrition, and sleep, because true healing requires a whole-person approach.

Every evaluation is 80–90 minutes long, and every follow-up is 60–70 minutes long, allowing for meaningful assessment, education, and treatment without feeling rushed. This extra time is part of what sets Dwell apart, along with the flexibility of the mobile model and the atmosphere it creates. There’s something powerful about meeting women where they are – literally and figuratively. It helps people feel less rushed, more comfortable, and like they are the priority. It also helps with childcare and traffic issues! Whether it’s supporting a new mom who doesn’t want to leave the house with a newborn or helping someone manage chronic pelvic pain in the comfort of her own space, this approach makes care more accessible, personal, and effective.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Dwell truly reflects what I want my patients to experience. The name Dwell comes from Psalm 23, honoring my faith. It reflects the highs and lows of a woman’s life, and the peace we can find throughout them. The name was inspired by both the idea of dwelling in our homes and the deeper sense of dwelling in peace, confidence, and comfort within ourselves. Truly being at home in our bodies. My hope is that when people think of Dwell, they think of pelvic floor therapy that’s approachable, effective, and centered around them.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see physical therapy continuing to shift toward more patient-centered, out-of-network models, and I think the public is already embracing this change. Over the next 5–10 years, I anticipate that more and more patients will seek out providers who offer longer, individualized sessions and prioritize quality over quantity. The up-front cost may be higher, but over time, many people actually save money since they often need fewer sessions compared to the traditional insurance model.

The trend toward out-of-network care is going to continue to grow as people recognize its benefits, including the ability to submit claims for reimbursement, utilize HSA/FSA funds, and receive care without the time pressures often associated with in-network insurance restrictions. This shift allows therapists to spend more time with each patient, provide more comprehensive care, and tailor treatment to meet each individual’s unique needs. I’m excited to be a piece of this trend and I believe it will ultimately improve the quality of care across the field!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dwellpelvicpt.com
• Instagram: @dwellpelvicpt
• Other: https://share.google/cnViJILykdUhAWnEq