Rachel Axmacher, PT, DPT
Dr. Axmacher has been a practicing physical therapist since 2008. She has a holistic approach to healing by looking at the whole person, including the mind-body connection. She has taken professional coursework with experiential learning in the areas of Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and addressing the biology of stored trauma in the body. She has a thorough understanding of the autonomic nervous system and the polyvagal theory.
Dr. Rachel is completing training with Somatic Experiencing International to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. In her work with clients, she uses a gentle approach to help people access and process stored tension and trauma in the body.
In her physical therapy practice, Dr. Rachel has worked with a variety of pediatric and adult patients for 17 years. She has a wealth of experience working with children, and especially enjoys treating children age 3 and under. She is excited to offer pediatric therapy for infants at Sage.
When Dr. Rachel is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, being in her church community, taking her dog for walks, hiking, being outdoors, and spending time on the water.
Dr. Rachel was interviewed about somatic therapy for a friend’s blog. Check out the interview for more information about how this work has impacted her own life.
the details
education
Somatic Experiencing training - Somatic Experiencing International, completed first year in 2025 (scheduled to complete program in 2026)
Doctorate In Physical Therapy - Shenandoah University 2008
BS in Biology - University of Mary Washington 2004
community involvement
Assists families in obtaining adaptive equipment for patients
Planned and implemented a pediatric group fitness class to meet a community need
Competed ergonomics assessments at a local factory to reduce workplace injuries
additional training
Pediatric Physical Therapy:
TMR TOTS Levels 1 and 2
Pediatric Gait
Pediatric NDT handling techniques
Sensory Strategies
Torticollis
Play-based therapy strategies for birth to age 3
Adult Physical Therapy:
Joint-Specific Courses (Shoulder and Ankle)
Principles of Manual Medicine
Trauma-Healing Coursework:
The Biology of Trauma Professional Certification with Dr. Aimie Apigian
Advanced Professional Coursework in Early Life Attachment and Neurodevelopment
publications
S. Hale, A. Fergus, R. Axmacher, and K. Kiser. Bilateral Improvements in Lower Extremity Function After Unilateral Balance Training in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability. J Athl Train. 2014 Mar-Apr;49(2):181–191