Physical Therapy & Bodywork

with Dr. Mariel Little

Individualized attention for your individual needs.

Mariel completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2019 at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where she earned the Mary Gosnell Award for Clinical Excellence. Since then, Mariel has completed additional training in the areas of functional dry needling, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, soft tissue mobilization, oncology rehabilitation and treatment of lymphedema. Mariel is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, specializing in treating individuals who have undergone cancer treatment, especially surgeries and radiation related to breast cancer.

As a provider, Mariel considers the entire individual in her treatment, with emphasis on improved function and quality of life. She offers a compassionate ear and partnership to suit the needs of every individual she works with. Book a free 15 minute introductory call if you have questions about therapy or click below to schedule a visit to get started on your healing journey!

How we can help

Issues Treated:

- Rehabilitation during cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation

- Breast cancer related pain, scar tissue or movement restrictions

- Cancer-related lymphedema

- Neck and back pain

- Numbness, tingling or nerve pain

- Headaches

- Shoulder conditions including impingement, rotator cuff injury

- Low back pain

- Hip, sacroiliac joint pain

- Tendonitis, bursitis and overuse injuries

- Knee pain or injury

- Deconditioning and weakness

- Balance and gait difficulties

- Mobility restrictions

- Athletic performance improvement

- Exercise programs

- Pain or injury related to motor vehicle accident

& Many more!

Available Treatments

  • Dry Needling

  • Soft Tissue Mobilization/Massage

  • Joint Mobilization

  • Lymphatic Drainage

  • Myofascial Decompresison

  • Exercise Prescription

  • Cupping

  • PNF

  • Active Release

  • Scar Mobilization

  • + Much More!

Choose the session that's right for you

Finally address that ache or pain that has been bothering you. Deconstruct the reason why you have pain with your yoga practice or recreational activities. These sessions include individualized evaluation to get to the bottom of it. We'll look for asymmetries in your functional biomechanics, not simply the place where you have pain, and build a comprehensive plan to feel better fast. Treatments may include:

  • Joint mobilization

  • Neuromuscular Re-Education

  • Dry Needling

  • Soft tissue Mobilization/massage

  • Myofascial Decompression

  • Exercise Prescription

  • Motor Pattern Optimization

  • Function/Activity-specific Training

  • Many more!

Even the best multidisciplinary cancer teams often lack the support of physical therapy, leaving patients with debilitating side effects and no support in dealing with them. These sessions address side effects from radiation, chemotherapy and surgeries. Mariel specializes in all care related to breast cancer, from pre-operative evaluations to dealing with tightness, pain and swelling years after treatment.

Not sure where you need support through your cancer treatment? Here's what you could be missing (for those with breast cancer- read more below):

  • Pre/post operative care for surgeries (lumpectomy, mastectomy, lymph node removal and reconstructive surgeries)

  • Axillary web syndrome/cording

  • Scar tissue mobilization

  • Cancer-related lymphedema

  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage

  • Pain or swelling following radiation

  • Mobility limitations

Not feeling any aches and pains? No problem! Try a luxurious session of rejuvenating bodywork to feel relaxed and invigorated. Tailor the session to your needs by choosing from the modalities listed below. Not sure what to pick? No worries! Mariel brings her expertise about biomechanics to address any problematic areas, making for a specialized experience!

  • Massage, soft tissue mobilization

  • Trigger Point Release

  • Dry Needling

  • Myofascial Decompression

  • Cupping

  • PNF

  • Active Release

  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage (targeting body or face, with or without dry brushing)

What Our Clients Are Saying

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use insurance?

We do not bill insurance directly, but FSA and HSA cards are accepted for all services.

Our practice operates outside of insurance so we can offer a more personalized, unrushed experience—often at a lower upfront cost, especially for clients who haven’t met their deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. Traditional insurance-based care can come with hidden costs, shorter visits, and delays due to referrals or authorizations.

By not working directly with insurance, we’re able to:

  • Offer clear, upfront pricing with no surprise bills

  • Skip referrals and authorizations so you can begin care sooner

  • Provide longer, one-on-one sessions in a calm, private setting

  • Create treatment plans that are truly tailored to you

  • Offer a sliding payment scale when appropriate to support access

If you have out-of-network benefits, we’re happy to provide a superbill upon request. This can be submitted to your insurance company for possible reimbursement, depending on your plan.

If you have questions about payment options or want to talk through what feels right for you, don't hesitate to schedule a free introductory call and we would be happy to chat more about it.

How much does it cost?

Sessions can be purchased in 60 or 90 minute increments as single visits or in packages.

Sangha Yoga Members receive further discounts on all services.

To see our most recent prices and specials, click here.

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

No—a doctor’s referral is not required to receive physical therapy in Colorado.

This means you can schedule directly and begin care without extra steps or delays. If you’re experiencing pain, recovering from an injury, or simply want support moving better, you’re welcome to start whenever you feel ready.

If you’d like, we’re also happy to collaborate with your physician or other healthcare providers as part of your care.

Have questions or unsure where to begin? We’re always here to help guide you.

What should I wear to my session?

Comfort is key. For physical therapy and bodywork sessions, we often use hands-on techniques that require access to the skin. We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, such as shorts and a strappy sports bra or tank top that allows for ease of movement and treatment.

For oncology and lymphedema sessions, a gown will be provided so you can feel comfortable, supported, and fully at ease throughout your visit.

If you’re ever unsure what to wear or have specific comfort needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to help you feel prepared and relaxed before your session.

How do I qualify for a sliding payment scale?

We understand that the healthcare landscape is constantly changing, and rising premiums and out-of-pocket costs can make accessing care feel overwhelming. Our sliding scale is offered to increase access to care and reduce barriers, not create them.

To qualify, we simply ask for a brief, respectful conversation about your financial needs so we can agree on a rate that feels sustainable for both you and the practice. There’s no extensive paperwork—just an open, supportive discussion.

If you’re interested, please schedule an introductory call prior to your first session so we can talk through the details together.

The things no one tells you about breast cancer treatment — and why addressing them early matters

Breast cancer treatment saves lives. But many of the physical side effects that follow surgery, radiation, and lymph node removal are often minimized, misunderstood, or simply not discussed. Left unaddressed, they can quietly impact comfort, mobility, and quality of life for years.

You deserve more than “this is just how it is now.” Thoughtful, specialized rehabilitation can make a profound difference.

1. Swelling and lymphedema — not just in the arm

Most people are told to watch for arm swelling after lymph node removal. What’s discussed far less is how common swelling in the breast, chest wall, armpit, and trunk can be—especially after radiation. These areas are frequently under-diagnosed and undertreated.

Early monitoring and gentle, proactive care can:

  • Reduce progression of swelling

  • Improve tissue mobility and comfort

  • Shorten overall treatment time

  • Protect long-term tissue health

Catching subtle changes early truly matters.

2. Shoulder stiffness and loss of range of motion

Surgery, radiation, and protective movement patterns can all affect shoulder mobility—sometimes immediately, sometimes months or years later. Without guidance, it’s easy for stiffness and discomfort to slowly become your new normal.

With the right hands-on care and a simple, personalized movement program, you can:

  • Restore and protect shoulder range of motion

  • Prevent long-term limitations

  • Stay active in the ways that matter to you

3. Pain that lingers after treatment ends

Scar tissue, radiation fibrosis, swelling, and cording can all contribute to ongoing discomfort. And just when these issues often begin to surface, regular visits with your oncology team typically decrease.

Many people are left thinking they simply have to live with it.

You don’t.

Whether you are currently in treatment or years beyond it, pain is not something you have to accept as the cost of survival. Specialized breast cancer rehabilitation can help soften restricted tissue, calm the nervous system, restore movement, and support true healing.

Your life after cancer deserves to feel whole, comfortable, and fully lived.

Help is here—for wherever you are in your journey.