For Amy E. Smith, physical therapy is about much more than getting over a physical injury. It’s about fostering a relationship with the client, encouraging mental and spiritual healing. It’s what led her to leave her job as a physical therapist at an outpatient practice and founding Roots Specialty Services LLC in 2020, where she could rely on her own approach.
“It was a giant leap of faith. It was really intimidating to stick out and say let’s see how this goes,” Smith said.
Unsatisfied with traditional physical therapy practices that she felt could never truly help some of the clients with more-complex needs, Smith decided to turn to a more holistic approach to physical therapy – an approach that takes into account the mental and emotional well-being of the patients.
“This is what excites me, helping people make significant changes in their life,” Smith said. “Seeing physical therapy as not just a way to heal physical injury but tap into the mental, emotional component.”
The next two years were marked by slow but steady growth: from what she calls a tiny “closet” across the hall from her current location, Roots grew into its current space, equipped with a gym, a yoga studio and three treatment room suites. Despite a small hiccup brought by the COVID-19 outbreak, which forced Smith to temporarily shift to virtual classes, her fledgling business bloomed into a thriving one mostly through word-of-mouth: one client led to two, to three and eventually to today’s buzzing studio.
There, Smith and 11 other employees offer clients services ranging from one-on-one physical therapy sessions to yoga and massage therapy. Much of her approach focuses on “working with the person in front of us, focusing on not just what hurts them but getting to know them, learning their background, what’s important to them, what their goals are,” Smith said. From there, she is able to build a personalized approach that can heal even chronic conditions.
The most recent expansion was the addition of the Roots Yoga + Movement program and massage therapy services in October 2022. The new yoga program, open to the public, offers small, intimate classes for eight to 10 people, dedicated to teaching them how to move safely while building a community.
It’s not just her professional life that’s deeply entangled with Roots, but her personal life too: for some time now, Smith’s wife, Emily, has been working alongside her as a co-owner and taking care of all financial and operational aspects of the business. It’s the dream team, Smith said.
“It’s challenging but special when you get to step back and look at the success,” Smith said.
Another pillar of Roots is the practice’s commitment to inclusivity. As members of the LGBTQ+ community, Smith said she and Emily recognize how important it is to offer safe spaces for the community, where people can feel safe and welcome.
“It’s part of the fabric of our being. We recognize the need to put this out there and be a resource for the queer community in Providence,” Smith said.
The goal for 2023? Consistency and stability, Smith said.
“We planted the seeds and now we want to watch them grow,” Smith said.
OWNERS: Amy E. Smith and Emily C. Smith
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Physical therapy
LOCATION: 1 Richmond Square, Providence
EMPLOYEES: 12
YEAR FOUNDED: 2020
ANNUAL SALES: WND
