Dr. Sarah Zemen is an orthopedic manual physiotherapist, osteopractor, USA Gymnastics coach, and retired gymnast with a unique journey shaped by resilience and passion. Growing up as a Junior Olympic gymnast on scholarship, Sarah faced significant health challenges early in her athletic career, including a fractured spine at the age of 13 and multiple ankle injuries to both sides which put her in a wheelchair at 15. These experiences not only tested her physical and mental limits but also ignited a deep desire to understand the human body and its healing processes.

Determined to turn her setbacks into strength, Sarah transitioned from athlete to coach at Empire Gymnastics Academy in north Texas, using her firsthand experience to guide and inspire young gymnasts on the elite gymnastics track from 2011 to 2020. During this time, she pursued a degree in exercise science on an academic scholarship at Texas Woman’s University, earning a 4.0 GPA distinction while representing the TWU Exercise Physiology department at the Texas ASCM academic competition in 2017. This time was spent under the mentorship of renowned biomechanics and exercise physiology instructors, Dr. Kwon, Dr. Ben-Ezra, and Dr. Biggerstaff, laying the foundation for her understanding of athletic performance, injury prevention, and clinical cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Driven by her commitment to reaching a higher understanding and level of expertise, she continued her education, earning a doctorate in physical therapy from UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX in 2019.

Dr. Zemen’s post-doctoral specialization in manual orthopedic physical therapy within the renowned American Academy of Manipulative Therapy (AAMT) has further equipped her with advanced skills and certifications in ultrasound-guided dry needling, evidence-based dry needling, regenerative needling techniques, spinal manipulation, advanced joint mobilization techniques, vestibular rehab, concussion management and rehab, and blood flow restriction training. She also notes special interests in the areas of functional and precision healthcare, helping her patients navigate aspects of wellness that affect their recovery and health status, which is evident in the care of all of her patients. Her unique blend of knowledge from both the athletic and medical worlds allows her to address sports injuries with a holistic approach, merging the expertise of sport and first-line healthcare providers.

Inspired by her own injuries and difficulties navigating the health system, Dr. Zemen is dedicated to filling gaps in knowledge and education surrounding sports injuries and misunderstood, reversible orthopedic-metabolic conditions such as osteoarthritis. She believes that a “whole-human” approach and well-informed treatment are essential for young athletes and active adults to thrive. Through her work, she aims to empower athletes, coaches, parents, and colleagues with the information and tools they need to minimize injury risk and enhance recovery. She has enjoyed working in north Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona, but currently sees patients in Colorado Springs, while offering telehealth services to patients in Texas and Arizona. 

Dr. Zemen not only provides comprehensive services within the clinic, but also partners with local high school athletic teams to offer premium-level orthopedic care to upcoming generations and increase access to progressive, cutting-edge, and forward-thinking healthcare to the “Big-Small Town” of Colorado Springs. 

As a passionate advocate for athlete health and wellness, Dr. Zemen is committed to giving back to the community that shaped her. Her journey serves as a testament to resilience, and she continues to inspire others with her dedication to fostering a safer and healthier environment for future generations of athletes.