Grassroots Self Treatment provides coaching and education for a self-directed therapeutic movement practice so you can learn to become your own body mechanic. Whether you are looking for a solution to your pain or want to improve your physical fitness we can help.

Esther Smith (Doctor of Physical Therapy) and Eva Kauffman (Master Pilates Instructor) have combined their philosophies into videos designed to help you understand your body better and teach you how to heal through movement. Using the science and art of physical therapy and the holistic approach of the Pilates Method, they have created hybrid kits of exercises for specific body areas and conditions that you can safely and effectively do at home.

The information presented on this website is not intended to be a substitute for obtaining a medical diagnosis or medical or physical therapy advise from a qualified, licensed provider. Our goal is to support and compliment the care from qualified practitioners and movement specialists in your local area. 

    • Esther Smith, Owner and Instructor

      Esther Smith DPT, Cert. MDT, NTP received her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Utah. Esther owns and operates Grassroots Physical Therapy, a holistic and collaborative practice that focuses on the management of musculoskeletal dysfunction and athletic performance. She strives to offer education and treatment that addresses the underlying cause of symptoms and aids in the prevention of future injury.

      Esther founded Grassroots Self Treatment in 2016. It was the culmination of a long-time dream, to make valuable and effective therapeutic exercise protocols available to everyone, so that more people have the tools and know-how to become autonomous and successful with their own self-treatment of pain and impaired function.

      Esther enjoys continually educating herself, and has obtained certification in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy®, with additional training in Restorative Exercise™, Functional Dry Needling® and manual therapy for the spine through the Spinal Manipulation Institute. Esther is also certified as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP).

      Outside of the clinic, Esther enjoys cooking up good food gathered from local producers, rock climbing in Utah’s wild places, and generally adventuring in the sun and snow with friends and family.

      Learn more about Esther's Salt Lake City physical therapy practice ›

    • Eva Kauffman, Instructor

      Eva is trained as a dancer and lives life as an athlete. While earning her MFA from the University of Utah, she developed a passion for kinesiology and the conditioning process toward excellent performance. Eventually this led her to the study of and certification in the Pilates Method. Eva finished her training at The Pilates Center in Boulder, Colorado in 1997 and has been developing her teaching skills ever since including the 2016 completion of the Kathy Grant Heritage Training, a graduate level Pilates course. Additionally Eva is Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) Certified.

      She opened Streamline Bodyworks in 2000 where she directs operations, teaches classes and sessions, and serves as a mentor and co-director in Streamline’s Pilates Teacher Training Program.

      Eva is a firm believer in the Pilates Method as it enables us to mindfully coordinate a strong and supple body; this is the balance we need to maintain and enjoy our busy lives. Outside of the Pilates studio you might find Eva on the tennis court, on her bike or skis or traveling about with her family of four.

      Learn more about Eva's Salt Lake City pilates studio ›