About Us

Our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Doctors, Dr. Joe Shurtz and Dr. Cassy Cooper are also known as Physiatrists.

What is a Physiatrist?

A physiatrist is a Movement Improvement Specialist.

Physiatrists treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.

Our patients usually include those who:

  • Need durable medical equipment to function at their best
  • Have an ongoing neurodegenerative disease to manage
  • Have lost a limb
  • Had a stroke
  • Are in need of testing to identify nerve injury, dysfunction, or disease
  • Had a traumatic brain injury or concussion
  • Had a spinal cord injury
  • Have a joint, muscle, or sports injury
  • Experience chronic back, neck, joint, nerve, muscle, or pelvic pain
  • Suffer from chronic migraines

Our Staff

Joe Shurtz, DO

Physician, Owner

I am a board-certified Physiatrist or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician. Prior to becoming a physician, I was a board certified athletic trainer and was a head athletic trainer for the national champion BYU men’s rugby team. I have always had a passion for rehabilitation and helping people regain function after injury. This passion lead me to the specialty of Physiatry where my focus is to help improve functional mobility in the setting of neurologic injury or amputation. I am passionate about helping people through physical medicine and rehabilitation because of the potential to restore quality of life through physical movement after acute phases of injury.

I also have a passion for teaching. I have served as an adjunct clinical professor for the University of Washington School of Medicine and I currently serve as a member of the Abbvie Speaker Bureau to train other providers on the use of botulinum toxins in the treatment of limb spasticity and cervical dystonia.

Outside of work I first and foremost love to spend time with my wife and three kids, camping, ATVing, dirt biking, hiking, trail running, and of course fly fishing!

Education

  • Undergraduate — Brigham Young University with a double major in Athletic Training and Exercise Science.
  • Medical School — A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.
  • Internship — Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield, MA
  • PM&R Residency — University of Missouri, Columbia

Lindsey Beck, DO

Physician

I am a board certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician with an interest in diagnosing peripheral nerve disorders. I grew up on a wheat farm near Big Sandy, MT and later attended Montana State University in Bozeman. I met my future husband at MSU, and we then moved to Philadelphia, PA where we attended medical school. We then completed our medical residencies at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. I completed a pain medicine fellowship at the University of Minnesota as well. We then moved to Iowa City, where I worked in the orthopedic spine department at the University Of Iowa for one year as my husband completed his medical training. We then moved to Billings, MT where we lived and worked for four years. We eventually moved to Missoula, MT, where we have resided for the last three years. We feel very fortunate to be able to live, work and raise our family in this beautiful state. I enjoy spending time with my husband and two kids, biking, running, reading, gardening, skiing, and hiking.

Education

  • Undergraduate – Montana State University, Bozeman MT
  • Medical school – Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
  • Residency – University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
  • Fellowship – Pain Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

Cassy Cooper, MD

Physician

I am a board-certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Physician. Following medical school and residency training, I completed a fellowship in Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine.  My medical training took me to Colorado for nearly a decade, but it was always my goal to return to Montana.  Since the completion of my training, I have now served the people of Montana for 3 years. I enjoy being a PM&R doctor specializing in interventional pain management because of its focus on getting patients back to living their life to its fullest.

When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter, and pets, as well as riding bikes, flyfishing, skiing, and gardening.

Education

  • Undergraduate — The Colorado College
  • Undergraduate — Montana State University, Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program
  • Medical School — University of Colorado School of Medicine
  • PM&R Residency — University of Colorado School of Medicine
  • Fellowship — Spine West, Boulder, CO

Mike Tran, DPT

Physical Therapist

Mike has been a Doctor of Physical Therapy for over 15 years and has dedicated his career to helping people move and feel better, especially those facing neurological challenges. He brings a calm, thoughtful approach to care and takes time to help patients understand what’s happening in their bodies and how they can take steps toward recovery.At the clinic, Mike assists with nerve conduction studies, drawing on his strong background in neurorehabilitation to support accurate diagnoses and patient education. He’s passionate about combining hands-on care with clear communication—helping patients not only heal, but also feel empowered along the way.Outside of work, Mike enjoys fly fishing, weightlifting, and spending time with his family. He and his wife, who is also a physical therapist, love being active together and making memories with their two young sons, Christian and Carson.

Jana

Billing and Insurance

Hello! I’m Jana. I have lived in the beautiful state of Montana all my life. I am a wife and a mom of two little girls, who are my whole world! I have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in psychology. My passion has always been helping people, whether it’s on the phone or in person. I have experience in both fields of psychology and currently healthcare, for about 5 years. In my free time I enjoy being outside, reading, traveling, and most of all, spending time with my family

Tarn

Medical Assistant

I have worked in health care for a long time with my scope ranging from women’s health, pediatrics, and physical medicine and rehabilitation. I have a passion for helping others in their time of need, and love to listen to everyone’s story. When I am not working you can find me outside hiking the trails, camping with my family, going to sporting events, concerts, crafting, and everything in-between. I am the proud momma to two amazing girls, and married to my wonderful husband, Mike

Abbe

Office Manager

Hello! My name is Abbe! I’ve been working in the medical field for 14 years, working in multiple healthcare services. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration and look forward to someday getting my master’s degree. My love for healthcare continues to grow. When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my husband and 3 children. We love to get outdoors and enjoy all Montana

Natalie, MHA

Operations Assistant

I received training during my college years in the fields of Exercise Science and Healthcare Administration. I have worked in the healthcare industry in physical therapy, orthodontics, assisted in medical research studies, and worked at MVPMR since its opening in 2023.  I’ve also enjoyed being a coach and para educator to my kids and their friends!

In my time outside the office, I enjoy exercising with friends, wood working DIY projects, playing piano, and being with my family.

Heather, RMA

Medical Assistant

Hi! My name is Heather. I was born and raised in Missoula. I have worked in healthcare for almost 10 years. I graduated from the University of Montana-Missoula with an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting. I received my Registered Medical Assistant certification from American Medical Technologists in July of 2020.  I have previously worked in Podiatry and Dermatology. In March of 2025 I started with Missoula Valley PMR. I love the people and patients that I work with every day! When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my husband and our two boys, reading, listening to music, and going on road trips.

Courtney

Front Desk

Hi, I’m Courtney and I’ve been working in the medical field off and on for the past 22 years. I’ve been a nursing assistant, phlebotomist, and eye tech, but have a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education. When I’m not at work you can find me creating honey do lists for my husband, out for a walk or bike ride, dreaming of where to travel next or convincing my husband we need another dog. I have three boys who have all graduated high school and are pursuing their interests. I joined Missoula PMR in February of 2025.