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

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

Kelli Gibbs, PA-C

Physician Assistant

I have many years of experience in primary care and urgent care and I have been working in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation with Dr. Shurtz for several years. Outside of the clinic, I enjoy running. I currently have a goal to run a marathon in each of the 50 states. My husband and I own a brewery in Townsend, Montana.

Education

  • Undergraduate — University of Montana, Bachelors in Health and Human Performance
  • Postgraduate — University of Georgia, Masters of Exercise Physiology
  • PA School — South University in Savannah, Georgia

Jana Lubbers

Receptionist

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, whom 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 going for walks around our neighborhood, reading, traveling, going to concerts, and of course, spending time with my family!

Abbe Moran

Billing and Insurance Specialist

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 has to offer.

Natalie Shurtz, MHA

Operations Assistant

Hello! I'm Natalie. I've been a Montanan since 2017 when my husband and I moved here with our family to put down roots in this great community. I received training during my college years in the fields of Exercise Science (BS) and Healthcare Administration (MHA). I have worked in the healthcare industry in physical therapy and orthodontic clinics and assisted in medical research studies for a time as well. I have always had a passion for health and wellness and encouraging people to live as though life is a sweet adventure. I am excited to be a part of the Missoula Valley Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation clinic, to serve and support you on your path to optimal mobility and wellness.

My joys in life are social exercising, the great outdoors, being involved in my church community, being a Mom to my three littles, and wife of Dr. Joe.

Tarn Duff

Medical Assistant

I have worked in health care for a long time with my scope ranging from women's health, pediatrics, and now, physical medicine and rehabilitation. I took 3.5 years off beginning in 2020 to be a stay-at-home Mom. Now that my kids are in school full-time, I have taken this great opportunity to come back to work. I have a passion for helping others in their time of need, and love to listen to everyone's story they have to tell, big or small. When I am not working you can find me outside hiking the trails, camping with my family, going to sporting events (Go Red Sox!), concerts, crafting, and everything in-between. I am the proud momma to two amazing girls, and married to my wonderful husband, Mike.

Hayden Wampler

Medical Assistant

I have worked in healthcare throughout my teenage and early adult years, to include clinical experience in orthopedics and endocrinology as well as veterinary medicine. I am currently a pre-med student at the University of Montana. Outside of school and work, I enjoy photography and running my own photography business. I also enjoy 3-D printing, and tending to my large collection of houseplants.


Ready to Enjoy the Benefits of Improved Movement?

It's as easy 1-2-3…

  • 1 Call our office or tap our “Contact Us” button to share what type of movement improvement you're in need of.
  • 2 Our Staff will collect further information to see if you could benefit from the services available in our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation clinic.
  • 3 We will schedule you for a consultation, where you can meet with Dr. Shurtz, and further discuss your physical limitations, goals, and options for care.