About Desert Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health

Dr. Tara Beran PT, DPT, RYT

“Hello, I’m Tara, an experienced pelvic physical therapist and Desert Physical Therapy and Pelvic Health owner. In the past, I found myself in a situation much like yours—scared and worried about pelvic pain. Let’s be honest, I was downright freaked out. This happened just weeks before embarking on my career as a new pelvic physical therapist. I experienced pelvic pain, bladder discomfort, and a burning sensation throughout the pelvis. It was a challenging time, but it taught me a great deal.

While I used to wish I never had to endure that pain, it ultimately changed my life in profound ways. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without that experience. I had my unique journey through pelvic pain, which may differ from yours, but with all the emotions, worry, pain, and feelings involved, I believe I can genuinely be there for you.

I’m excited to meet you and embark on this healing journey together.”

Tara brings with her years of clinical experience in addressing pelvic floor dysfunction in both men and women. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from A.T. Still University and possesses a deep understanding and empathy for the emotional and psychological stresses that often accompany such dysfunctions. This understanding stems from her journey dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction. Hailing from a family of healthcare professionals in women’s health, obstetrics, and gynecology, Tara is passionate about revolutionizing the recovery process for both women and men dealing with low back, hip, and pelvic floor injuries.

She pursues this passion through innovative education, evidence-based rehabilitation, advanced manual therapy techniques, and return-to-fitness programs that emphasize diaphragm and pelvic floor integration into core strengthening and stability programs.

Tara is a registered yoga therapist trained in myofascial release, intramuscular dry needling, cupping, advanced manual therapy techniques, visceral mobilizations, biofeedback, and therapeutic exercise.

Specializing in the treatment of pelvic floor pain arising from trauma, infections, post-surgical issues, and dyspareunia (painful sex), Tara also addresses stress and urge incontinence, interstitial cystitis, chronic prostatitis, and post-prostatectomy dysfunction in men.

Outside of her practice, Tara dedicates time to her other passions: spending quality time with family and engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and various forms of exercise.

Contact Tara:
Phone: (602) 264-3369
Email: tara@desertpt.com

 

Dr. Erika Townsend, PT, DPT

Dr. Erika Townsend graduated from A.T. Still University where she received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Erika’s interest in health and wellness began while participating in track and field growing up and continued throughout her time at college where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Arizona State University. Erika deeply values whole-person healthcare where she incorporates functional and dynamic activities with her treatment programs to help her patients meet and exceed their goals.

During her time in graduate school, she developed a great passion for pelvic health and providing high-quality care to patients with evidence-based treatment techniques. Erika values individualized whole-person care for patients to reach their

goals and maximize their function. She is passionate about helping patients gain control of their pelvic floor dysfunction. She strives to create an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their symptoms and receiving appropriate and effective care. She emphasizes manual therapy treatment techniques in conjunction with therapeutic procedures and modalities.

Erika treats a variety of conditions that includes urinary incontinence, low back pain, thoracic back pain, pelvic pain, abdominal pain, hip pain and dysfunction, dyspareunia (pain with intercourse), prolapse, diastasis recti, endometriosis, and prenatal and postpartum conditions. She values providing a high level of care to all patients to optimize function and quality of life.

In her free time away from treating patients, Erika enjoys skating and spending time with her family.

Contact Erika:
Phone: (602) 264-3369
Email: erika@desertpt.com 

 

Dr. Cassidy Cutter, PT, DPT, RYT

Cassidy earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ, and her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Throughout graduate school, Cassidy developed a strong passion and level of empathy for those with pelvic pain due to her personal experience with pelvic pain & dysfunction. This led her to seek further education in pelvic rehabilitation through the Herman & Wallace Institute. Cassidy is also a certified yoga and Pilates instructor with over 7 years of teaching experience and additional training in trigger point modalities, yin yoga, and biomechanics of yoga.

Cassidy has an evidence-based and whole-body approach when assessing the needs of each person including manual therapy techniques, myofascial release, cupping, exercise prescription, relaxation strategies, etc.

Cassidy specializes in treating those with pelvic conditions including incontinence, diastasis recti, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), and low back/hip/pelvic pain due to pregnancy, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, interstitial cystitis, & gynecologic surgeries as well as those with orthopedic conditions such as joint dysfunction, strains/sprains and nerve issues (sciatica, carpal tunnel, etc.).

When Cassidy is not in the clinic, she enjoys group fitness classes, hiking, reading books, building her indoor greenhouse, and spending time with her husband and 2 cats.

Contact Cassidy:
Phone: (602) 264-3369
Email: cassidy@desertpt.com 

 

Kellie Green, Office Manager

Kellie, our caring and compassionate Office Manager at Desert PT, is here to accommodate your scheduling requirements and address any inquiries you may have.

Contact Kellie
Phone/Text: (602) 264-3369
Email: kellie@desertpt.com