Bigfork, Montana · Clinic and telehealth
Back to the trail, the lake, and the life you love.
Hi and welcome. My name is Dr. Tami Ellis. I have been a physical therapist since 1994. My practice specializes in individualized therapy and orthotics, combining evidence-based techniques with comprehensive one-on-one care to reduce pain, restore movement, and improve your quality of life.
- 32 years
- in practice
- 60 to 90 min
- comprehensive evaluations
- One on one
- curated treatment
- Direct access
- no physician referral required
Overlooking Birch Lake in the Swan Range
“I’m in love with Montana. For other states, I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana, it is love.”
Blue Mountain
One Doctor of Physical Therapy. One patient at a time.
Quality care requires time, attention, and a personalized approach. This clinic rejects the multi-patient model and chooses individualized care over numbers through the door. You will receive an unrushed, skilled, evidence-based treatment plan to help you return to the life you love.
01About
Over 30 years. Three clinics. One philosophy of care.
With over 30 years of experience, I have owned three clinics, all with the same philosophy of care. My early career launched me into sports physical therapy, where I spent many years at a large sports medicine clinic in Calgary specializing in orthopedic care, treating athletes from the Calgary Flames to the Canadian National Swim Team.
With each step in my career, one belief has remained constant. Good physical therapy takes time, attention, and a holistic understanding of each patient. My goal is not simply to treat an injury or reduce pain. It is to guide you to move with greater confidence and return to the activities that make life meaningful.
When I’m not at work, I love to get out there too. You will find me hiking, paddling, biking, and riding my horse in the wild places that are so important.
- DPT
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Montana
- BScPT
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, University of Alberta
- BPE
- Bachelor of Physical Education, University of Calgary
- License
- Montana physical therapist, no. 31652
Further training
- Certificate of Rehabilitation Administration
- Certificate in Medical Acupuncture, 200 hours
- Principles of Ayurvedic Medicine, 600 hours
- Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute, levels I, II and III and Classical A
- Gunn IMS acupuncture, levels 1 and 2
- Extremity and Vertebral Mobilization, levels 1, 2 and 3
02What I treat
A mixed orthopedic practice. Head to toe.
- 01
Head and jaw
Migraine and tension headaches, and TMJ jaw pain.
- 02
Neck and spine
Cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine pain.
- 03
Shoulder
Rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, tendonitis, impingement, surgical rehabilitation and dislocation.
- 04
Elbow, wrist and hand
Elbow tendonitis, fractures, sprains and strains, and wrist and hand injuries.
- 05
Hip and pelvis
Sacroiliac dysfunction, bursitis, surgical rehabilitation, hip impingement and tendonitis.
- 06
Knee
Iliotibial band friction syndrome, jumper’s knee, chondromalacia patella, patellofemoral pain syndrome, patellar dislocation, ligament sprains, ACL injury and reconstruction, and meniscal injuries and surgical repair.
- 07
Lower leg and ankle
Shin splints, peroneal and tibialis posterior tendonitis, Achilles tendonitis and ankle sprains.
- 08
Foot
Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, metatarsal pain, Morton’s neuroma and bunions.
Do you have questions about your injury? You are welcome to call, text or email to discuss before you book your appointment.
Sports injuries and getting back out there
How I treat
- One-on-one manual therapy
- Deep tissue massage
- Trigger point release
- Myofascial release
- Vertebral mobilization
- Neural mobilization
- Acupuncture and Gunn IMS
- Cupping
- Ultrasound
- Cryotherapy
- Electrical muscle stimulation
- Postural and core stabilization
- Developmental stretching and strengthening
- Home exercise programs
- Education
- Nutritional consultation
- Pelvic health
- Custom-made orthotics
Who I see most
Every kind of musculoskeletal problem, with a special interest in female athletes, and in women.
Pelvic health, before and after labor, through menopause, and with nutritional consultation. The changes a woman’s body goes through deserve a therapist who takes them seriously.
Women’s health at Blue Mountain03Where does it hurt?
Show me, and I will tell you how I would start.
Tap a spot on the figure, or choose from the list.
You will see how I approach it, and you can text me about it in one tap.
04Your first visit
60–90
minutes, just you and me
- 01
Reach out
Call or text (406) 871-1751, or email. We find a time that works, in the clinic or by telehealth.
- 02
A full evaluation
Your history, what hurts, how you move and your specific goals will guide your treatment. This is a comprehensive assessment, not a quick screen.
- 03
Treatment that day
Evidence-based treatment begins on the first visit: hands-on manual therapy, education and therapeutic exercise as a starting point.
- 04
A plan you can follow
A progressive home exercise program curated for you. Follow-up appointments in the clinic, or by telehealth if you live remotely.
Strength and purpose
From everyday movement to extraordinary adventures, step forward into the life you love.
This is what it is all about!
“Girls can do hard things.”
05Custom-made orthotics
From the ground up.
Custom-made orthotics are a significant part of my practice, and I have been casting them since 2003. Addressing an imbalance at the ground level can resolve pain and alignment issues all the way up to your neck.
Read more about custom orthotics- 01I measure your feet standing, analyze your gait and look at the shoes you live in.
- 02I cast each foot in plaster, so the orthotic is shaped to you, not to an average.
- 03A podiatry lab, established in 1964, makes your orthotics from the casts and my notes.
- 04I fit them to your feet and shoes, with six months of fitting at no further cost.
Injuries treated with orthotics
Plantar fasciitis
Support under the arch so the tissue along the sole can settle and heal.
Flat feet and high arches
Fallen arches supported and high arches cushioned, so each step lands the way it should.
Achilles tendonitis
Less strain on the tendon with every step.
Metatarsalgia
Pressure moved off the ball of the foot.
Morton’s neuroma
Room and support so the nerve between the toes is not pinched.
Bunions and hammertoes
Load spread across the foot instead of the painful joint.
Heel spurs and bursitis
Cushion and offloading where the heel strikes.
Diabetic foot
Offloads high-pressure areas to help prevent dangerous skin breakdown and ulcers.
Ankle, knee, hip and low back pain
When you have structural dysfunction in the feet, supporting them can reduce pain all the way up to the neck.
Telehealth
From your own living room.
If there is snow on Highway 35, a long drive from Hungry Horse, or a week when getting out is just too hard, some visits work just as well on secure video.
Ask me how telehealth reduces hospital readmission for rural Americans who have undergone total joint surgeries.
- 01Call, text or email to set a time.
- 02Join a secure video visit from home.
- 03We work through your program together, and you keep the plan.
The clinic
On Highway 35, in Bigfork.
Reclaimed barnwood at the front desk, an antler chandelier overhead, prints from Jewel Basin on the shelf, and three offices for private treatments. A calm place to do real work in.
Hours
By appointment only. Call, text or email to find a time.
06Direct access
Come straight to me. No referral required.
No referral needed
Montana allows direct access to physical therapy. You do not need a physician referral to see me.
Questions first?
You are welcome to call, text or email to discuss your injury before you book your appointment.
It is always wise to check whether your specific insurance requires a physician referral for reimbursement. Physicians can fax referrals to (406) 420-2153.
07A year out here
Every Montana season asks something different of your body.
Winter
December to February
Ski days, icy driveways and the snow shovel.
Knees and backs take the load, and one slip on ice can undo a season. I work on strength before, and a steady return after.
Spring
March to May
Back to the garden and the first trail days.
The first big yard day finds every shoulder and back. Building up gradually means April does not cost you June.
Summer
June to August
Lake days, paddling and long hikes.
Paddling shoulders, sore knees on descents, plantar fasciitis on long miles. Treated early, they do not have to end your summer.
Fall
September to November
Larch season, hunting and stacking wood.
Packing out, splitting and hauling ask a lot of backs, hips and knees. Better mechanics and strength make the heavy days lighter.
Who I see
From across the Flathead.
- Bigfork
- Kalispell
- Whitefish
- Columbia Falls
- Polson
- Lakeside
- Somers
- Marion
- Kila
- West Glacier
- Martin City
- Hungry Horse
08Questions
Before you call.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No. Montana allows direct access to physical therapy, which means you do not need a physician referral to attend physical therapy. It is always wise to check whether your specific insurance requires a physician referral for reimbursement.
How long is the first visit?
Sixty to ninety minutes. A comprehensive evaluation, followed by evidence-based treatment the same day.
Do you offer dry needling?
Yes. I am trained extensively in Gunn IMS levels 1 and 2, medical acupuncture and other orthopedic acupuncture courses from Canada.
Do you make custom orthotics?
Yes. Custom-made orthotics are a significant part of my practice, and I have been casting them since 2003, for plantar fasciitis, flat feet and high arches, Achilles tendonitis, metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma, bunions, heel spurs, diabetic foot care, and ankle, knee, hip and low back pain.
Can I be seen by telehealth?
Yes. I see patients in the clinic in Bigfork and by secure video. Ask me how telehealth reduces hospital readmission for rural Americans who have undergone total joint surgeries.
Do you treat dizziness or vertigo?
I do not offer vestibular rehabilitation at Blue Mountain, but I will offer a referral to another clinic that is experienced in this treatment.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes you can move in, and shorts or loose pants if your hip, knee or ankle is the problem. Bring your usual shoes if your feet are part of the story.
How do I make an appointment?
Call or text (406) 871-1751, or email tami.ellis@protonmail.com. Tell me a little about what is going on and when you are free. Visits are by appointment only.
I am a physician. How do I refer?
Call (406) 871-1751 or fax (406) 420-2153.
09Get in touch
Let’s get you moving.
Call, text or email. Tell me what is going on and when you are free, and I will get back to you.
(406) 871-1751- Hours
- By appointment only
- Visits
- Clinic and telehealth
- Referral fax
- (406) 420-2153