Beth Duffy, P.T., O.C.S., L.Ac., RYT
beth@gardenhomeptac.com
503.757.2123
I think we're often happiest in our careers when we're guided by those things that made our hearts sing as children. I have been passionate about physical fitness, health, and being in nature for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Flagstaff, Arizona, I was surrounded by and participated in running, skiing, horseback riding, backpacking, cycling, and rock climbing. After college, I had the fortune to complete a childhood dream - a coast to coast bicycle tour of the U.S.
My interest in fitness and health continued into adulthood, so physical therapy was the perfect choice of study. It was in college that I first developed a fascination with the biomechanics of physical activity and the ways these mechanics change with an injury. This fascination has become a process of lifelong learning, as I work to continually expand my understanding of the science behind those initial childhood passions.
The study and specialization in manual therapy and acupuncture were a natural part of my career development, as I've always enjoyed working with my hands. I have been in the field for over 30 years, and I am still intrigued by human movement patterns and how these patterns and the body's tissues adapt to an injury. It's exciting that I am able to then elicit a change in these dysfunctional patterns with natural and holistic strategies. Hands-on techniques, education, customized exercise, and acupuncture and/or dry needling are extremely low risk and low side-effect modes of treatment. I believe these integrative techniques are the most logical first course of action when dealing with the majority of injuries and pain. Despite having sustained many injuries over the years, I am very grateful that I have also been able to recover with these holistic techniques which have then allowed me to stay physically active.
I received my physical therapy education at Northern Arizona University. My advanced manual therapy training was through the North American Institute of Orthopedic and Manual Therapy, where I participated as both a student and lab assistant. I then obtained my Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine through the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. I am board certified in both acupuncture (NCCAOM), and as an orthopedic clinical specialist (OCS). I am a registered yoga teacher (RYT), and have an additional certification in Structural Yoga Therapy.
I feel very fortunate to live in such a beautiful city and region of the country. I try to get back to visit the Southwest a couple of times per year, and my favorite vacations involve hiking in our National Parks during the offseason. I also enjoy yoga, paddleboarding, cycling, as well as knitting, reading, gardening, camping, and spending time with family (two and four legged) and friends.