Dr. Tara Gonzalez,

PT, DPT, MTC, CFC, ATC

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Head Director of Rehabilitation

Clinical Director - South Denver/Hampden

Education:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Nova Southeastern University, 2013
• Bachelors of Science in Athletic Training
• Nova Southeastern University, 2010

Professional Memberships/Certifications:

• American Physical Therapy Association
• Colorado Physical Therapy Association
• Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) since 2011
• Certified in Functional Dry Needling Level I and II
• Certified Manual Therapist (MTC) through University of St. Augustine
• Cranio-Facial Certification (CFC) through University of St. Augustine
• Graston Technique Practitioner
• APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor since 2017
• In Progress: Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) 

Continuing Education:

• Myofascial Manipulation, 2014
• Extremity Evaluation & Manipulation, 2014
• Spinal Evaluation & Manipulation: Impairment Based, Evidence Informed Approach, 2014
• Advanced Evaluation & Manipulation of Pelvis, Lumbar, & Thoracic Spine Including Thrust, 2015
• Extremity Integration, 2015
• Advanced Evaluation & Manipulation of the Cranial Facial, Cervical, & Upper Thoracic Spine, 2016
• Functional Analysis & Management of Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex, 2016
• Functional Dry Needling Level I/II 2015/2016
• Introduction to Hand Therapy, 2017
• Beyond the Basics Hand Therapy, 2017
• Focus on Splinting, 2017
• Graston Technique, 2017
• Screening and Rehabilitation for Lower Extremity Injuries, 2017
• Basic Cranio Facial (CF1), 2017
• Intermediate Cranio Facial (CF2), 2018
• Advanced Cranio Facial (CF3), 2018
• State of the Art Cranio Facial (CF4), 2018

Professional Interests:

Tara specializes in both Manual Therapy and Sports Medicine with her Athletic Training background. She has experience working with high school, collegiate, & professional level athletes for return to sport and injury prevention. Her treatment approaches consist of current evidence-based practice using Manual Therapy, Functional Dry Needling, and Therapeutic Exercise in order to achieve the best patient outcomes.

She has taken multiple advanced continuing education classes on the cervical, thoracic, & lumbar spine. She completed her Manual Therapy Certification through the University of St. Augustine in the summer of 2016. She is also pursuing her CHT (Certified Hand Therapist) and has spent the last year taking multiple continuing education classes that focus on hand therapy, including splinting. Her interest in Hand Therapy comes from her passion for Rock Climbing along with enjoying making custom splints. Tara completed her Craniofacial certification (treating the face and jaw) through the University of St. Augustine under Mark Strickland and Mariano Rocabado in 2019.

Personal Interests:

Tara enjoys the outdoors of Colorado including snowboarding, rock climbing, & hiking with her dogs Waldo & Dexter. Tara was a collegiate basketball player and cross country/track runner at Nova Southeastern University for all 4 years. She currently plays basketball in a local Women"s league.