Scott Ruta- Whitefish Therapy & sport Center, Whitefish Montana

“I have been a therapist for almost 30 years, I enjoy my job everyday. It provides great satisfaction when I can make improvements in a persons life.”

Scott Ruta

MSPT, ACT, Cped

Education: Master's Degree in Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis, MO.
B.S. in Athletic Training from Carthage College in Kenosha, WI.

Continuing Education:

  • Medical Screening for Physical Therapists

  • McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment Part A

  • Functional Relationships of the Lower Half

  • Richard Jackson Pelvic Assessment

  • Big Sky Sports Medicine Conference

  • Recognition and Treatment of Shoulder Joint Injuries

  • Practical Nutrition for Fitness Professionals

  • Lumbo-pelvic Integration

  • Therapeutic Yoga

  • Vestibular Rehabilitation

  • Take the Next Step, & The Running Course

  • The American Back Pain Center: Lumbar Strategic Orthopedics Course I,Lumbar

  • The American Back Pain Center: Lumbar Strategic Orthopedics Course II, Cervical/ Thoracic

  • The American Back Pain Center: Lumbar Strategic Orthopedics Course III, Migraine

  • Spinal manipulation from Top to bottom

  • Diagnostic Testing series: clinical Testing for the Hip Joint

  • Management of Scapular Dyskinesis concurrent with Shoulder Pathology

  • Managing Back Pain Using Manual Therapy Techniques

  • Manual Therapies for Chronic Ankle Instability

  • Ankle Impingement Syndrome

  • A Pathoanatomical Paradigm for Iliotibial Band Pathology

  • Effective Clinical Management of Patellofemoral Pain

  • Blood flow Restriction Training

  • Evidence Based Examination of the Cervical Spine

  • Graston Technique Treating Movement Dysfunction through Functional Testing

  • The Athlete Movement System: Spine

  • The Movement System: Assessment and Treatment of knee PainThe Movement System: Humeral Syndromes of the Shoulder

  • Evaluation and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders and Craniofacial Pain

Areas Of Specialization: headache management, spine & hip care, foot & ankle pain, athlete training, orthotics, dry needling

Memberships: American Physical Therapy Association, National Athletic Trainer’s Association, Whitefish Chamber of Commerce.

Hobbies: Fly fishing, hunting, skiing, snowmobiling & family time 

  • Scott Ruta has been my “go-to” Physical Therapist since 2004

    Scott Ruta has been my “go-to” Physical Therapist since 2004 when I had surgery for a torn meniscus and in 2006 for recovery from a torn rotor cuff surgery. His empathy and communication style encouraged and directed me, while he gave me the right type of motivation to get me to do my exercises. While on vacation in 2012 I spent 3 days in a CA hospital as a multitude of doctors tried to figure out why I was having back spasms and could not stand or walk for any length of time. I went to two Physical Therapists and a chiropractor in CA with no relief from my pain. I immediately sought out Scott’s expertise when we returned home. I sent Scott all the CA imaging and reports ahead of time and he was well prepared to discuss my situation for our first appointment. Scott diagnosed my problem and within two sessions and one simple exercise, I was on the mend and able to rejoin the living. If I am ever in pain again, I will catch the first plane home to be evaluated by Scott. - Curt B.

  • I can't thank Scott and his staff enough for the relief they have brought me!

    “I have been treated by the fine professionals at Whitefish physical therapy and Scott Ruta prior to that, for the past 15 years. After retiring from a 30-year profession as a wildland firefighter I needed a lot of help getting my joints and back healed due to the arduous nature of the job. I can't thank Scott and his staff enough for the relief they have brought me; enabling me to continue the outdoor activities that drew me to this beautiful part of the country. In addition to being extremely competent professional physical therapists, these people are great teachers as well. I have benefited from the vast knowledge that they were able to impart to me”. -Donald Rees

  • My treatment for headaches has been life-changing.

    “My treatment for headaches has been life-changing. I suffered from migraine headaches for over 20 years. I was having two to three episodes a month when I began treatment. The first goal we had was to get me off my medication, I did not think it would be possible, but I was medication-free in a month! I had taken migraine medicine for years so this was a huge success and motivator for me to be diligent in my treatment and exercises. The strategies and exercises to relieve my discomfort and pain have made me stronger and healthier. Not only did we work on my posture and strength, but Scott also looked at all areas in my life that could be triggering my headaches and I made changes where it was needed. It’s amazing to me how making small changes in how I did things in my everyday life could have such a huge impact on my health. I no longer suffer from regular headaches; I have been medication-free for over a year, and I have confidence in knowing what I need to do if Ido get one. Seeking treatment for my headaches through physical therapy has not only brought me relief but is healing me. I am extremely grateful for the care and time vested in me.” ~ Amanda W.