The Carefree Physical Therapy Treatment Team

CYNTHIA DRISKELL, PT

cynthia driskellCynthia Driskell, PT received her Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Physical Therapy at the University of Missouri in 1979, as well as a BA in Biology at Drury University in 1977. She established Carefree Physical Therapy as a sole proprietor in 1987. In 1996, she was recognized as a Geriatric Certified Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists. Cynthia is also certified as an Exercise Expert for Aging Adults (2010) and as an ASTYM provider.

Cynthia has a record of extensive participation in the Arizona Physical Therapy community. She is past- President of the Arizona Physical Therapy Association, past-President of the Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy, and current chair of the AzPTA State Government Affairs Committee. She is a founding member of Arizona Physical Therapy Provider Network (PTPN).

Cynthia is active in the community with Soroptimist International of Saguaro Foothills, coach and referee with Desert Foothills Athletic Club, and the Foothills Caring Corp. Cynthia and Walt Murphy live and raise their family in Cave Creek. Away from the office, Cynthia enjoys riding her horse and playing tennis.

AZ License #0921

“Thank you for your training, experience & expertise! I am thrilled I finally have a physical therapist/facility I can rely on should I need services in the future. Very knowledgeable of anatomy & PT techniques to alleviate condition.” KT

LISA
CHELSEA & patient
JESSICA

Nathan Miller, PT, DPT received his Doctor of Physical Therapy at Northern Arizona University in 2008, and his undergraduate degree in Religious Studies from Arizona State University in 2005. Nathan joined Carefree Physical Therapy in 2011. He has continued professional training in orthopedic manual therapy, has 3 years of experience in neurological rehabilitation and is certified in trigger point dry needling.  He is interested in a broad spectrum of health, wellness, and prevention activities. Nathan, his wife, and his 2 children live in north Phoenix with their dog and parrot.

LICENSE #8162

“Came in with a lot of pain in right shoulder and neck. Nathan has been so very helpful in relieving the pain and suggesting exercises. Pain has subsided. He fixed me up. Highly recommend.” AN 

Gillian received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Northern Arizona University (NAU) in 2015 and Master of Occupational Therapy degree at Midwestern University in 2007.  She joined Carefree Physical Therapy in 2017 after two years experience in outpatient orthopedic therapy as a Physical Therapist, and six years experience in neurological rehabilitation as an Occupational Therapist. Gillian became a board-certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist through the American Physical Therapy Association in 2023, has professional training in orthopedic manual therapy, and specializes in treating individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. When not treating patients, Gillian teaches for NAU’s Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Doctoral Programs. She is currently seeking a PhD in Interdisciplinary Health through NAU, focusing her scholarly work on healthy aging, cognition, and Parkinson’s Disease. She enjoys volunteering for a variety of events for people with Parkinson’s Disease, and she is a United States Wheelchair Rugby Classifier. When she has free time, Gillian loves spending it with her husband, 2 dogs, and 2 cats.

AZ License #11596

“Very impressed with the professional treatment of the therapist and the facility.  The depth of knowledge and programs for Parkinson’s patients is outstanding.” IC

Dr. Gail Zitterkopf is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with more than 20 years of clinical experience dedicated to providing exceptional, patient-centered care. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Northern Arizona University in 2003 and has since pursued extensive advanced training and specialty certifications to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based rehabilitation services across the lifespan.
Dr. Zitterkopf specializes in orthopedic, pelvic health, lymphatic, and wellness-focused physical therapy. Her approach is rooted in clinical excellence and focuses on identifying and treating the underlying causes of dysfunction to restore movement, improve function, and enhance overall quality of life. She partners closely with each patient to develop individualized treatment plans that support both immediate recovery and long-term wellness.
She has been a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) through the Norton School since 2014 and is Board Certified in Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback (BCB-PMD). Dr. Zitterkopf holds certifications in Kinesio Taping and orthopedic and pelvic health dry needling. Her extensive advanced training in pelvic health has established her as a respected clinician and educator in the field.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Zitterkopf serves as a Teaching Assistant for the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, helping educate rehabilitation professionals specializing in pelvic health. She is also a graduate of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, where she developed a strong foundation in integrative health, wellness, and whole-person care.
Dr. Zitterkopf incorporates evidence-based, multisystem interventions designed to address orthopedic, neurological, lymphatic, and pelvic health conditions. She also utilizes the McKenzie Method® (Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, MDT), a structured, evidence-based approach for evaluating and treating back, neck, and extremity pain. MDT emphasizes patient education, self-management, and individualized exercise programs and is particularly effective for conditions such as low back pain, sciatica, radicular pain, and neck pain.
Passionate about helping individuals achieve their personal health goals, Dr. Zitterkopf combines advanced clinical expertise, compassionate care, and integrative wellness principles to empower patients throughout their rehabilitation journey. Her commitment to functional restoration, patient education, and lasting wellness outcomes allows patients to return to the activities that matter most while optimizing long-term health and quality of life.

AZ License #6549

“Carefree PT is an excellent facility. The staff is professional, courteous, and experienced. I am very pleased with the treatment and results. Mary is an outstanding Physical Therapist!” LD

 

Lucy AriasLucy Arias has a Bachelor of Arts degree with emphasis on Health and Human Performance from St. Mary’s College of California. She joined Carefree Physical Therapy in 2006, after several years’ experience as a PTA in California. She received as Associate in Applied Science degree in Physical Therapy Assisting from Gateway Community College and her Arizona PTA certificate in 2014. Lucy, Juan, and their 4 children live in Carefree.

AZ License #011172

“My experience has been great. Thanks to Cynthia and Lucy. Very helpful and encouraging.” NB

Lisa recently from Michigan to Cave Creek in 2020, has been married for twenty-seven years, and has three children and five grandchildren! She joined Carefree Physical Therapy in 2021. Her past work experience consists of HIM supervisor for seven years, medical coder for twenty years with various office experience. She taught a semester of coding at NMU as an adjunct teacher. Lisa has her Associates in HIT, is a certificate in Medical Administrative Assistant, and holds a RHIT credential!

Truly appreciate holistic approach to therapy. Also enjoy that I’m always greeted/eye contact when I arrive (seems rare these days). TG

Jessica moved to Arizona with her family in 2018 from Michigan. She received her BA degree in Business Administration from Baker College.  Jessica has been working in the medical field for nearly 25 years, with experience in Medical Office Management, Billing/Coding and Surgical Scheduling and joined Carefree PT in 2019. She is a dedicated mother and spouse. In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with family and friends, cheering on her children’s sports teams, checking off her bucket list adventures with family, boating and traveling.

“Very satisfied. I would highly recommend Carefree Physical Therapy.”  PG

“Carefree Physical Therapy is my favorite therapy. Beyond professional, courteous, helpful and friendly. NO better place!”

ginger morganOur dear friend and colleague Ginger Morgan passed away on Friday, March 20, 2015 after a brave fight against breast cancer for 2 years.

A graduate of University of Alabama-Birmingham in 1987, Ginger was very dedicated to her work at Carefree Physical Therapy as a physical therapist’s assistant from 2003 to 2015. Ginger was an integral part of our team at Carefree PT. She was fun, energetic, hard-working, and is fondly remembered by patients and coworkers.

In remembrance of Ginger, we placed a memorial bench on the the Go John Trail in Cave Creek Regional Park. It was one of her favorite trails, that she had hiked with her children Taylor and Katie. We invite you to hike the Go John Trail, enjoy the beautiful desert park, and remember our friend Ginger.

ginger bench on go john trail