North Platte Physical Therapy - Casper (East)
North Platte Physical Therapy, an integral part of the Casper community since 1997, opened a second location in 2010 in order to provide more convenient therapy options for Casper and the surrounding areas.
We offer a variety of treatment techniques to provide the therapy each patient needs to achieve success. Each patient is given the time needed in each therapy session to achieve evidence-based goals and improve his or her quality of life – no time limit is ever imposed on any patient.
Therapists at NPPT provide cost-effective, professional, fun, energetic care, and our patients benefit from team-oriented, supportive, and knowledgeable staff. We excel in therapy for sports injuries, work injuries, pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, pain management for back and neck pain, headaches, etc., as well as in wound care, orthotics, sports conditioning and aquatic therapy. NPPT also provides pre-employment screenings, back-to-work physicals and functional capacity exams. Many NPPT therapists are certified or specialize in trigger point dry needling, aquatic therapy, orthopedic manual therapy, hand therapy, and kinesio taping, and are board certified orthopedic clinical specialists.
At North Platte Physical Therapy Casper, we provide the highest quality physical therapy in a welcoming and positive environment and are committed to superior customer service.
Location Details
Address: 311 Thelma Drive, Casper, WY 82609
Hours: Mon - Fri: 7AM - 6PM
Fax: 307-234-8810
Interested in scheduling at our West location? View Casper West Details
Mike Boulter, DPT, OCS, SFMA
Clinic Supervisor
As a native of Casper, it has been a pleasure to return and be a part of our great community once again. Having been fascinated with the human body and its ability to adapt and recover, the field of physical therapy was, is, and will continue to be a perfect fit for me. Being able to develop relationships with patients is an amazing opportunity, as is interacting with other medical professionals and being part of a comprehensive team. As an outpatient orthopedic therapist, I have found joy in working with many different people including high-profile athletes, postoperative patients, work-injured patients, and the geriatric population.
Education:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Montana
- Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance, with an emphasis in Exercise Science, University of Montana
- Associate of Science in Life Science Pre-Physical Therapy, Casper College
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
- Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner (CKTP)
- Certified Level II Trigger Point Dry Needler
- Graston Technique Certified
- Certified Cupping Therapist
- Vestibular Certification
- Certification in Applied Functional Science, Gray Institute
- Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
- IAOM Elbow Course
- IAOM Wrist Course
- IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
- A Systematic Approach to Examination, Diagnosis, and Manual Therapy of the Wrist Part 1
- Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
- Practical Blood Flow Restriction
- A/B VR
- ErgoScience FCE Trained
- Work-Related Patients
- Subspecialty in Amputation and Prosthetic Training
- Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
- Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine
Certifications in Progress:
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT)
Professional Society Memberships:
- American Physical Therapy Association - Orthopedics
Alynna Woodbury, DPT, SFMA
I believe that physical therapy is a special kind of practice, allowing us to spend quality time with our patients and treat them on both a physical and emotional level. Other healthcare professionals only get to spend a limited amount of time with their patients, but I enjoy the opportunity to take the time to get to know my patients and form a personal bond with them. I take pride in seeing my patients succeed and make it my goal to help them feel better.
Education:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy and Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, University of Mary
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Certified Graston Technique Clinician
- Worksaver Certified Tester
- Certified Cupping Therapist
- Specialized Training in Pregnancy and Postpartum, Pelvic Floor, and Visceral Manipulation
- Practical Blood Flow Restriction
Continuing Education Training:
- Kinesio Taping KT1
- Dry Needling
- Muscle Energy Technique
- Running Mechanics and Injury
- Certificate of Training for Sole Supports Casting
- Diaphragm and Pelvic Floor Rehab
Professional Society Memberships:
- American Physical Therapy Association - Pelvic Health and Sports
Sean Cometto, DPT, LAT, ATC
I was introduced to physical therapy as a patient after a sports injury when I was a sophomore at Kelly Walsh High School. I went to North Platte Physical Therapy, where I learned about the profession and developed a keen interest in how the human body moves. I decided being a physical therapist was what I wanted to do and moved to North Dakota for college to study Athletic Training and Physical Therapy. While I was in Physical Therapy school, I worked at Sanford Health as an Athletic Trainer in a variety of different sports with athletes of all ages. I am excited to be back in Casper and hope to continue practicing the mission of my University: being a servant leader to all those in the community of Casper.
Education:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy and Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, University of Mary
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Licensed and Certified in Athletic Training
- American Red Cross CPR and First Aid Certified
- Certified clinician of Concussion Rehabilitation through CCMI
- Concussion Rehabilitation
- IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
- Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine
Certification in Progress:
- Running Analysis and Rehabilitation
Continuing Education Training:
- SFMA Level 1
Professional Society Memberships:
- American Physical Therapy Association - Orthopedics
- National Athletic Training Association (NATA)
Hometown: Casper, Wyoming
Hobbies: Running, Golf, Soccer, Hiking, and Anything Outdoors.
Michael Wright, DPT
While growing up, I knew I wanted to find work that would allow me to make a difference in other people's lives. Physical therapy stood out above the rest when I was introduced to the field following an injury in my youth. I realized that Physical Therapists spend time with patients over weeks to get to know the person behind the injury and use noninvasive techniques to heal. From then on, that motivated me throughout my education to become a healer. Now that I am practicing in the field, my passion for repairing and restoring each of my patients to their best self only continues to grow with each passing year.
Education:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Utah Valley University
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- American Red Cross Certification in CPR and First Aid
- IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
Certification in Progress:
- Trigger Point Dry Needling
Professional Society Memberships:
- American Physical Therapy Association - Orthopedics
Hometown: Orem, Utah
Hobbies: Board games, biking, camping, and hanging out with my family
Ana Kroll, PTA
My interest in physical therapy was piqued when I learned of the various ways Physical Therapy can make a difference in a person's life. I am passionate about helping others and strive to make sure patients feel comfortable and understood.
Education:
- Associate of Applied Science - Physical Therapist Assistant, Laramie County Community College
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Certified in Functional Capacity Evaluations
- Certification in Applied Functional Science, Gray Institute
- Blood Flow Restriction Certification
- American Red Cross CPR Certification
- Certified Lifeguard
- Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
- IAOM Elbow Course
- IAOM Wrist Course
- IAOM Wrist and Hand Training
- IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
- Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine
Hometown: Glenrock, Wyoming
Hobbies: Outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, and antiques.
Services Offered
- Arthritis Pain
- Back Pain
- Back School Presentations
- Balance and Vestibular Rehab
- Biofeedback
- Biomechanical Gait Analysis
- Body Mechanics Training
- Chronic Pain
- Cupping Therapy
- Custom Foot Orthotics
- Custom Splinting
- Fine Motor Dexterity
- Functional Capacity Evaluations
- Graston Techniques
- Hand Therapy
- Headache
- Kinesio taping
- Modalities
- Myofacial Techniques
- Neck Pain
- Neurological Services
- Orthotic Fabrication
- Orthopedic Service
- Pediatric Therapy
- Pool Therapy
- Post Cancer Treatment
- Pre/Post Surgical Rehab
- Pre-employment Screening
- Return to Work Screening
- Return to sport exercise programs
- Running Injuries
- Self-care skills
- Sensory Integration
- SFMA - Selective Functional Movement Assessment
- Spine Care
- Sports Medicine
- Stroke Rehabiliation
- Tendonitis
- TMJ
- Torticollis
- Trigger Point Dry Needling
- Vestibular Rehabiliation
- Women's Health
- Work Hardening/Conditioning
- Work Injuries
- Worksaver Certified Work Physicals
- Wound Care
Latest News & Info
What You Should Know About Dry Needling from your Wyoming and Nebraska Physical Therapy team
December 18, 2019
The History Dry Needling
The discovery of dry needling dates back to the 1940s when a doctor by the name of Janet Travell identified muscular trigger points and patterns on the body. She along with another doctor, David Simon, created the first generation of what is known today as dry needling.
The American Physical Therapy Association defines dry needling as a skilled intervention that uses needles to penetrate the skin to stimulate underlying trigger points for pain and movement impairment management.Â
The treatment uses small, solid needles inserted into the body. The purpose is to stimulate tissue and release tight muscles. It can also be used to help lessen pain. Dry needling is a growing trend being used by professional athletes as well as weekend warriors.
Dry Needling Versus Acupuncture
You might be asking yourself, what is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture. Because the two use needles, they might sound very similar. The truth is, although there is a commonality with both using needles, there is a big difference in both method and approach between the two.
Dry needling is used to treat the muscles after a physical examination has been conducted. Treatment is based on where the patient is feeling pain as well as other areas that the physical therapist determines after conducting an examination and assessment.
When undergoing dry needling, the physical therapist inserts needles into the body slowly. They are moved around and manipulated—gently—to get a response from the muscle and usually removed almost immediately afterward. This process might be repeated over and over again, depending on the situation.Â
Acupuncture is a technique for balancing the flow of energy. When acupuncturists insert needles into specific points of the body, they are looking to balance energy flow. In acupuncture, the needles are frequently left in the body for a specific amount of time, with the acupuncturist often leaving the patient for a while.Â
Who Performs Dry Needling?
Most states regulate dry needling so it is performed only by a physical therapist or doctor of physical therapy who has been specially trained. At Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness, a certified physical therapist will perform dry needling. A massage therapist does not perform dry needling although massage too deals with trigger points in the body.
Conditions That Can Be Treated With Dry Needling
Dry needling can relieve a variety of musculoskeletal problems. It is relaxing and therapeutic procedure that is suitable for many different conditions, such as back and neck pain, sporting injuries, and discomfort that is a result of poor posture.
If you are suffering from any of the following conditions, you might inquire about dry needling to find out whether it can help you:
- Athletic performance
- Back pain
- Bursitis
- Chronic pain
- Golfer's elbow
- Headaches
- IT band syndrome
- Knee pain
- Neck
- Osteoarthritis
- Piriformis syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
- Sciatica
- Tendonitis
- Tennis elbow
For the vast majority of people, dry needling does not hurt. In fact, most people don’t even feel the needles being inserted. Although the needle is moved and manipulated in order to engage a response from the muscle, the feeling that ensues is more of an ache or cramping sensation rather than pain. Â
Side Effects of Dry Needling
It probably comes as no surprise that there can be side effects to dry needling, but these will vary depending on the individual. Some people report some needle soreness that might last for a day or so after treatment. In very few patients, there is some skin bruising at the needle sights, but this is somewhat rare and occurs in fewer than 5 percent of patients.
Just in case you are a bit sore after treatment, you might want to plan your schedule around that possibility to give yourself a few days to recover.
What to Expect During Your First Dry Needling Appointment
During your first session, our physical therapist will evaluate the areas where you are feeling pain, discomfort, or tightness. An examination will determine which muscles are tight or knotted. This is often performed by gently pressing on the areas as directed by the patient or by palpitating areas to determine if the muscle feels tight or knotted.
After locating the areas to be treated, the physical therapist will press a plastic tube containing a sterile needle against the skin, gently tapping it into place. There should be very little discomfort during this procedure; most patients barely feel anything.
As the needle is pressed deeper into the muscle tissue, there may be some discomfort. The physical therapist will then gently manipulate the needle to stimulate the muscle into twitching or cramping, loosening tight muscle fibers.
Many patients report feeling relief from pain after just one or two dry needling sessions.
If you have heard about dry needling yet you remain skeptical of its efficacy, you should consider that many professional athletes around the world are using this treatment to relieve muscle pain and disfunction. At North Platte Physical Therapy, we are always happy to answer your questions about any of our treatments, which in addition to dry needling include treatment for craniofacial and jaw pain, functional movement screening, hand therapy and splinting, injury risk assessment, and more. Contact us today to learn more!
What you need to know about back surgery, from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist
December 3, 2019
What are the benefits?Â
There are quite a few benefits of back surgery - some of our favorites are below:
- Physical fitness
- Improved mood
- Getting back to your normal mode of operation and habit
What are the risks?Â
There are a few risks as well, however, the benefits and potential payoffs from receiving back surgery makes it worth it. Side effects/risks are also rare, and may vary person to person:
- Herniated discs
- Bleeding/infection
- Blood clots
- More serious conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and nerve damage
What are the different types of back surgery?Â
- Spinal fusion: If you are having a spinal fusion surgery, your doctor will be joining your vertebrae. This is a common type of surgery, however the surgery will limit your motion between the vertebrae. Despite this, most likely you will not experience any limit in your range of motion.Â
- Laminectomy: This is a surgery in which parts of your bone, bone spurs, or ligaments will be removed. While this will help relieve any pressure you are feeling...it can lead to a more unstable spine. Often times you might have this surgery, and then a spinal fusion to assist in stabilization.Â
- Disk replacement: This is exactly what it sounds like - a surgeon will remove a damaged disk and replace it with an artificial one. This tends to be similar to a spinal fusion, but recovery time is much shorter and this surgery will allow you to continue to move your spine.
If you have questions concerning an upcoming back surgery, we reco
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How to avoid injury during bad weather - from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist
November 25, 2019
The most common types of winter injuries include falling (on ice or snow), strain from snow shoveling, and ultimately injury during exercise while it’s cold out. However, there are a few things you can do to help avoid these common types of injuries. Let’s talk about falling first - the following won’t completely prevent you from falling and getting injured..but it’s a good start.Â
- Wear proper footwear, with proper traction
- Slow down - there is no need to rush
- Keep strides short, longer strides increase risk of fall
- Don’t rush outside when completing chores - once again there is no rush
- Never go outside without your cell phoneÂ
It’s important to pay attention to how your body is feeling after the fall. You might not feel the fall immediately, but if you’ve taken a particularly hard fall we recommend you go see a doctor right away just in case. Falls can be extremely dangerous - tread lightly.Â
Do you snow shovel regularly? Snow shoveling can cause injury, such as falling (as previously talked about) or even muscle strain. Here is how you can prevent uncomfortable and ultimately painful muscle strains:Â
- Take it slow and easy - trying to do too much too quickly can result in injury
- Make sure you are wearing proper gear so you don’t slip and fall while shoveling snow
- Stretch. This sounds odd, but be sure to stretch before going out to shovel snow.Â
In terms of preventing injury from outside physical activity - this will just require you to be careful. Accidents happen, but how you respond to them will ultimately determine how you heal. If you are experiencing body aches and pains, also be sure to reach out to your primary care physician or our team. At North Platte Physical Therapy, we are here to help meet your needs. We serve the communities of Wyoming and Nebraska with 22 clinics offering a full range of physical therapy services. Contact us today for more information.
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