North Platte Physical Therapy - Casper (West)

 
 

The Casper West clinic has been serving the needs of the surrounding community since 2010.  This clinic along with our Casper East clinic continually strives to exceed the expectations of our patients.  Our clinics are patient-focused and allow our patients to collaborate with their therapist on the optimal care for each individual.  We provide this peak level of care in an energetic and enjoyable atmosphere.

We are dedicated to providing the best orthopedic care to central Wyoming. Our staff specializes in spine and extremities. We use multiple manual therapy and exercise treatment philosophies and techniques for treating back, muscle, joint, nerve and tendon disorders. North Platte Physical Therapy provides comprehensive physical and occupational therapy services to our orthopedic, pediatric, and geriatric patients. We have an excellent functional balance re-training program and fall prevention program. We also work with athletes and sports medicine patients.

Location Details

307-234-9067  Send Email
Address: 3831 Denis Drive #200, Casper, WY 82604
Hours: Mon - Fri 8AM - 5PM
Fax: 307-234-9074

Interested in scheduling at our East location? View Casper East Details

Meet the Staff

Matt Woodbury, DPT, OCS, SFMA

Clinic Supervisor

I have both a professional and personal passion for health. I will never stop learning about the complexities of the human body and the optimal ways to promote its function.  I want to remain active, enjoy life to the fullest, and help others also attain and maintain this freedom.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Mary
  • Bachelor of Science in Human Performance and Fitness, North Dakota State University

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
  • Certified Graston Technique Clinician
  • Worksaver Certified Tester
  • 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
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
  • LSVT

Continuing Education Training:

  • Kinesio Taping KT1 & KT2
  • Dry Needling
  • Muscle Energy Technique
  • Running Mechanics and Injury
  • Sole Supports Orthotic Casting
  • Various Other Orthopedic Courses

Professional Society Memberships:

  • American Physical Therapy Association - Orthopedics and Sports

Hometown: West Fargo, North Dakota

Hobbies: Running, cycling, hanging out with family, listening to music, and watching movies

 
James Watson, DPT

As a Physical Therapist, I live for that moment when people’s eyes light up with hope because they can do what they couldn’t before. I love learning everyone’s unique story and helping them overcome their barriers in life. I am enjoying getting to better know the good people of Casper every day.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, Touro University Nevada
  • Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Utah Valley University

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • LSVT BIG
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation Certificate (PESI)

Continuing Education:

  • Management of Lower Quadrant Pathology Course 1 (Folsom) 
  • Management of Lower Quadrant Pathology Course 2 (Folsom) 
  • Institute for Brain Potential Protecting Short Term Memory  

Hometown: Layton, Utah

Hobbies: Running, baking, woodworking, hiking and entertaining my daughters.

 
Jessica Engelhardt, PTA

Like many in my field, I first became interested in Physical Therapy after a sports-related injury in high school made me a patient myself. After earning my bachelor's degree, I moved on to a Physical Therapist Assistant program. I believe that Physical Therapy can truly change an individual's life for the better. I enjoy being around people every day and getting to know them. I am compassionate and want to help others achieve their goals. I grew up in Indiana and lived in Colorado for three years before moving to Casper. I am very excited to explore this new area and discover what the community has to offer!

Education:

  • Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant, Laramie County Community College 
  • Bachelor of Science in Movement and Sport Sciences, Purdue University

Certifications:

  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
  • American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR and AED)
  • LSVT

Hometown:

  • Arcadia, Indiana

Hobbies:

  • Hiking, skiing, volleyball, and hanging out with friends and family watching movies

Tara Stadjuhar, PTA

My journey into Physical Therapy came from a love of sports and a fascination for how the body moves, functions, and heals. Being passionate about health and wellness, I am dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to optimal well-being. Witnessing the transformative impact of physical therapy firsthand is what fuels my love for this profession. I find immense joy in helping patients regain mobility, return to their favorite activities, and achieve their wellness goals.

Education:

  • Associates in Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant, Western Technical College, El Paso, TX
  • Bachelors of Community Health, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • LSVT BIG
  • Blood flow restriction training
  • American Heart Association Basic life support (CPR and AED)
  • Site coordinator of Clinical education (SCCE)

Continuing Education:

  • Kinesio tape
  • Strain counter strain

Professional Society Memberships:

  • APTA of Wyoming and New Mexico

Hometown: Las Cruces, New Mexico

Hobbies: Skiing, fly fishing, camping, woodworking, DIY projects, spending time with my family, hiking with my dogs.

 

Services Offered

Latest News & Info

Spinal Cord Injury Rehab Approach

Spinal Cord Injury Rehab Approach
Rehabilitation services play an important role for a number of individuals across the country, all based on an individual’s specific needs. Depending on the extent of an injury, creating a personalized recovery plan is just one of the many benefits for seeking physical therapy and a professional experience. These advanced metrics not only ensure the best overall care for patients, but it helps individuals from all walks of life with a relegated approach to create healing along a reasonable timeline. Spinal cord injuries are one of the most intricate and potentially harmful, in terms of execution, timing, and recovery. For these reasons, creating a personalized plan of action for all rehabilitation services is extremely important.

While it is difficult to cure spinal cord injuries, there are steps which can be taken to address the issues. By targeting certain aspects of the body and an individual’s functional abilities, physical therapists can formulate a plan of action to address certain needs. This approach helps not only to improve movement but also certain other features, all while speeding up the recovery timeline.

Mobility

Spinal cord injuries often result in some form of impact to an individual’s mobility. Due to the connective aspect a spinal cord plays within the body between the nervous system and each of the limbs, any issues are likely to affect movement and use. Through a regimented physical therapy program, patients are often able to improve upon their mobility over time.

Communication

Communication may also be influenced by any type of spinal cord issue but is also able to be targeted through rehabilitation practices. Be this inner body transfers, similar to the above impacts on mobility, or communication between a patient and other individuals, specific skills and routines may be used to improve these functions.

Muscle Strength

Muscle strength is going to be different between all individuals and likely to vary considerably depending on a person’s age. Depending on the capabilities of a subject prior to suffering an injury, physical therapy approaches will vary considerably. This is one reason why each program is specifically designed to meet the needs of the patient, helping improve upon their particular abilities and formulate a return to pre-existing functions as quickly as possible.

Flexibility

Back injuries and specifically spinal cord issues can dramatically affect a person’s ability to move. If you’ve suffered even a muscle pull, it's quickly realized just how important the back is to daily function and injuries to the spinal cord are even more severe. Flexibility allows for relief of some of this pain, but achieving a desired range of motion varies greatly on how easily the person can twist, turn, reach, and bend. By targeting flexibility during rehabilitation of a spinal cord injury, patients may see an increased result in their efforts to return performing pre-injury movements.

If you or someone you know suffers from spinal cord or back issues, needs extra assistance with mobility, or is seeking services for another reason, then consider reaching out to the physical therapy experts at North Platte Physical Therapy, Monument Physical Therapy, Big Country Rehabilitation, and Bear Lodge Rehabilitation today. Offering 18 different locations across Wyoming and Nebraska, our professional staff are ready and willing to help administer and create a personalized plan of action specific to your needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Available for all of your physical therapy and related offerings, we look forward to meeting you and providing the type of service you can rely on to help improve your overall wellness very soon!
 
Read More...

Physical Therapy Services: Top Orthopedic Knee Treatments

Physical Therapy Services: Top Orthopedic Knee Treatments
Joints spread across the body make many human movements happen and none may be more important than the knees. These lower body hinges allow walking, running, jumping, lifting, and many more activities to take place with ease but their constant use also leads to the potential for injury and wear. While there are plenty of orthopedic needs surrounding this major joint, its ligaments, and other components, the typical physical therapy treatments associated with a knee commonly depends on how the injury occurred. For example, individuals who participate in sports may be more subject to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries versus having to undergo a full knee replacement - which is typically reserved for people as they age.

Knee pain is something which impacts people young and old, but targeting specific causes for these issues helps individuals find relief. Being able to understand the problem allows medical professionals an opportunity to focus on the needs in order for a return to function prior to any pain. This often includes the use of physical therapy as there are plenty of different knee issues which can be served by using a focused approach. As with any physical therapy program, the needs will be specifically designed for each individual depending on their particular injury.

ACL Injuries

Athletes are more susceptible to ACL injuries due to the nature of their occurrence. Caused by sudden stops, directional changes, or outside collisions, these injuries typically require surgery for repair and a physical therapy regimen to return full functionality.

Meniscus Tear(s)

The meniscus is made up of cartilage in the knee and helps absorb impacts from constant bending and maneuvering during all activities. These components have a tendency to suffer tears when bearing weight and twisting, which is prone to any age individual in a variety of different situations. While repair without surgery is possible, depending on the tear’s location, these injuries do usually require medical attention more often than not in addition to physical therapy.

Knee Replacement

Another common orthopedic knee injury and treatment involves undergoing a knee replacement. Depending on the amount of damage which has transpired, this may be a partial or complete replacement. For many, this action comes when a joint is considerably worn out after constant use over time. Most individuals who undergo the knife for knee reconstruction are over the age of 60, making physical therapy an even more important part of the process. Learning to walk and function with a new joint in such a critical area is difficult, but a personalized physical therapy process will be implemented to help make the recovery as easy as possible.

If you have suffered a knee injury or know someone who has chronic pain in their joints, could use assistance with mobility issues, or is seeking services for another reason, then consider reaching out to the physical therapy experts at North Platte Physical Therapy, Monument Physical Therapy, Big Country Rehabilitation, and Bear Lodge Rehabilitation today. Offering 18 different locations across Wyoming and Nebraska, our professional staff are ready and willing to help administer and create a personalized plan of action specific to your needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Available for all of your physical therapy and related offerings, we look forward to meeting you and providing the type of service you can rely on to help improve your overall wellness very soon!
 
Read More...

Physical Therapy Services: Three Important First Visit Considerations

Physical Therapy Services: Three Important First Visit Considerations
People across the country make visits to see their physical therapist each and every day. For many, these services provide relief and capabilities of a return to normal functionality on the targeted body part or painful area. Whether the deficit occurred through injury, age, or accident, physical therapy services offer beneficial options for helping patients recover or remove the pain entirely. A significant perk for all clientele is the program being implemented is designed specifically for each separate person, to focus on their precise needs and help speed up the recovery process. These factors make a significant difference, but there are also important items to consider before making a very first visit.

Direct access laws allow for individuals to seek physical therapy treatments without first visiting their primary care physician. While there are many people who are still referred to a therapist for treatment, if you feel the need for care or have certain questions about how treatment may help then the door is open. However, there are still a few actions to be taken in order to prepare for a successful initial appearance. 

Check Your Symptoms

Before arrival, individuals should prepare for their visit by checking symptoms, their persistence, pain levels, and impacts to ensure a doctor’s visit or medical emergency shouldn’t be triggered. Once determined a physical therapist may be able to assist, then a call should be placed. Patients need to also record their symptoms over time and provide specifics about how any pain or numbness is impacting their lifestyle.

Dress Accordingly

Patients should also consider their clothing when headed into the office for a visit. Often, sessions will require movement or access to the area being addressed. For example, jeans and long pants should be avoided for those patrons seeking physical therapy on a knee injury. 

Honest Communication

A third key element to a successful first visit is to be open and honest with how you are feeling and what causes the pain or discomfort. Holding back doesn’t help your therapist as they mold a personalized plan of action and will ultimately only delay your healing. By being up front with details and following through with any prescribed home activities, patients can establish the foundation for a quality and trusted relationship with their therapists.

If you have suffered an injury or know someone who has chronic pain, could use assistance with mobility issues, or is seeking services for another reason, then consider reaching out to the physical therapy experts at North Platte Physical Therapy, Monument Physical Therapy, Big Country Rehabilitation, and Bear Lodge Rehabilitation today. Offering 18 different locations across Wyoming and Nebraska, our professional staff are ready and willing to help administer and create a personalized plan of action specific to your needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Available for all of your physical therapy and related offerings, we look forward to meeting you and providing the type of service you can rely on to help improve your overall wellness very soon!
 
Read More...