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


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


Back pains and how to handle them, from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist


October 29, 2019

Back pains and how to handle them, from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist
Are you suffering from back pains? Perhaps you don’t know where it’s stemming from, or how best to start to manage the pain? Don’t worry - your experts at North Platte Physical Therapy are here to help! From causes, to things you can begin doing at home we have some of our best tips straight from your favorite Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapists. Take a look at what we have to say, and if you think you might be experiencing a more serious problem...reach out. We are here to help you.

Symptoms
Let’s start with the basics. Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms? All of these are indicative of a back pain, or something deeper, but it’s important to note that these do not represent all symptoms you might be experiencing. Think of this as the starting point.
  • Pain that shoots down your leg
  • Muscle aches
  • Shooting/stabbing pain in any part of your back
  • Pain that increases with any physical labor/strain on your back
  • Pain that improves when you lay down
Causes
Most lower back pain results from an injury. However, there are some underlying causes that could be responsible for lower back pain, including: 
  • Cancer
  • Sciatica
  • Arthritis
  • Kidney infections
  • Ruptured/herniated discs
  • Infection
If you are having back pain for longer than two weeks, and it doesn’t improve with stretching, rest or compressions/ice. Be sure to see a primary care physician. In the meantime, we do recommend rest and relaxation. However, in this case rest just means lighter activity. Light stretching and even walking can sometimes help ease back pain, but be sure not to overdo it. When you are experiencing back pain, it is not the time to start a full exercise routine. For the first 24 hours apply ice, then for the 48+ hours apply heat to the affected area. 

If you are experiencing long-lasting back pain, be sure to reach our 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.


 
Read More...

Preparing your winter fitness routine from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist


October 23, 2019

Preparing your winter fitness routine from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist
The winter months are notoriously hard for fitness junkies - the cold weather keeps people inside, the holidays can make eating healthier a little bit of a challenge, and there are many events that require your attention. However, we have a few ways you can start to transition into healthy habits now...preparing you for success this winter! Here are our favorite healthy tips from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist. 

Working Out
Finding time to work out during the holidays can be more difficult than ever. However, there are a few smaller things you can do to help stay active. One of them being to incorporate physical activity into family activities - such as enjoying time on a wii fit with the family or going through a Christmas light walk. In addition, start blocking time on your calendars to ensure you workout and maybe even consider signing up for a few exercise classes. Making these minor adjustments can help you stay on your game this winter.

Carbs
Carbs are challenging year round, but it’s even harder during the winter. Your body often times can crave carbs, thinking that it’ll make you happier. And your body would be right...for a period of time. Carbs can cause temporary boosts in serotonin, but after the boost is gone you are going to be craving carbs more than ever. Avoid the temptation, and avoid the unnecessary calories and carbs!

Additional Nutrition
During the winter months, try to avoid sweets as much as possible. While everything is okay in moderation, sweets tend to pack on the pounds when you aren’t as physically active as normal. Try incorporating more Omega-3 fatty acids, and beef up the leafy vegetables you are consuming on a daily basis. All three of these minor changes can have a major impact on your health and fitness goals.

Vitamins
While we always recommend using vitamins, we recommend you consider a vitamin C supplement this winter. Winter months keep you inside, and oftentimes aren’t very sunny. Vitamin C supplements will help you stay energetic, youthful, and help to keep you skin looking healthy and happy. Before you start on your vitamin regime, we recommend contacting you primary care physician. Too much of particular vitamins can cause issues - so we recommend that you always contact your doctor.

Not everything works for everyone, but these are our favorite tips for staying healthy this winter. If you need additional assistance, reach out to your primary care physician. 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.
 
Read More...

Back exercises you have to try from your local physical therapist


October 15, 2019

Back exercises you have to try from your local physical therapist
Stretching. It’s commonly associated with exercising, but did you know completing a few quick stretches every night could be the key to lessening your chance for injury? To help you get started, we’ve compiled four of our favorite back stretches - straight from some of our Wyoming physical therapy “playbooks.” 

Kneeling Lunge Stretch 
This one is not as hard as it might sound, and it’ll have you feeling amazing in no time. Get in a lunch position, with one knee bent at 90 degrees and the other resting on the ground. You’ll then need to lean forward into your lunge. Make sure you keep your back straight, with a good posture. You’ll most likely feel this in your hip flexor as well, but posture is essential for this one. Hold for 30 seconds and switch sides.

Back Flexion Stretch
Start laying on a flat surface, on your back. You will then bring your knees up to your chest, and pull them closely with your arms. While you are doing that, roll your chin up to your chest and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat as needed. 

Seated Toe-Touch 
Sit on the ground, with your legs straight out in front of you. Take a deep breath, and while breathing out reach forward with both arms and work to touch your toes. To feel this stretch in your back, you’ll need to keep your head down during the whole stretch. Hold for 30 seconds, repeat as needed.

Cat Pose
Yes, this is one of the more popular yoga poses but we assure you it’ll have your back feeling relaxed in no time. Get on the ground, on all fours as if you are a cat. Your knees should be on the ground, and your arms should be directly under your shoulders. Take a deep breath, and arch your back outward so that it forms a nice curve. Hold for 10 seconds, and slowly return to the starting point.

This is not all of the stretches in our playbook, but it certainly gives you an idea of how we like to prevent injuries. 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.
 
Read More...