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
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
- Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine
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)
- Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine
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
- 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
- Ergonomic and Worksite Evaluation
- Fine Motor Dexterity
- Golf Swing Analysis
- Graston Techniques
- Hand Therapy
- Headache
- Kinesio taping
- Modalities
- Myofacial Techniques
- Neck Pain
- Neurological Services
- Orthopdedic Clinical Specialist, OCS
- Orthopedic Service
- Pediatric Therapy
- Pool Therapy
- Post Cancer Treatment
- Pre/Post Surgical Rehab
- Return to sport exercise programs
- Running Injuries
- Self-care skills
- SFMA - Selective Functional Movement Assesment
- Spine Care
- Sports Medicine
- Stroke Rehabiliation
- Tendonitis
- TMJ
- Torticollis
- Trigger Point Dry Needling
- Vestibular Rehabiliation
- Women's Health
- Work Hardening/Conditioning
- Work Injuries
- Wound Care
Latest News & Info
Love a good knuckle cracking? Get the truth about how this affects your body.
July 17, 2019
What does knuckle cracking really do?
In basics, cracking any joint is really just bending the joint until it makes a popping sound. While you might feel that your joints are “loose,†there is no medical evidence that cracking your joints actually help to relieve any pain or pressure. There is a possibility that it is a placebo effect - so keep that in mind!
Are their side effects to cracking your knuckles?
Whew, this one is a hard one to explain. For decades the theory has been that popping your knuckles can ultimately lead to arthritis, but honestly there isn’t any research to support this. We feel confident in saying that overall it is unlikely that knuckle cracking is related to arthritis.Â
However, you should not just be worried about artritis. Be careful when popping your knuckles/fingers. If you crack your knuckles, or fingers, by pulling on them it is possible to pull your finger right out of its joint! This would certainly be an unpleasant experience,  but it’s also possible to damage ligaments doing this. So be careful. In addition, cracking knuckles can cause inflammation and weaken your grip over time. While it’s not as bad as arthritis, it can be uncomfortable and cause issues.Â
How to maintain healthy joints
If you are looking to keep your joints healthy, there are a few things you can do. While you don’t have to stop cracking your knuckles...why risk inflammation and possibly weaken your grip. The biggest thing you can do for your joints is to maintain a healthy body weight, stay healthy through exercise, and continue to eat healthy and watch your nutrition.
Everyone’s body is different, so when it comes to your care be sure to stay in close contact with your doctor as well as your physical therapist. If you realize you might be encountering some unpleasant wrist or hand pain, contact us. 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.
Â
What you need to know about c-section recovery, from your Wyoming physical therapist
July 10, 2019
Get Moving
We mean this, but be sure to take it easy. When we say get moving we mean participate in some light stretching, a brisk walk, or something that won’t put too much stress on your body. By getting your body moving, not only will you have the chance to get some much needed fresh air - but can also help get your collagen moving and prevent it from shortening. Just make sure to get your doctor’s approval prior to moving to often or starting a new routine.Â
Scar Tissue Massage
To help prevent any adhesions from forming along your scar, we recommend scar tissue massage. Practicing light scar tissue will help your scar heal and help to prevent any further infection and scarring - just make sure you work together with your doctor and physical therapist to ensure it won’t cause any unintended damage.Â
Bracing
While growing in popularity, belly braces aren’t your best option when recovering from a c-section. Belly braces are advertised to help train your body to maintain a flatter stomach, however it can be possible that your body gets used to the brace doing the work and can ultimately cause undue stress to your body. Your body is in a delicate state after a c-section, it’s important to do the best you can to help you body heal properly and safely. However, the decision is always your choice, so do what you and your doctor feels is right for your body.
Self-Care
While we are advocates of always practicing self-care, you should be especially aware of your body and take care extra care after a c-section. C-sections can be traumatic for your body, so be sure to practice basic self-care. This includes getting plenty of rest, focusing on good nutrition, and relieving your pain through doctor approved exercises, physical therapy, and pain medication.
Everyone’s body is different, so when it comes to your care be sure to stay in close contact with your doctor as well as your physical therapist. As professionals we are here to help and guide you to the best possible solution. At North Platte Physical Therapy, we are here to help meet your needs and ensure a safe recovery, or a safe start to a new exercise routine. 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.
Â
Easy ways to practice healthy living, from your Wyoming physical therapist
July 3, 2019
The first step in living a healthy lifestyle is exercise, and this includes more than just becoming a gym rat. You’d be surprised with how just moving your body more can help you feel rejuvenated and even make it easier to achieve your fitness goals. Here are some tips to help you get moving more often:
Take it easy: If you aren’t used to exercising, take it easy! Practice warming up and cooling down with each workout and make sure you switch up your exercise routine. It’s also important to listen to your body - if you are tired and sore, a rest day is much needed!
Go the extra mile: When it comes to your daily routine, try making small changes such as taking the stairs versus the elevator or parking in a spot slightly farther away. As these small changes become habits, you’ll start to see a difference.Â
Find a buddy: Having a workout buddy will keep you accountable and give you someone to “feel the workout burn,†with! It’s easier for you to break a workout date with yourself, but not with a friend.
You can’t outrun a bad diet! Proper nutrition is essential in not only maintaining your ideal shape (no matter what that looks like), but it’s important in staying healthy and lively as well. Poor nutrition is the root cause of many health issues, here are some tips on how to focus on your nutrition, without breaking the bank or taking hours of your time:Â
- Bring your lunch: Bringing your lunch to work, or even when you know you’ll be gone all day, can help keep you on track to achieve your health and fitness goals. Not only will this help save you money, but it’ll be healthier and even boost your confidence.
- Plan snacks: When it comes to day-snacking, always have your snacks ready to go and packed. By planning your snacks you can avoid unhealthy snacking.
- Stock for success: Stock your pantry for success! Avoid buying cookies, candies and other unhealthy foods to stock your pantry with, but instead buy healthier options such as low-fat crackers, protein bars, and fruits/veggies.Â
- Portion control: Ever heard of everything is okay in moderation? While that isn’t always true, it is something good to remember when it comes to eating. It is perfectly okay to enjoy some brown rice, but maybe only have half a cup versus three cups! Â
Â