North Platte Physical Therapy - Cody
At North Platte Physical Therapy we treat the whole patient utilizing the most current manual therapy and exercise strategies to help you alleviate pain, regain functional strength, and restore mobility. We specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation including neck, back, joint and extremity conditions. We also specialize in developing effective treatment plans for patients with chronic pain. We do all of this in a family friendly, hometown environment and will always try to be flexible to meet your needs.
Location Details
Address: 702 Platinum Avenue, Cody, WY 82414
Hours: Tues & Fri: 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Fax: 307-586-2350
Hours: Tues & Fri: 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Fax: 307-586-2350
John Asher, PT, SFMA
Partner, Clinic Supervisor
John is a partner at North Platter Physical Therapy and has been with the company since 1995. John is from Honolulu, Hawaii and has always enjoyed various sports which are what led him into Physical Therapy.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of New Mexico
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
- Certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling
- Certified in Garston Technique
- Vestibular Disorder Specialist
Community Involvement:
- American Legion Board Member
- Instructor for Powell Valley Healthcare"s CNA Program
- Volunteer Therapist for Powell High School and Middle School Athletic sports medicine team
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
Family: Wife Tami, son Carson, daughter Lauren
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and weight training
Gail Mills, PT, SFMA
Physical Therapy is the perfect blend of my interest in science, medicine, and providing service to others. My interest in PT first began with a dream to offer health care to homebound elderly, after watching the difficulties of my grandmother suffering from extensive arthritis. Working in Home Health for nearly 20 years, I have loved the opportunity to provide therapy services to patients in their homes, allowing them to be more independent and sage in their own surroundings. My recent transition to North Platte Physical Therapy has allowed me to continue providing therapy to the elderly as well as expanding patient care to enjoy a variety of all ages. I love the personal element of PT as I am able to help patients restore function and facilitate a return to their desired lifestyle.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of North Dakota in 1982
Professional Society Memberships:
- Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy
Community Involvement:
- "‹Volunteer Patient Advocate at Serenity Pregnancy Resource Center
- Various volunteer church activities
Hometown: Hulett, Wyoming
Family: Husband Gary, daughter Nikki, and sons Gavin and Galen
Hobbies: Camping, horseback riding, reading, crocheting, and visiting my children
Sarah Arthur, PTA
I enjoy my job as a PTA helping people return to their previous function following injury or surgery. I enjoy working in Rural Wyoming as we get to see a wide variety of patients in various settings including inpatient and outpatient. I love the opportunity to educate patients through exercise and strengthening and see them progress and reach their goals.
Education:
- Associate of Applied Sciences, Physical Therapist Assistant, San Juan College Farmington, New Mexico
- Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, Montana State University Bozeman, Montana
Certification/Specialized Training:
- Rocktape Fascial Movement Taping
Community Involvement:
- Conditioning coach for high school girls soccer team, volunteer sports medicine team for middle school athletic activities
Hometown: Thompson Falls, Montana
Family: Husband Chaz
Hobbies: Roping, quilting, gardening, exercising, volleyball, and horseback riding
Services Offered
- Arthritis Pain
- Back Pain
- Balance Rehab
- Biomechanical Gait Analysis
- Body Mechanics Training
- Chronic Pain
- Cupping Therapy
- Fall Prevention Classes
- Fine Motor Dexterity
- Graston Techniques
- Hand Therapy
- Headache
- Kinesiotaping
- Modalities
- Myofacial Techniques
- Neck Pain
- Neurological Services
- Orthotic Fabrication
- Orthopedic Service
- Pediatric Therapy
- Pre/Post Surgical Rehab
- Post Cancer Treatment
- Return to Sport Exercise Programs
- Running Injuries
- Self-Care Skills
- SFMA - Selective Functional Movement Assessment
- Spine Care
- Sports Medicine
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- Tendonitis
- TMJ
- Torticollis
- Trigger Point Dry Needling
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Women's Health
- Work Hardening/Conditioning
- Work Injuries
- Wound Care
Latest News & Info
How to avoid injury during bad weather - from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist
November 25, 2019
Snow has officially arrived, and with more snow/sleet sure to come shortly, it’s important to do your best to stay safe in the bad weather. But how can you stay safe, and avoid unnecessary injury? Snow, sleet, and ice come with a new set of problems and new ways that you can get injured and end up needing to see a primary care physician and ultimately physical therapist in Wyoming or Nebraska.Â
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
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
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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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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What does back pain really mean?
November 20, 2019
Back pain can be difficult to diagnose on your own, which is why you certainly shouldn’t do it. In terms of determining when to visit a doctor, we recommend that you visit a doctor when your pain is so severe it impedes your daily activities, or when it’s been more than 3-5 days - particularly if you didn’t have any back pain related to physical exertion. Perhaps you’ve already scheduled an appointment with your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist or doctor and you’re trying to figure out...what could the cause of my back pain be? What does this really mean for my overall health? Check out some of the causes of back pain, and what this can mean.
Discs (the soft tissue between your spinal joints): Sometimes back pain case me some issues with your spinal discs. This can manifest in the form of:Â
Additional issues that might be causing you back pain include:Â
There are many more issues that can cause prolonged back pain, but those are just a few of the most common. It’s extremely important that you do not self-diagnose a back pain cause, and that you see a primary care doctor or physical therapist. Be sure to contact us or your primary care physician for assistance. 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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Discs (the soft tissue between your spinal joints): Sometimes back pain case me some issues with your spinal discs. This can manifest in the form of:Â
- Herniated/slipped: Means the discs have moved in some way - such as come out. Herniated discs will cause additional pain, as they can affect your nerves as well.Â
- Bulging: Bulging discs bulge similar to a herniated disc, but often times not as much.
- Degenerative: This means the discs have begun to degenerate - so they might be shrinking or tearing. This often times happens with older age.
Additional issues that might be causing you back pain include:Â
- Cervical radiculopathy: Pinched nerve - may be caused by a herniated disc or bone spur.Â
- Spinal stenosis: Your spinal canal has narrowed.
- Spondylolisthesis: One of the bones in the lower spine has slipped forward and out of place.
There are many more issues that can cause prolonged back pain, but those are just a few of the most common. It’s extremely important that you do not self-diagnose a back pain cause, and that you see a primary care doctor or physical therapist. Be sure to contact us or your primary care physician for assistance. 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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How Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapy can help back pain
November 13, 2019
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Back pain can be a nuisance...but you might be wondering, why would I need to go to a Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist? You might be wondering if a physical therapist is work the cost. We certainly understand the hesitation, but we can promise there are substantial benefits to participating in physical therapy for your back pain.
The first thing you should know is that there are a few different types of physical therapy and all have their uses. Make sure you take time to understand each, and speak with your primary care physician as to what might be best for you. The first type of physical therapy is “passive†physical therapy. Passive physical therapy is something that is done to your body, versus your body exerting effort. When you think of “RICE†(rest, ice, compression, and elevation) this is a form of passive physical therapy. Other types of passive physical therapy includes TENS units, and iontophoresis.
Let’s do a quick definition check:Â
TENS units: Electrical stimulation
Iontophoresis: Delivering steroids to the body through skin
The next type of physical therapy is “active†physical therapy - or physical therapy that involves your body exerting effort. This includes stretching, active exercises, and other movements that your physical therapist has assigned to you. Active physical therapy most commonly would be used when your body needs to be rehabilitated due to an injury versus when your body needs rest. When it comes to active physical therapy make sure you stay in contact with your primary care physician and physical therapist to avoid hurting yourself even further.Â
Now, why is physical therapy helpful? Physical therapy is your key to strengthening your muscles - slowly, effectively, and safely. A typical healthy adult (with no injuries) doesn’t need physical therapy to help strengthen their muscles - but injuries is what can cause the problem When you are battling injuries, you’ll need to be careful to avoid causing further serious issues or strains - which is where physical therapy can assist.
It’s always worth speaking to your primary care physician if you think that you might need physical therapy...but it’s also worth talking to your primary care physician or physical therapist if you think you’d like to stop physical therapy. Participation in physical therapy can help you safely rehabilitate from an injury without risk of further injury. Remember...further injuries can make it even harder to recover.
If you are experiencing long-lasting back pain, be sure to reach out to your primary care physician or our team. Â 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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The first thing you should know is that there are a few different types of physical therapy and all have their uses. Make sure you take time to understand each, and speak with your primary care physician as to what might be best for you. The first type of physical therapy is “passive†physical therapy. Passive physical therapy is something that is done to your body, versus your body exerting effort. When you think of “RICE†(rest, ice, compression, and elevation) this is a form of passive physical therapy. Other types of passive physical therapy includes TENS units, and iontophoresis.
Let’s do a quick definition check:Â
TENS units: Electrical stimulation
Iontophoresis: Delivering steroids to the body through skin
The next type of physical therapy is “active†physical therapy - or physical therapy that involves your body exerting effort. This includes stretching, active exercises, and other movements that your physical therapist has assigned to you. Active physical therapy most commonly would be used when your body needs to be rehabilitated due to an injury versus when your body needs rest. When it comes to active physical therapy make sure you stay in contact with your primary care physician and physical therapist to avoid hurting yourself even further.Â
Now, why is physical therapy helpful? Physical therapy is your key to strengthening your muscles - slowly, effectively, and safely. A typical healthy adult (with no injuries) doesn’t need physical therapy to help strengthen their muscles - but injuries is what can cause the problem When you are battling injuries, you’ll need to be careful to avoid causing further serious issues or strains - which is where physical therapy can assist.
It’s always worth speaking to your primary care physician if you think that you might need physical therapy...but it’s also worth talking to your primary care physician or physical therapist if you think you’d like to stop physical therapy. Participation in physical therapy can help you safely rehabilitate from an injury without risk of further injury. Remember...further injuries can make it even harder to recover.
If you are experiencing long-lasting back pain, be sure to reach out to your primary care physician or our team. Â 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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Why aching pain can be a sign of something more serious, from your Wyoming physical therapist
November 5, 2019
Aches and pains can be just that...a pain. It’s estimated that 60-80 percent of adults will experience back pain sometime in their lives, and 20-70 percent of adults will experience neck pain. You may have noticed you are beginning to experience pain for longer than 24-48 hours...and sometimes that’s okay. Perhaps you’ve had a hard work, or are even recovering from a major injury/medical procedure. But here is when you should start to consider it might be something more serious.Â
As you start to wonder if it can be a sign of something more serious, you should ask yourself the following questions:Â
These are all questions that your doctor is likely to ask you, and it could be indicative of something more serious. As you start to answer these questions yourself, make sure you are mindful of the answer so you can discuss with your primary care physician. Here are the true signs you should begin to look out for, and when you should certainly seek medical attention:Â
Sudden onset of pain: If you have sudden onset of pain whether that be in the back or neck, you should definitely seek medical attention. Particularly if this pain wakes you up at night, or is something that happens consistently.Â
Numbness: Are you having bouts of numbness? This could signal issues with your nerves - make sure to call your doctor sooner rather than later to avoid more permanent and more serious damage.
Fever: Fevers are indication of infections, and infections can get serious if left untreated.Â
Constant pain: Besides the fact that constant pain can be an annoyance, it can also affect your daily life and get worse over time.
Traumatic injury: If you’ve experienced a traumatic injury such as a bad fall, car accident, etc., it’s important to get treatment right after the event. If you’ve delayed this and are experiencing pain after the fact...get in to a doctor immediately.
If you are experiencing long-lasting  pain, 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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As you start to wonder if it can be a sign of something more serious, you should ask yourself the following questions:Â
- How long has the pain been going on?
- Is there anything that makes the pain worse? Perhaps a movement or when you sit/lay down a certain way.
- Do you have pain when walking?Â
- Is the pain associated with numbness or weakness?Â
- Are you having any trouble with walking?Â
These are all questions that your doctor is likely to ask you, and it could be indicative of something more serious. As you start to answer these questions yourself, make sure you are mindful of the answer so you can discuss with your primary care physician. Here are the true signs you should begin to look out for, and when you should certainly seek medical attention:Â
Sudden onset of pain: If you have sudden onset of pain whether that be in the back or neck, you should definitely seek medical attention. Particularly if this pain wakes you up at night, or is something that happens consistently.Â
Numbness: Are you having bouts of numbness? This could signal issues with your nerves - make sure to call your doctor sooner rather than later to avoid more permanent and more serious damage.
Fever: Fevers are indication of infections, and infections can get serious if left untreated.Â
Constant pain: Besides the fact that constant pain can be an annoyance, it can also affect your daily life and get worse over time.
Traumatic injury: If you’ve experienced a traumatic injury such as a bad fall, car accident, etc., it’s important to get treatment right after the event. If you’ve delayed this and are experiencing pain after the fact...get in to a doctor immediately.
If you are experiencing long-lasting  pain, 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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Back pains and how to handle them, from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist
October 29, 2019
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.
Most lower back pain results from an injury. However, there are some underlying causes that could be responsible for lower back pain, including:Â
If you are experiencing long-lasting back pain, be sure to reach our to your primary care physician or our team. Â 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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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
Most lower back pain results from an injury. However, there are some underlying causes that could be responsible for lower back pain, including:Â
- Cancer
- Sciatica
- Arthritis
- Kidney infections
- Ruptured/herniated discs
- Infection
If you are experiencing long-lasting back pain, be sure to reach our to your primary care physician or our team. Â 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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