Monument Physical Therapy - Gering

 
 

Monument Physical Therapy is a therapist-owned practice specializing in delivering individualized care for patients of all ages.  We have been serving the Scottsbluff/Gering valley since November of 2009.  We are excited to offer rehabilitation services including orthopedics, post-operative care, stroke rehabilitation, vestibular rehabilitation, women's health, pediatrics, work hardening, functional capacity evaluations, and aquatics.  

We provide treatments such as biofeedback, dry needling, Graston technique, cupping therapy, blood flow restriction, and kinesio taping to offer our patients the latest and most advanced procedures in manual therapy available for faster and better results.  Monument Physical Therapy's staff provides treatment for athletes before and after games to keep them at the top of their game. 

Our goal is to provide the most complete care for each individual patient.  To learn more call or stop by and see how we can serve you.

Location Details

308-633-5361  Send Email Submit Paperwork
Address: 3315 10th Street, Gering, NE 69341
Hours: Mon - Thurs: 7AM - 6PM, Fri: 7AM - 5PM
Fax: 308-633-5365

Meet the Staff

Meghan Roper, PT, DPT, OCS, SFMA

Clinic Supervisor

Therapy is not one size fits all.  In the past five years, I have come to appreciate my patients for their unique differences.  I am passionate about providing individualized care that gets to the root of the problem and treat treating my patients as a whole.  I am passionate about orthopedic, neurological, and pelvic health conditions, and I am motivated by my patients' results.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Nebraska Medical Center
  • Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Nebraska Wesleyan University

Professional Society Memberships:

  • Nebraska Physical Therapy Association
  • American Physical Therapy Association

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
  • Orthopedic Certified Specialist
  • A Systematic Approach to Examination, Diagnosis, and Manual Therapy of the Wrist Part 1
  • Practical Blood Flow Restriction
  • CarFit Technician
  • Level I Intramuscular Therapy (Dry Needling)
  • SFMA Level 1 - Selective Functional Movement Assessment
  • Level 1 Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
  • Fundamentals of Pregnancy and Postpartum Physical Therapy
  • ErgoScience FCE Trained
  • Pelvic Floor Level 2A: Colorectal Conditions, Pudendal Nerve Dysfunction, Male Pelvic Floor
  • Pelvic Floor Level 2B: Urogynecologic Exam & Treatment
  • Vestibular Certification
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine

Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska

Family: Husband: Cody, Stepson: Mason, Son: Noah

Hobbies: Hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, and camping

Josh Hill, PTA, SFMA

While in high school I injured my shoulder playing football and required physical therapy.  This was followed by multiple track injuries that also required PT treatments.  I began my studies in college focusing on Exercise Science.  During that time, I worked as a physical therapy technician in an outpatient physical therapy clinic and realized that my passion was in rehabilitation.  That was when I began pursuing my career in Physical Therapy Assistance. 

Education:

  • Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assistance, Clarkson College

Professional Society Memberships:

  • Nebraska Physical Therapy Association
  • American Physical Therapy Association

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • Blood Restriction
  • A Systematic Approach to Examination, Diagnosis, and Manual Therapy of the Wrist Part 1
  • Practical Blood Flow Restriction
  • Nebraska Coaching Certification 2010
  • Sportsmetrics Certification 2010
  • Niel-Asher trained for Treatment of Frozen Shoulder 2010
  • CarFit Technician
  • SFMA Level 1 - Selective Functional Movement Assessment
  • Certified Cupping Therapist

Hometown: Grand Island, Nebraska

Family: Wife: Sundee, Children: Cora, Tea , Easton

Hobbies: Being outdoors with family, swimming, biking, playing in the snow

 
Toni Rice, PTA, SFMA

Throughout high school and college, I was very active in competitive running.  I ended up becoming a patient at one point in my running career and after seeing how much physical therapy helped, I realized at that moment that I wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy and help people of all ages recover from injuries as well.   I couldn't be happier with my choice. Every day I learn something new from my patients and find pure joy in helping them achieve something that is important to them.  In the end, I have gained some of the greatest friendships.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Concordia University
  • Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assistance, Clarkson College

Professional Society Memberships:

  • Nebraska Physical Therapy Association
  • American Physical Therapy Association

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • IAOM - Clinical Examination and Manual Therapy of the Acute Lumbar Spine and SI Joint
  • Therapeutic Neuroscience Education
  • SFMA Level 1 - Selective Functional Movement Assessment
  • Certified Cupping Therapist
  •  IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
  • Athletes & Pelvic Rehabilitation
  • Functional Strengthening in Children
  • Autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing impairments
  • The Power of Play: Effective Play-based Therapy and Early Intervention
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine

Hometown: Bayard, Nebraska

Family: Husband: Nate, Sons: Luke and Blake

Hobbies: Spending time with family and puppy Oakley, being at the lake in the summer, running for fun, and being outdoors.

 

Services Offered

Latest News & Info

Are You A Superhuman?

By Monument PT - March 1, 2018

Are You A Superhuman?
They spin four or five times in mid-air, at mid-jump and land on their feet! They can endure hours of skiing at top speed and still find a way to speed up at the end to overcome their opponent! Olympic athletes… What makes these people so AMAZING? How do they do it?! Is it Wheaties? Are they going to become useless if in the presence of Kryptonite? What is the magic key? Are they superhuman, or is there a scientific explanation?
The answer… They are NOT Superhuman. Yes, there are years of physical training involved, but that answer is too easy.
Let’s take a step back. There are certain parts of our brain that tell us how our body is doing. It is always getting reports from stations from around the body. Those stations, for example, can be in the muscles of the legs. They report to the captain that they are still “good to go” and can continue forward. There are lines of communication established that help to keep the muscles churning along if the captain (the brain) says to do so.
We could take those daily pains and help “dull” them to the point where our function may improve despite the problem. Have you ever noticed that sometimes the smell of something can bring back sensations of pain or even sensations of enjoyment from the past? Guess where that comes from? You guessed it! Your brain. If something so simple as a smell can trigger such a REAL response, why can’t we use that to our advantage? I have you thinking now, don’t I?
Now let’s take the elite athlete and have them go cross country skiing for a couple of hours. You can bet that the muscles, even though highly trained, are telling the captain that they are maxed out and they are in so much pain that they MUST stop. They CANNOT go any further. Yet, they do! Why is this? How does this happen?
It is because the elite athlete has so much control from a higher level that their brain is not phased by this information and demands that the muscles continue forward. The elite athlete’s brain has been proven to block the “pain” signals from even getting to the captain! If the captain has no idea how bad things are, he continues to march valiantly into battle to win!
Now you might ask, “well, if they can do this, why can’t I?” The answer is… YOU CAN! You can be an elite athlete! Well, maybe that’s a stretch. However, I will say we all have the capability to utilize this same “power” that an elite athlete uses.
What in the world is this magical power and where do I get it, you ask? It’s currently present in your human brain! We have the capability to “squash” the pain signals you have coming from the depths below… below your brain that is. It’s not adrenaline. It’s not pain medication. It’s mind over matter. I know this sounds cliché, but it is scientifically proven to be true that things in the brain can be modified by the brain to allow the body to continue through a normally dreadful situation.
Your brain can tell you to finish that painful marathon. You can tell yourself that even though you hurt every time you get out of bed in the morning, you will still do it and do so with less and less pain simply because your brain wills it to happen.
Is it really THAT easy? Yes! It is that simple to understand, BUT training the brain to decide to ignore information from the body is something that comes with time and consistent training. What kind of training? Relatively pain-free exercise like walking or riding a stationary bike is one example. Another example is mental imagery! Yes, meditation and relaxation are actual treatments for improving overall performance levels in everyday life!
What does this mean moving forward? It means you have the gift to become the next elite athlete at the Olympics, of course... Well, maybe that’s a slight stretch. What does it really mean? It means we are all built to understand that some pains, even though they are perceived to be real by the brain, are maybe just that… in our brain!
If you are now thinking that you are super human, congratulations! You have received my message! Kryptonite can do nothing to you! If you are unsure, please stop by sometime and let’s chat. Your brain is a super power to be reckoned with, and your friendly physical therapist will be happy to help you tap into that power!
Contributing author, Mike Moravec, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and is the supervising physical therapist at Monument Physical Therapy located on the Scottsbluff-Gering highway located conveniently in the heart of the valley. Stop by or call Mike and his team of Physical Therapists with any questions you might have regarding your strength, or possibly lack thereof to avoid future injury! 308-633-5361
Read More...

How a Physical Therapist in Gering, NE Can Help with Sciatica

June 7, 2017

How a Physical Therapist in Gering, NE Can Help with Sciatica
If you have back pain, there is a chance you are one of the millions of Americans suffering from sciatica. This type of pain also extends into usually one but sometimes both legs as well. The good news is there are go-to treatments and ways to work with a physical therapist in Gering, NE and all other office locations to help you cope with sciatica. Learn more about what sciatica is, top signs and symptoms and forms of treatment and physical therapy.

What is Sciatica?

The sciatic nerve is a nerve located near the lower back and spine that runs into their legs and feet. Upon sustaining an injury, the sciatic nerve can become irritated or damaged. This can cause pain or numbness in a variety of areas and cause sciatica, which is also known as lumbar radiculopathy. When the nerve has become irritated, it will become inflamed, which is one of the sources of the pain. Another reason for the source of pain is in the region where the sciatic nerve is located. If the space becomes constricted and there is not much room, or if the nerve is pinched, it can become painful. You may also get sciatica from a herniated disk or bone spur.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the key symptoms of sciatica is a radiating pain that starts in your lower back/spine and into one of your legs. Usually it is only painful in one leg, but in some cases, can be both. At times, the pain can radiate as far down as your thighs, calves or even feet. For some, it can be a sore feeling. Others may describe sciatica pain as though they feel the area is hot. For others, it can be a sharp, piercing pain. Because this is an issue related to a nerve, it can lead to a tingling feeling or even numbness in the area. Muscles might be sore and it also might be difficult to put weight on your feet. For some, there is little to no back pain with sciatica, but they feel pain in one or both of their legs.

Treatment and Physical Therapy

For those who are coping with sciatica, there is good news. In many cases, surgery is not usually needed. If you begin to feel pain in your lower back and into your legs, it is best to contact a doctor as soon as possible. They can help you get on a plan for treatment to make sure this is not a long-term injury. One of the ways doctors encourage patients to heal and improve the quality of the issue is through physical therapy. By working with a local physical therapist, you can learn exercises and stretches to help strengthen the muscles. In addition, your doctor may recommend you take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories. For severe cases, they may prescribe a muscle relaxer. Only very extreme cases will require surgery.  
 
If you are unsure, take a look at what the different types of lower back pain physical therapy can relieve. To help you recover from your sciatica pain, North Platte Physical Therapy can help. By using our premier services, you will find helpful techniques to help you recover. Contact us today to get started!
Read More...

Have Neck Pain? Symptoms to Watch and How Nebraska Physical Therapy Can Help

April 12, 2017

Have Neck Pain? Symptoms to Watch and How Nebraska Physical Therapy Can Help
Are you one of the over 60 percent of Americans dealing with neck pain? Neck pain can be a painful condition that leads to many other issues and symptoms that you may not have even realized stemmed from your neck. However, you do have options to help ease symptoms and potentially cure some of your top issues for a better quality of life. Learn what neck pain is, signs and symptoms to watch out for and how physical therapy in Nebraska can help you recover.

Overview and causes

For many, pain in the neck region can start small and gradually get worse over time. In fact, according to the American Osteopathic Association’s Chronic Neck Pain, neck pain is the third highest reason for chronic pain. For many, it could have stemmed from an injury or wrong movement, and if not cared for over time, worsens. Poor posture, improper lifting techniques at the gym, odd movements, torn muscles or ligaments and more are some of the leading causes the American Osteopathic Association says leads to neck pain.

Signs, Symptoms and Common Issues

While pain in the neck area is one of the go-to signs of an issue, there are many other issues that can occur that stem down from neck pain and injuries. Neck pain sufferers may experience frequent headaches, dizziness, issues picking things up, numbness in the arm and various types of pain such as quick, sharp pains, overall soreness or a burning sensation. For many, their neck pain is due to degenerative disease, a herniated, bulging or ruptured disc, cervical fusion or cervical laminectomy/discectomy. Each of these things should not be ignored and treated by a local physician and physical therapist.

Treatment and How a Physical Therapist Can Help

As a neck pain sufferer, it is best to self-care in addition to what your doctor has told you for treatment. Make sure you always maintain good posture, avoid activities that lead you to lean your neck to one side for long periods of time and take an anti-inflammatory medication. Applying heat or cold to your injury can also help, and varies from person to person. You can test out on your own to see what helps or work with your doctor or a physical therapist to see which of the two is better for you. Last, working with a physical therapist can help. Learn more about physical therapy treatments for neck pain from your premier physical therapist in Nebraska.

If you live with chronic neck pain, or have recently sustained an injury that has led to neck pain, help is available. When it comes to any of your neck pain issues, North Platte Physical Therapy is your local therapy group. With over 22 offices, you are sure to find one near you to help you overcome your neck injury. We will support you with a customized plan to get you on your way to recovery. Don’t live with chronic neck pain any longer! To get started, contact North Platte Physical Therapy today and discuss with us your issues.
Read More...

How Children With Autism Benefit From Physical Therapy in Cheyenne WY

March 15, 2017

How Children With Autism Benefit From Physical Therapy in Cheyenne WY
When you think of physical therapy, images of older or injured adults recovering from surgery probably come to mind. However, physical therapy is not just for those who are aging or injured. In fact, special needs children such as those with autism can greatly benefit from regular physical therapy in Cheyenne WY. Here’s how:

Imitation Skills

Children who have autism often do not develop imitation skills on their own. What are imitation skills? When children are young, they often imitate what they see people around them doing. These skills will eventually help children socialize and learn to speak, so they are crucial to a child’s development. If your child has not mastered his imitation skills, a physical therapist can help. For example, trained physical therapists can use fun songs such as “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” to help children learn how to mimic movements. Learn more about imitation skills.

Motor Skills

Children with autism typically have limited motor skills, which makes it difficult for them to navigate through their daily lives. A physical therapist can work one-on-one with affected children to help them improve their balance and develop the muscle strength they need to perform daily activities. After attending regular physical therapy sessions, children with autism may see improvements in their ability to sit upright, walk, run, and jump without assistance.

Physical therapists can also help children learn how to use these motor skills to play on their own or with others. For example, therapists can work with kids to help them understand how to climb on a playground or kick a ball in a game of soccer. They can also help them improve their motor planning skills. For instance, kids with autism may be able to climb into a swing, but they still might not be able to figure out how to pump their legs to get the swing to move. In this case, a physical therapist can focus on motor planning to fine tune these skills, which will help the child become more socialized as he learns how to play with others.

Posture

If you’ve ever seen a physical therapist after an injury, you know the importance of good posture. Practicing good posture can prevent painful injuries caused by slouching your shoulders or hunching your back. Unfortunately, children with autism often suffer from generalized joint hypermobility (GJH), which can cause weak muscles, and therefore bad posture. A physical therapist can help by correcting any misalignments that are often found in the postures of children with autism and teaching them the importance of sitting up straight to elongate their spines.

At North Platte Physical Therapy, we’re dedicated to helping clients of all ages and abilities. If you’re curious about physical therapy, contact North Platte Physical Therapy to learn more about how we can help you and your children live healthier lives. Our staff is praised throughout the Wyoming and Nebraska areas for our commitment to our clients. We can fulfill comprehensive physical therapy services, and would be happy to customize a treatment plan for your personal needs.
Read More...

CarFit Event coming soon!

By Amanda Libsack - July 8, 2016

CarFit Event coming soon!
Coming to Monument Physical Therapy in Gering, NE!  We are offering a 1 day clinic for older drivers to come have their vehicles checked out to make sure they are safe on the road!  Saturday July 23rd from 9:00 am - 11:00 am.  Contact us at 308-633-5361 if there are any questions!!Â