North Platte Gillette Physical Therapy

 
 

Our goal at North Platte Physical Therapy - Gillette, WY is to have the most compassionate and well-trained staff in Campbell county. With 4 professionals on staff, we are able to specialize in a wide variety of treatment approaches and patient populations. And after providing services to Gillette, and surrounding areas for over 20 years. We've seen it all, treating everything from pediatrics to geriatrics. We make your Physical Therapy goals our goals.

In order to better serve our community, North Platte Gillette Physical Therapy offers a Bumps and Bruises program for our Sheriffs, Police, Fire Department, and youth athletes. Bumps and Bruises is designed to evaluate the patient's problem areas and get our athletes "back in the game." Our goal is to get the patient or first responder back to their job or sport. We also offer a variety of other services for Medicare patients, student-athletes, and others.

North Platte Gillette Physical Therapy, is dedicated to providing the best care, customer service, and insurance transparency to all of our patients. We want our patients to feel comfortable and understand their individual insurance benefits for Physical Therapy. As a courtesy, we do verify all patients' insurance and explain coverage. At North Platte Gillette Physical Therapy, we offer extended hours to meet all of our patients' needs. Walk-in appointments are always welcomed. Call 307-686-2569 today to schedule your appointment.

Location Details: 

North Platte Gillette Physical Therapy


North Platte Gillette Physical Therapy

Address: 620 4-J Court, Gillette, WY 82716

Hours: Monday -Friday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM (Closed for lunch 12PM - 1PM Daily)
Fax: 307-686-2615
Ben Mangus, DPT, OCS, WCC, CSCS, SFMA, CAFS, CKTP, AIB-VR

Clinic Supervisor


I knew from a young age that I wanted to help individuals rehab naturally and physical therapy was that perfect fit. I enjoy getting to know each patient I come in contact with and make it a priority to help them reach their goals.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, New York Institute of Technology
  • Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Promotion, University of Wyoming

Professional Society Memberships:

  • American Physical Therapy Association
  • National Strength and Conditioning Association
  • Kinesio Taping Association International

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
  • IAOM Wrist Course
  • Vestibular Certification
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
  • A Systematic Approach to Examination, Diagnosis, and Manual Therapy of the Wrist Part 1
  • Practical Blood Flow Restriction
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
  • Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner 
  • Maitland: Essential Peripheral Seminar
  • Maitland: Essential Spinal Seminar
  • IAOM: Clinical Examination and Manual Therapy of the Acute Lumbar Spine and Sacroiliac Joint
  • IAOM: Diagnosis and Management of the Acute Lumbar and SI Joint
  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
  • When the Feet Hit the Ground"¦Everything Changes
  • Long Island Orthotics and Prosthetics: Lower Extremity Prosthetic Gait Deviation
  • Selective Functional Movement Assessment Certified
  • Functional Dry Needling Level-1
  • Functional Dry Needling Level-2
  • Certified Cupping Therapist
  • Certified in Applied Function Science
  • BikeFit The Foot/Pedal Interface
  • RockTape IASTM Practitioner
  • Maitland: Evidenced-Based Orthopedic Diagnostic Evaluation Seminar
  • Ergo Science FCE Certified
  • ErgoScience FCE Trained
  • Wound Care Certification from the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate

Hometown: Douglas, WY

Family: Parents: Chuck & Lisa Mangus, Sister: Jessica Mangus, Wife: Brooke, Puppy Dog: Bexley

Hobbies: Cycling, archery, fly fishing, and hunting.

 
Melissa Metcalf, DPT, OCS, SFMA, AIB-VR

I have always had a nurturing and caring spirit; gravitating towards jobs and activities where I could help others. I also love the human body, how it works, and is intricately put together.  When looking at possible career fields as a high school student, physical therapy seemed to be the perfect fit for me! Practicing in outpatient physical therapy has allowed me the joy of helping others reach their goals and dreams.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of North Dakota
  • Bachelor of Science in Biology, Specific to Human Biology, Chadron State College

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • IAOM Wrist Course
  • Vestibular Certification
  • A Systematic Approach to Examination, Diagnosis, and Manual Therapy of the Wrist Part 1
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
  • Practical Blood Flow Restriction
  • SFMA Certified
  • CAPP-OB Trained through the APTA
  • Certified Work Saver (industrial testing)
  • Certified Trigger Point Dry Needling (TPN)
  • Graston Trained
  • Certified Cupping Therapist
  • Specialized in Vertigo/Vestibular
  • Evaluation and Treatment of the Lumbar Spine and Sacroiliac: method and approach
  • Pre-placement screening
  • Effective Therapeutics of common Upper and Lower Extremity Conditions
  • Intro to Vestibular Rehab
  • Low Back Pain 101
  • Spinal and Peripheral Manual Therapy Techniques of the Lower Quarter
  • Cervical and Thoracic back rehab
  • Donatelli"s Pathophysiology and mechanics of the shoulder
  • Mechanics of the Lower Kinetic Chain
  • Pregnancy and Postpartum Level 1
  • Cervical decision-making and manual Therapy Management and Treatment of TMJ and upper Cervical Spine
  • Pregnancy and Postpartum Level 2
  • Muscle Energy Techniques for the Spine, Pelvic Girdle, and Ribs
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation
  • Pregnancy and Postpartum Level 3
  • Running Injuries
  • Introduction Level Functional Dry Needling
  • Advanced Level Functional Dry Needling
  • Graston Technique
  • Harnessing the Diaphragm/Pelvic Floor position for Rehab and Fitness
  • Spinning Beyond the Basics - Advanced Vestibular Rehab
  • The Foot and Ankle
  • Diagnosis and Management of Acute Lumbar and SI joint
  • SFMA Level 1
  • Cupping Therapy
  • Clinical Exam and Manual Therapy of the Elbow
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate

Professional Society Memberships:

  • American Physical Therapy Association 
  • Member of the Wyoming Chapter of APTA
  • Chief Delegate for Wyoming Chapter, APTA House of Delegates 2009-2012

Community Involvement:

  • Active participant at Living Rock Church, MS for Wyoming

Hometown: Cheyenne, Wyoming

Family: Rex and Barb (parents)

Hobbies: Triathlons, running half marathons, travel medical missions, reading

 
Deb Percifield, PTA, SFMA, AIB-VR

In 1999 my husband passed away unexpectedly and I was in need of a way to provide for myself and my children. I knew I was interested in a career in the medical field. At the end of my degree study at Gillette College, my advisor gave me an application for the PTA program at Central Wyoming Community College. The idea of being a PTA was exciting. I enjoy working with people and making a difference in a person's quality of life. 

Education:

  • Associate of Art- Northern Wyoming Community College
  • Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapy Assistant, Central Wyoming Community College

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • Vestibular Certification
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
  • Graston Trained
  • Specializes in Myofascial/Craniosacral Release
  • Cervical Disorders, Pediatrics, and Pool Therapy
  • Certified Cupping Therapist
  • Pediatric Myofascial Release
  • Differential Diagnosis and Manual Therapy of the Hip
  • Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Foot and Ankle
  • Pilates Fundamentals and Techniques
  • Mobilization of the Nervous System
  • Biomechanics and Orthotics
  • Cervical and Thoracic Spine: A Maitland Approach
  • Spasticity Management: Focus on Rehabilitation
  • Manual Therapy for Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Low Back Pain 101
  • Spinal and Peripheral Therapy Techniques of the Lower Quarter
  • Cervical and Thoracic Back Rehab
  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
  • Donatelli's Pathophysiology and Mechanics of the Shoulder with Lab
  • Mechanics of the Lower Kinetic Chain
  • Fundamental and Advanced Kinesio Taping (KT1 and KT2)
  • Advanced Kinesio Taping (KT3)
  • Orthopedic Symposium
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Exercise Experts for Aging Adults
  • Graston Technique
  • Clinical Examination and Manual Therapy of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Cervicothoracic Junction
  • Clinical Examination and Manual Therapy of the Lower Cervical Spine
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Acute Lumbar and SI Joint
  • SFMA
  • Cupping Therapy
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
  • Persistent Pain Management
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate

Community Involvement:

  • Active participant at St. Matthews Catholic Church
  • BETA Sigma Phi Sorority

Hometown: Gillette, Wyoming

Family: Bruce (husband), Wendi, Chris, and Amanda (children) and 6 grandchildren

Hobbies: Spending time with family, cooking, and baking

 
 


 
Brooke Mangus, PTA, SFMA, AIB-VR

 Physical therapy has been a huge influence on my life and well-being; in high school, I had two sports injuries. I joined this field of practice with the outlook to help others resume a quality of living desirable to each individual patient the same way my physical therapists did for me when I was a patient.

Education:

  • Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant, Laramie County Community College

Certification/Specialized Training:

  • Clinical Examination and Manual Therapy of the Acute Lumbar Spine and Sacroiliac Joint
  • Practical Blood Flow Restriction
  • A Systematic Approach to Examination, Diagnosis, and Manual Therapy of the Wrist Part 1
  • IAOM Manual Therapy of the Acute Lumbar Spine and Sacroiliac Joint
  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
  • Kinesio Taping
  • Manual Therapy Joint Mobilizations for the PTA
  • When The Feet Hit The Ground... Everything Changes
  • Selective Functional Movement Assessment Certified
  • IAOM Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Cervicothoracic Junction
  • IAOM Manual Therapy of the Cervicothoracic Junction
  • Vestibular Certified
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate

Professional Memberships: Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy

Hometown: Casper, WY

Family: Husband, Ben, and Bexley Jean (fur baby)

Hobbies: Hunting, camping, cycling, skiing, and playing with my dog Bexley

 

 

Services Offered



Latest News & Info


Physical Therapy Services: Pelvic Floor Areas of Concern


Physical Therapy Services: Pelvic Floor Areas of Concern
One of the many positive things about physical therapy is its ability to adapt for many different applications. Not only are practitioners able to formulate a personalized plan for each and every client, but the needs addressed also vary on a case by case basis. For many, the services include various exercises, movements, and other features to generate blood flow while helping increase mobility. These features target areas to improve overall health and often work moving certain areas back to a predetermined state. For example, an athlete may suffer a knee injury which requires physical therapy as a part of their healing process. These applications vary from one patient to the next, but returning the individual to a pre-injured state is often the goal. However, not only are joints, tendons, and ligaments highlighted, but there are other areas of the body which may also reap the benefits of a personalized physical therapy plan.

Pelvic floor muscles serve a variety of different purposes, all of which are vital. From helping control bodily functions to having an impact on an individual's sexual experience, being able to maintain and utilize the pelvic floor is extremely important for everyone. Both males and females benefit from having a strong base and any areas of need should be addressed immediately. 

Control

One quality aspect of having a healthy pelvic floor is the ability to control both bowels and urination. The muscles performance in this area helps eliminate any unwanted leakage and can assist in making certain there are no issues during regular daily activities.

Constipation

Opposite, weak or unused pelvic floor muscles also leads to constipation for individuals who aren’t readily putting these areas into regular use. While this space supports many of the different organs and bodily functions within this area, having a constant standing for longer periods of time may also lead to secondary bowel issues.

Pain

Abdominal pain is another problematic feature which may be addressed through targeting of the pelvic floor. Improvements in these areas and any adjustments to assist in pain management can both be helpful when dealing with any type of concern.

Sexual Issues

Another side effect of an ineffective or weakened pelvic floor is their impact on sexual experiences for everyone. Men can suffer from erectile dysfunction and pelvic floor muscles also assist with ejaculation. In females, the ability to maintain a strong pelvic floor contributes to enhanced sensation and more arousal due to the muscles being stronger within this area of the body.

If you or someone you know suffers from pelvic floor issues, needs 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!
 
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Physical Therapy Services: Dry Needling Treatment Areas


Physical Therapy Services: Dry Needling Treatment Areas
Physical therapy treatment services vary depending on the needs of each individual client and how therapists attack their symptoms is also very specific to all patients. These modifications and adjustments lead to multiple approaches helping clients get the absolute best care possible and a solution for their needs. For many, these actions target pain related features and one practice which can be utilized to treat a multitude of different symptoms involves dry needling.

Reasons to try dry needling depend on each patient but there are many different areas which can be targeted throughout the body. Often, these procedures are performed in tandem with another physical therapy approach and a goal of finding the correct combination of services for individuals to find relief. While many people are somewhat familiar with the practice of acupuncture, dry needling is something entirely different. Originating on opposite ends of the world, acupuncture focuses on energy and alignment whereas dry needling is a specific approach to target muscles and release trigger points for patient relief.

Neck, Back, and Shoulders

There are many different physical therapy activities to target these high problem areas for pain, discomfort, or other ailments, but dry needling can be coupled with them to assist individuals. Pinpointing problem areas along the muscles associated in and around these areas may help free a person from pain, discomfort, or immobility.

Elbow

Elbow pain is commonly associated with tennis and golf participants due to the repetitive nature of their participatory movements. Using dry needling, physical therapists can pinpoint any areas in need of relief as part of a physical therapy plan.

Headaches

Constant or repetitive headache symptoms may also benefit from a physical therapist’s dry needling technique. Migraine sufferers could achieve some reprieve by pinpointing muscles to reduce spasms impacting these feelings.

Hips and Glutes

Mobility is often significantly impacted if there is pain associated in either of these important areas. By using a dry needling technique, physical therapists can target certain muscles to help potentially release any areas causing an issue.

Knee

Similar to elbow pain, this lower body joint can also be an issue for athletes and other individuals as they age due to repeated use and impact. If needed, dry needling may be used in and around the joint to help serve the needs of any affected patient.  

If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain, needs 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!
 
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Physical Therapy Services For Wound Care


Physical Therapy Services For Wound Care
Physical therapy (PT) services are quality care for a variety of different ailments, but not only is their application flexible but administration also varies considerably. In fact, one reason why physical therapy remains so successful is attributed to the versatility of practice. Depending on the specific injury or reason behind seeking treatment, a personalized approach is developed to fit the needs of each individual patient. This method not only allows for more of a potential recovery and improved functionality but it also targets the specific personalized needs with the best possible treatments. Physical therapy often targets aches, pains, and other mobility issues but wounds and their repercussions can also be addressed through a targeted PT plan.

Wounds, while likely still painful, differ from aches and other potential issues where most people believe physical therapy services are beneficial. These specific ailments involve some type of breach in the skin or other related condition associated along with a topical application. Instead of servicing the joints and bones, wound related physical therapy focuses on healing and increasing blood flow to improve recovery. A few commonly treated areas are scar tissue, burns, surgical wounds, and tissue repair procedures.

Scar Tissue

Scars result from the healing process of wounds along the exterior of an individual’s skin. The healing cells and collagen come together creating a new area of fibrous tissue replacing where the epidermis once existed. Size and location of the impacted area can sometimes lead to physical therapy being used to help reduction and healing properties of the prior wound.

Burns

Burns are another tragic result of injuries associated with the skin, meeting the wound qualification as they often peel away outer layers exposing the interior or an affected body part. Fortunately, once the natural healing process has begun, physical therapy may be utilized for scar tissue, pain tolerance, soft-tissue massage, and any related mobilization activities.

Surgical Wounds

Having to undergo some type of surgery often results in incisions or other intrusive measures that have the potential of leaving a wound once complete and healing begins. These areas are typically addressed in similar fashion as scar tissue and can also be aided by undergoing physical therapy in the event of pain presence, potential quicker healing, or a possible reduction in size.

Tissue Repair

Wounds may also interfere with tissue causing the need for repair. Soft tissue healing focuses specifically on tendons, ligaments, and muscles which may become damaged during any type of wound. Physical therapy often aids in recovery and maintains the goal of helping patients get back to performing as they were prior to any injury.

If you or someone you know needs wound care, suffers from 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!
 
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Physical Therapy Services: Five Benefits To Boost Well-Being


Physical Therapy Services: Five Benefits To Boost Well-Being

Injuries occur for a variety of different reasons, from traumatic events such as a car wreck to sports-related issues, causing individuals pain, discomfort, and often limiting mobility. While there are certain medical procedures and medicines to assist with these problematic limitations, the presence of a structured and personalized physical therapy program also helps to speed up and aid in recovery. These measures offer many incentives helping to boost a person’s well-being while also providing multiple health benefits along the way.

Physical therapy is something many people are familiar with but few understand just how important its benefits are to individuals. However, as the medical market continues to expand, there are millions of people utilizing these services each day and odds are you know one of them in the event you haven’t personally put it to use. While there are countless ways physical therapy assists individuals, there are five key components associated with outcomes from following a professionally prescribed plan.

Recovery Options

Following some type of injury, regardless of its origin, physical therapy boosts both the recovery time and process. In addition, if certain movements are limited or a person has lost function from one of their limbs, the use of a professional physical therapy plan will assist in helping them to recover completely or at least improve the current function to some degree.

Balance Assistance

Another key focal area for physical therapy is to improve balance and coordination among clients. Depending on age and certain other factors, the ability to enhance this component is key and also assists in helping individuals throughout their daily life experiences.

Pain Reduction

Certain aches and pains may also be limited or healed through the use of a physical therapy action plan. This not only aids in a reduction of medication (pain pills) but it also serves as a natural way to attack any lingering issues.

Preventative Practice

Most people associate physical therapy with a resulting action from some prior experience. For example, you twist an ankle playing basketball and physical therapy is needed to help get back out on the court but there are also preventative measures to this practice. Certain therapeutic approaches could help individuals avoid surgery altogether by remedying a problem area before having to go under the knife - always a positive result.

Universal Application

Physical therapy is also a universal practice with a different plan of action specific to each individual. These unique procedures are always shaped to address how each person responds to the treatment while focusing on a personalized approach with the goals of different individuals in mind.

If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain, needs 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!
 
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Low impact excerices to help with back pain


Low impact excerices to help with back pain
When dealing with back pain, North Platte Physical Therapy in WY want you to know it is essential to engage in low impact exercises that can help strengthen and stretch the muscles without causing additional strain.
  • Walking is a simple yet effective exercise that can be easily incorporated into one's daily routine. It helps improve circulation and flexibility while putting minimal stress on the back.
  • Another low impact exercise for back pain is swimming or water aerobics, as the water's buoyancy reduces the pressure on the spine. 
  • Yoga and Pilates are also beneficial, offering gentle movements that can improve core strength, flexibility, and posture. These exercises focus on the mind-body connection, encouraging relaxation while targeting specific muscle groups.
Being able to stretch in between the low impact activites will also help with the pain. While the pain can be debilitating and affect daily activities, there are a variety of at-home stretches that can help alleviate discomfort and promote flexibility.
  • One effective stretch is the knee-to-chest exercise. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Slowly bring one knee towards your chest, using your hands to gently pull it closer. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch legs.
  • Another beneficial stretch is the cat-camel pose. Begin on all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders and knees below your hips. Arch your back upwards like a cat, then slowly lower it downwards like a camel, breathing deeply throughout. Repeat this motion for several rounds.
  • Additionally, the child's pose can provide relief. Start by kneeling on the floor and sit back onto your heels. Lower your upper body forward until your forehead rests on the ground, extending your arms in front of you. Hold for 30 seconds while focusing on deep breaths.
Keep in mind - it's extremely important to listen to your body and not push yourself beyond your limits. If any stretch causes pain or discomfort, stop immediately and consult with a healthcare professional. Consistency is key when it comes to seeing improvements, so start slowly and gradually increase the intensity over time. Listening to your body and making adjustments as necessary will help you find the perfect balance between staying active and minimizing back pain.
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