North Platte Physical Therapy - Lovell

 
 

Easy, Flexible Scheduling with Same Day Services

The Lovell Clinic provides physical and occupational rehabilitation services including outpatient and inpatient care and services to the local public school. These therapeutic services include treatment of all age groups from infants to geriatric patients. We help restore the range-of-motion, strength, coordination, and functional mobility that allow our patients to improve the quality of their lives. Our goal is to provide instruction and appropriate exercise programs that allow people to return to the activities they enjoy. We offer same day scheduling to all patients and work to fit their busy life schedules.

Location Details


Address: 1115 Lane 12, Lovell, WY 82431
Hours: Mon - Fri 8AM - 5PM
Fax: 307-548-5263
Ladell Merritt, DPT, SFMA

Clinic Supervisor


Ladell believes that the human body is designed to move and be active.  He enjoys helping people improve themselves to enjoy life to the fullest.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, Creighton University 
  • Undergraduate Studies, Utah State University 

Certifications/Specialized Training:  

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • Trigger point dry needling, custom foot orthotics, manual therapy for back, neck, and shoulders, and vestibular rehabilitation
  • ErgoScience FCE Trained
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
  • LSVT-BIG
  • CAFS
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine

Professional Society Memberships:

  • APTA, Orthopedic and Sports Sections

Hometown: Star Valley, Wyoming

Family: Ladell and his wife have four children

Hobbies: Triathlons and competing in Ironman races

 
Trisha McArthur, DPT

Trisha enjoys being able to help people return to active, productive, and meaningful function so they are able to have a good quality of life after sustaining injury, surgery, or disease.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, Northern Arizona University 
  • Master of Exercise Science and Nutrition, Colorado State University 
  • Bachelor of Exercise Science, University of Wyoming 

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • Certified Dry needling, manual therapy, ASTYM and sports medicine
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
  • LSVT-BIG
  • CAFS
  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine

Professional Society Memberships:

  • APTA

Hometown: Trisha was born in Lovell, Wyoming and ended up graduating high school in Douglas, Wyoming. She currently lives in Cowley, WY

Hobbies: Trisha enjoys the outdoors and likes hiking and camping. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends.

 
Brett Soloai, OTR/L, CHT

Brett is from New Zealand and became a US Citizen in 2010.  Brett strives to help his patients reach their maximum functional potential and restore the highest quality of life attainable.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, The Central Institution of Technology

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Certified Hand Therapist

Professional Society Memberships:

  • American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT)

Community Involvement:

  • LDS Church

Hometown: Hamilton, New Zealand

Family: Wife Cathryn and 6 children. Jordan is married and living in Gillette, Wyoming, and working as a Physical Therapist.  Lauren is married and living in Houston, Texas.  Regan, Ashton, Kierstyn, and Gavin are living in Powell.

Hobbies: Racquetball, basketball, auto mechanics, outdoor activities, travel, and family

 
Olivia Borden, OTD, OTR/L

I enjoy my job as an OT because I am able to assist my patients in returning to their previous occupations. I'm highly motivated to help others reach their maximum independence and quality of life.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Interdisciplinary Minor, in Aging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy, University of Mary-Billings

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • LSVT-BIG
  • Advanced topics in examination, evaluation, and treatment of the shoulder
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate

Professional Society Memberships:

  • AOTA
  • WYOTA

Hometown: Zhukovka, Russia 

Family: Husband Ross and two pups

Hobbies: Camping, hiking, kayaking, gardening, crocheting, & baking

 
Sarah Trotter, 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 Science, Physical Therapist Assistant, San Juan College Farmington, NM
  • 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 Shane, stepson Jesse, and stepdaughter Gracie.

Hobbies: Roping, quilting, gardening, exercising, volleyball, and horseback riding

 
Emily Leonhardt, PTA

I used to go with my grandma to her many PT appointments, and she was a terrible, noncompliant patient (lovely lady otherwise). The therapists were always so kind & helped her tremendously despite her snarky attitude. It gave me my love for older, grumpier patients & helping them reach their goals.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology & Health Promotion, University of Wyoming 
  • Associate of Occupational Studies: Physical Therapist Assistant, Pima Medical Institute, Denver, CO

Certification/Specialized Training:

  • Functional Strengthening
  • Fall Prevention
  • LSVT-BIG
  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine

Hometown: Bailey, CO

Family: Husband, Austin, son Calvin, & puppies Paxton, Maggie, & Sammy.

Hobbies: playing with her son, hiking/romping around in the mountains with friends & family, reading

 

Services Offered



Latest News & Info


Physical Therapist in Wyoming Explains the Difference Between Stretching and Warming Up


March 22, 2017

Physical Therapist in Wyoming Explains the Difference Between Stretching and Warming Up
If you’re an active person, you’ve probably heard that you need to stretch and warm up before a workout, but do you know why? Many people assume that stretching and warming up are the same, but according to a physical therapist in Wyoming, they’re actually quite different. Here’s what you need to know about both of these activities:

Stretching

Stretching on a regular basis can help improve your flexibility and increase your range of motion. Additionally, stretching can relieve tension that you may be holding in your muscles and make you feel less stressed out. It can also help you keep your muscles loose so you don’t feel any aches or pains after a tough workout. If you are experiencing pain related to bad posture, stretching can also help you realign your body so you can correct your posture problems and prevent future pain.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that you stretch at least two times per week, and even more if you are elderly or exercising on a daily basis. It is best to think of stretching as something that should be part of your everyday life instead of limiting it to only before and after workouts. Learn how to stretch here.

Warming Up

Although many athletes often say they injured themselves because they forgot to stretch prior to a workout, they could be mistaken. Many injuries are actually caused by not properly warming up. What is warming up? Before engaging in any type of physical activity, you should get your body ready by starting off slow to gently engage each group of muscles and prepare them for a more strenuous workout. When you warm up, your heart rate starts to increase, which means your muscles will receive more nutrients and oxygen. Warming up also increases your body temperature, which leads to your muscles becoming more pliable, and thus lowering the risk of injury.

Although stretching and warming up both increase the flexibility of your muscles, warming up goes one step further by getting your whole body prepared for the workout. So, the next time you plan on working out, start off with low intensity cardio by speed walking or going for a slow jog. It’s best to warm up for about 10-15 minutes so your heart rate and temperature have enough time to increase and get your body ready for the work ahead. Getting into the habit of warming up before you exercise can keep you healthy and injury-free!

At North Platte Physical Therapy, we’re dedicated to helping clients prevent injuries as they enjoy their favorite physical activities. But accidents happen, so if you do injure yourself while exercising or because of an accident, contact North Platte Physical Therapy to learn more about how we can help you recover. 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...

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...

North Platte Physical Therapy Latest News & Updates Coming Soon!


North Platte Physical Therapy Latest News & Updates Coming Soon!
Check back soon to catch up on the latest news from NPPT!