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
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
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
- Back/Neck pain
- Balance Rehab
- Biofeedback
- Biomechanical Gait Analysis
- Body Mechanics training
- Cognitive Development
- Cupping Therapy
- Custom Splinting
- Ergonomic & Worksite Evaluations
- Fine Motor Dexterity
- Functional Capacity Evaluation
- Graston Techniques
- Hand Therapy
- Kinesio taping
- Modalities
- Neurological Services
- Oral Motor Control
- Orthotic Fabrication
- Orthopedic Service
- Pediatric Therapy
- Pre/post Surgical Rehab
- Play & social skills
- Post Cancer Treatment
- Sensory Integration
- SFMA - Selective Functional Movement Assessment
- Spine Care
- Splinting/Taping techniques
- Sports Medicine
- Sport Specific Exercise
- Tendonitis & Arthritis
- Trigger Point Dry Needling
- Women's Health
- Work Hardening / Conditioning
- Work Injuries
- Wound Care
Latest News & Info
Preparing your winter fitness routine from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist
October 23, 2019
Working Out
Finding time to work out during the holidays can be more difficult than ever. However, there are a few smaller things you can do to help stay active. One of them being to incorporate physical activity into family activities - such as enjoying time on a wii fit with the family or going through a Christmas light walk. In addition, start blocking time on your calendars to ensure you workout and maybe even consider signing up for a few exercise classes. Making these minor adjustments can help you stay on your game this winter.
Carbs
Carbs are challenging year round, but it’s even harder during the winter. Your body often times can crave carbs, thinking that it’ll make you happier. And your body would be right...for a period of time. Carbs can cause temporary boosts in serotonin, but after the boost is gone you are going to be craving carbs more than ever. Avoid the temptation, and avoid the unnecessary calories and carbs!
Additional Nutrition
During the winter months, try to avoid sweets as much as possible. While everything is okay in moderation, sweets tend to pack on the pounds when you aren’t as physically active as normal. Try incorporating more Omega-3 fatty acids, and beef up the leafy vegetables you are consuming on a daily basis. All three of these minor changes can have a major impact on your health and fitness goals.
Vitamins
While we always recommend using vitamins, we recommend you consider a vitamin C supplement this winter. Winter months keep you inside, and oftentimes aren’t very sunny. Vitamin C supplements will help you stay energetic, youthful, and help to keep you skin looking healthy and happy. Before you start on your vitamin regime, we recommend contacting you primary care physician. Too much of particular vitamins can cause issues - so we recommend that you always contact your doctor.
Not everything works for everyone, but these are our favorite tips for staying healthy this winter. If you need additional assistance, reach out to your primary care physician. 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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Back exercises you have to try from your local physical therapist
October 15, 2019
Kneeling Lunge StretchÂ
This one is not as hard as it might sound, and it’ll have you feeling amazing in no time. Get in a lunch position, with one knee bent at 90 degrees and the other resting on the ground. You’ll then need to lean forward into your lunge. Make sure you keep your back straight, with a good posture. You’ll most likely feel this in your hip flexor as well, but posture is essential for this one. Hold for 30 seconds and switch sides.
Back Flexion Stretch
Start laying on a flat surface, on your back. You will then bring your knees up to your chest, and pull them closely with your arms. While you are doing that, roll your chin up to your chest and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat as needed.Â
Seated Toe-TouchÂ
Sit on the ground, with your legs straight out in front of you. Take a deep breath, and while breathing out reach forward with both arms and work to touch your toes. To feel this stretch in your back, you’ll need to keep your head down during the whole stretch. Hold for 30 seconds, repeat as needed.
Cat Pose
Yes, this is one of the more popular yoga poses but we assure you it’ll have your back feeling relaxed in no time. Get on the ground, on all fours as if you are a cat. Your knees should be on the ground, and your arms should be directly under your shoulders. Take a deep breath, and arch your back outward so that it forms a nice curve. Hold for 10 seconds, and slowly return to the starting point.
This is not all of the stretches in our playbook, but it certainly gives you an idea of how we like to prevent injuries. 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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Ways to prevent neck strain from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist
October 9, 2019
Sleeping
Neck strain/pain can be prevented simply by how you sleep - and this includes the type of pillow you are using. If you are already experiencing some light neck pain...try a new pillow. Sometimes a firmer, or even softer pillow, can help adjust your body. Somethings can be very difficult. Not only can the type of pillow you are using can make a difference, but the sleeping position itself can also make a difference. Try laying on your back if you can, sleeping on your side can cause undo stress.Â
Technology
Technology can cause additional stress on your body - stress you might have not thought of. For example, if your computer is not at eye level...looking down or up can cause a lot of neck pain. What about texting? Are you spending all day texting? Looking down at your phone could cause unnecessary strain as well. Keep an eye out on where your eye sight is for each piece of technology.
Wellness
Wellness covers quite a few things, including physical fitness and nutrition Physical fitness is important to help prevent neck strains - and we aren’t talking about regularly working out (although we do recommend that). We are talking about stretching your neck muscles often. Healthy nutrition is also important, but be sure to drink plenty of water to keep your body healthy.
Have a neck strain? 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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Fall is in full swing - here’s how to stay fit from your Wyoming physical therapist
October 2, 2019
Spend time outside
As long as it is not too cold, and inversely too hot, workout outside. The beautiful fall foliage will help you stay motivated and provide beautiful scenery for your run ahead. The cooler outdoor weather is also perfect to help keep you cool when running or exercising.Â
Safety First
No matter what, safety is always first. Run during daylight hours, and if you decide to run in the early morning or later at night be sure to wear reflective clothing. This will help cars see you as they are making early morning/late night drives.
Layers
If it’s a little colder outside, be sure to layer up. A longer sleeve shirt, with a lighter sweatshirt will make removing the layers a little easier. If you are running and decide to remove the sweatshirt, you can easily tie it around your waist so you don’t have to worry about carrying it.
Working Out at HomeÂ
Another easy thing to do? You can start working out at home. It keeps you from having to go outside as the weather gets colder, and it may make it even easier for you to fit in a workout!Â
Regular Weigh-Ins
We know...the scale can be scary. But regularly weighing yourself can ensure that you are on track to meet your goals! Just remember though, fluctuating one or two pounds daily is completely normal. And so is bloating. If you feel that you might be a little extra bloated, make sure to have some lemon water and go on a walk. You’ll be shocked at what these little fixes can do.
Not everything works for everyone, but these are our favorite tips for staying healthy this fall. If you need additional assistance, reach out to your primary care physician. 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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Ways to prevent lower back pain from your Wyoming physical therapist
September 25, 2019
Fueling Your Body
Fueling your body with the healthiest food you can get is one of the best things you can do to help avoid lower back pain and keep yourself feeling your absolute best. Healthy food not only will help keep aches and pains at bay, but it’ll help fuel you to have a long and healthy life.
Get Moving
Exercise offers more than just helping to maintain a healthy weight and releasing endorphins. Regular exercise can help keep your body healthy, moving, and prevent any aches and pains from holding you back. Staying active physically will also help improve the strength and flexibility of your back as a whole - something that can only help you!
Healthy Habits
While eating healthy and exercising regularly are healthy habits, you should incorporate other healthy habits into your daily routine. Such as avoiding smoking and cutting down on your alcohol intake. Both smoking and alcohol will do more harm to your body then good, and in some cases you won’t be able to undo the damage these bad habits cause.
Mental WellnessÂ
Wellness extends beyond physical wellness - you need to take care of your mind and soul as well. The best way to do this is to manage stress and anxiety through regular exercise or meditation, and seeing your doctor if you are unable to manage these things naturally. If you feel overwhelmed, it's important to talk to loved ones or therapists as well - mental wellbeing can have an overwhelming effect on physical wellbeing, remember to take care of yourself in all aspects.
Everyone’s physical therapy regime varies, and it truly is based on your body. If you are interested in starting a yoga regime while completing a physical therapy regime be sure to contact your physical therapist. 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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