North Platte Physical Therapy - Torrington
We opened the Torrington clinic in February of 2006 as the 13th clinic in our company. North Platte Physical Therapy came to Torrington with one goal:
To provide quality professional care with a family-friendly atmosphere to the people of Goshen County and surrounding areas.
In March 2012 we were proud to move into our current state-of-the-art facility. This facility has allowed for additional program development in fall prevention and youth athletic performance programs as well as being able to add professional staff and increase our depth and breadth of knowledge in order to offer industry-leading therapy techniques to patients of all ages and injuries.
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Address: 1301 East M Street, Torrington, WY 82240
Hours: Therapy - Mon - Thurs: 7AM - 6PM, Fri: 7AM - 5PM | Fitness - Mon - Thurs: 7AM - 6PM, Fri: 7AM - 5PM
Fax: 307-532-5455
Marnie Elizabeth Herring, DPT, LAT, ATC, OCS, SFMA
Partner, Clinic Supervisor
My first experience with physical therapy was as a patient in high school. I was very active in sports and was driven, encouraged, and challenged by my physical therapist to return to a competitive level. Because of that experience, I wanted to become a physical therapist and athletic trainer so that I might have the same influence on young athletes and active individuals. I have been blessed with that opportunity and am honored to have MY physical therapist as a colleague and partner now. Physical therapy should be a positive experience and should provide the patient with life goals that lead to good health.
Education:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Creighton University
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, University of Northern Colorado
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
- Functional Capacity Evaluations Certified
- National Athletic Trainers' Association Board Certified
- SFMA Level 1 & 2
- Practical Blood Flow Restriction
- National Athletic Training Board Certified
- Dry Needling Certified
- FMS 1 & 2 Certified
- Graston Certified
- Kinesio Tape Certified
- Impact Trained Athletic Trainer
- Worksaver Certified
- Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
Professional Society Memberships:
- National Athletic Training Association
- American Physical Therapy Association
Hometown: Douglas, WY
Family: Husband, Crockett Herring, son, Bodie, daughter, Brenna
Hobbies: Following her children with their sports, cycling, team roping & quilting.
Quinn Carroll PT, MSPT
My father and I worked together in the oilfield. One day he was badly injured in an accident and had to have major surgery on his hip and knee. Over the next few years he underwent hip and knee replacement several times and each time physical therapy was a requirement to help him recover. When I finally went back to school, I knew I wanted to be in a profession that helped others as much as he had been helped. It was a natural choice for me.
I have been blessed to have been in this profession for almost 3 decades and I still feel passionate about it. It has been said many times that it really isn't work if you love what you do and it really isn't work for me. When I'm not enjoying my time in the clinic, you can find me golfing, hiking, looking for nature in various ways, or enjoying the intricacies of good food and drink.
Education:
- Master of Science in Physical Therapy, Andrews University, Berrien Springs MI
- Bachelor of Science, Andrews University, Berrien Springs MI
- Associate Degree, Brainerd Community College, Brainerd, MN
- A whole bunch of school of life in between!!
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
- Certified Kinesiotaping
- Visceral Manipulation I-VI from The Barral Institute
- Manual Physical Therapy Classes 1-8, Institute of Physical Art, Steamboat Springs, CO
- More than 50 continuing education classes ranging in topics from skull, neck, back, and pelvis injuries to joint replacements.
- IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
- Certification in Applied Functional Science
- By default, I have become knowledgeable and proficient in chronic pain management.
- Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine
Community Involvement:
I am a Mason and within the Masonic family, I am a York Rite member and a Shriner. I also enjoy participating in the various festivals and community events in Southeast WY.
Hometown: I was raised in the Pavilion/Riverton area of Wyoming and have always considered the Wind River Valley my home regardless of where my house is. I graduated from Wind River High School. I have lived in many states over the years all across the northern border of the US but call Torrington home for now.
Family: I have three children, all busy adulting themselves. One is in Oregon, one in Colorado, and the other in Cheyenne. I also have two granddaughters who are, undoubtedly, the smartest and prettiest grandchildren anywhere!
Emily Yorges, DPT, LAT, ATC, SFMA
I have had a strong passion for athletic training since high school, and always knew it would be the career path I would take. Being able to work in the clinic as well as working with student-athletes at school gives me a unique opportunity to see their injuries firsthand, followed by taking them through a sport-specific rehabilitation program to return them to their sport. There's nothing I love more about my job than seeing an athlete come back after an injury, and helping them return to their sport with confidence and the strength to play to the level they were at before their injury.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Promotion-Athletic Training
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- SFMA Level 1
- Hawk Grips Level 1 & 2
- Graston Level 1
- IMPACT Trained Athletic Trainer
- Wyoming Licensed Athletic Trainer
- National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification
- Sportsmetrics Certified
- FMS Levels 1 & 2 Certified
Professional Society Memberships:
- Rocky Mountain Athletic Training Association
- National Athletic Training Association
Community Involvement:
- Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries Instructor
- Goshen County High School's Athletic Trainer
Hometown: Douglas, WY
Family: Husband, Colin; sons, Colby and Dax
Hobbies: Raising club cattle
Tara Nicolay, PTA SMFA
There is nothing more rewarding to me than being stopped by a former patient on the street and being told that because of what we did for them they can enjoy their life again. There is nothing better than a hug or happy tears from a patient that just met a goal they thought unattainable. This job gives me a real sense of accomplishment that is hard to find anywhere else.
Education:
- Associate of Science, Physical Therapy Assistant
- Bachelor of Science, Wellness Management
Certification/Specialized training:
- Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
- IAOM Elbow Course
- Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
- Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy
- Nebraska Board of Physical Therapy
- Certification for Sole Support Orthotics
- Certification for Graston Technique
- Certification for Kinesiotaping
- Certified Cupping Therapist
- LSVT Big Certification
- Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
Hometown: Torrington, WY
Family: Husband: Robb, Children: Tyler and Regan
Hobbies: Reading, Scrapbooking, Crocheting/Knitting, Watching sporting events, Playing with my children
Melanie Herring, PTA, SFMA
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Human Biology
- Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- IAOM Elbow Course
- Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
- Certification in Fall and Prevention
- Certification in Kinesio Taping
- Certification For Sole Support Orthotics
- Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
- LSVT Big Certification
- Otago Exercise Program
- Gray's Applied Funcational Science
- Community Falls Prevention
- IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
Professional Society Memberships:
- Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy
- Nebraska Board of Physical Therapy
Hometown: Chadron, NE
Family: Husband, Boone, Children, Cade & Cord
Hobbies: Scrapbooking, kayaking, horseback riding
MEGAN DUNCAN MS, ATC, LAT, NASM-PES, NASM-CES, ITAT
Athletic training allows me to combine my love of sports with that of healthcare. Athletic training allows me to provide injury prevention as well as recovery and rehabilitation after the injury. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing an athlete pour their heart and soul into their injury recovery and step back onto the field or court.
Education:
- Master of Science in Exercise Science, Eastern New Mexico University
- Bachelor of Science in Biology, Emphasis on Human Biology, Chadron State College
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification
- Wyoming Licensed Athletic Trainer
- National Academy of Sports Medicine Performance Enhancement Specialist Certificate
- National Academy of Sports Medicine Corrective Exercises Specialist Certificate
- Impact Trained Athletic Trainer
- IASTM Certification
- Kinesiology Taping Certification
- American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor
- Stop The Bleed Instructor
- Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
Professional Society Memberships:
- Rocky Mountain Athletic Trainers’ Association
- National Athletic Trainers’ Association
Community Service:
- Goshen County Victims Assistance Program
Hometown: Fort Laramie, WY
Family: I was born and raised in Goshen County and have recently returned after living and working in the Houston, TX, area as the Head Athletic Trainer at a large high school.
Hobbies: Spending time with family, managing the family farm, cooking, reading, and spending time with my dogs.
Services Offered
- Graston Techniques
- ImPACT Concussion Testing
- Modalities
- Neurological Services
- Orthopedic Service
- Pediatric Therapy
- Post Cancer Treatment
- Spine Care
- Sports Medicine
- Sportsmetrics
- Trigger Point Dry Needling
- Women's Health
- Work Injuries
- Wound Care
- Arthritis Pain
- Back Pain
- Back School Presentations
- Balance and Vestibular Rehab
- Biofeedback
- Biomechanical Gait Analysis
- Body Mechanics Training
- Chronic Pain
- Cupping Therapy
- Custom Foot Orthotics
- Custom Splinting
- Fall Prevention Training
- Fine Motor Dexterity
- Functional Capacity Evaluations
- Hand Therapy
- Headache
- Kinesio taping
- Myofacial Techniques
- Neck Pain
- Orthotic Fabrication
- Pre/Post Surgical Rehab
- Pre-Employment Screening
- Return to Work Screening
- Return to Sport Exercise Programs
- Running Injuries
- Self-Care Skills
- Sensory Integration
- SFMA - Selective Functional Movement Assessment
- Sports Medicine
- Sportsmetrics
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- Tendonitis
- TMJ
- Torticollis
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Work Hardening/Conditioning
- Worksaver Certified Work Physicals
Latest News & Info
The most common causes of knee pain - and how to remedy it
January 22, 2020
Tendonitis
Are you an active person? We hope the answer is yes, but while being active it’s important to take your time and be careful. Overuse can result in tendonitis - an inflammation of the tendons. It can also commonly occur during high impact sports in which you’re forcefully hitting the ground. Symptoms of tendonitis include swelling in the area of the tendon, feeling a lump in that area, and difficulty moving that tendon.
Torn cartilageÂ
Trauma to the knee, such as a hard hit or even an extreme misstep, can cause the cartilage in and around the knee to tear. Unfortunately, cartilage tears can be very serious, particularly if you are an athlete. Symptoms of a torn cartilage in the knee can include tenderness, popping sounds, swelling, and inability to put weight on that leg.
Sprained/strained ligaments
Your ligaments are as equally important to stability as your cartilage. These also can be serious, and can occur from a hard hit or other trauma to your knee and surrounding area. Because of how important ligaments are to the stability of your knee, these injuries can also be very serious. Symptoms are similar to that of torn cartilage, so if you are experiencing any of them be sure to see a doctor promptly.
This is not an exhaustive list of all causes of knee pain. If you are experiencing any of the above issues, or have additional pain concerns please reach out to your primary care physician. Everyone is truly different, and each body reacts differently to pain and stress. We can always help advise you on the proper course of action, or refer you to a local primary care physician that can help you figure out your next steps.Â
No matter what your diagnosis is, we at North Platte Physical Therapy, are here to help meet your needs. Physical therapy can be essential in healing from any knee-injury, and with proper care you can be back to your normal routine in no time. 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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Stay safe while working toward your New Year's Resolution
January 15, 2020
Get Guidance
Yes, we are giving you some light guidance here. But getting a personal trainer or coach will do wonders. Not only will this help you reach your goals faster, they can help better train and prepare your body for any strenuous activity. While everyone wants to reach their goals, it is essential that one does so safely, and with as little injury as possible.Â
Warm Up
If you are getting ready to partake in any type of physical activity, you should really take time to complete a short five minute warm up. Warm up with a light walk, or even some light stretching. While it might seem as if it’s not helpful, and not helping you meet your goals, it’ll ultimately help keep yourself from getting any injuries.
NutritionÂ
You’ll never meet your goals if you aren’t fueling your body properly. While fad diets are certainly not healthy, fueling your body with fruits, vegetables and lean proteins are the quickest way to help fuel your workouts.Â
Listen to Your Body
If you feel strain on your body, be sure to relax. Muscle strains and pains are your body’s way of telling you to slow down, take a breather, and make sure that you get some much needed rest. The same applies to nutrition - if you are hungry, be sure to get some healthy foods into your body.
Cross Train
If you are hoping to reach your goals, it’s important to cross train. Cross training will keep your muscles from getting exhausted, and it’ll help keep your workouts fresh, stimulating, and impactful. If your body becomes to use one type of workout, it’s common to plateau and you can cause your muscles un-needed strain and damage.
If you start to develop an injury, be sure to reach out to your primary care physician, they can help guide you on the right treatment path. 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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Starting a new running routine? Here's what you need to know.
January 8, 2020
Getting Started
Getting started on a running plan can be intimidating, overwhelming, and ultimately scary! But it doesn’t have to be. It’s best to establish a running plan for your first 6-8 weeks and while doing so plan your walk to run ratio. If you are just starting out, stick to a 2:1 ratio to help your body adjust to the sudden surge of physical activity. Aim for a walk/run workout for 3-4 times a week, and to help your body further adjust make sure to cross train. An elliptical workout is a great way to help your body adjust.
InjuriesÂ
Runners, particularly newbie runners or those that run often, are prone to more injuries then you’d anticipate. Make sure to keep an eye out for symptoms of the following common injuries, and see your doctor if you are experiencing any pain.
Runner’s Knee: Also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) affects the cartilage under the kneecap - this irritation occurs in approximately 40 percent of running injuries. If you start to experience pain surrounding the knee cap, try to take some time off from running and rest. If this pain occurs for more than a few days of rest - see a primary care physician.
Shinsplints: Ever heard of these? Shinsplits, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, is a pain that occurs around your tibia when small tears develop in the muscles. Shinsplits occur for overuse, and are particularly common in those who just start running and working out again. Take your time, and be careful not to overdo it.
Achilles tendonitis: When your achilles tendon becomes stressed, it strains and becomes irritated. This irritation can make it difficult to walk/run, and is one of the more common injuries for runners.Â
If you start to develop an injury while practicing your new running routine, be sure to reach out to your primary care physician, they can help guide you on the right treatment path. 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 You Should Know About Dry Needling from your Wyoming and Nebraska Physical Therapy team
December 18, 2019
The History Dry Needling
The discovery of dry needling dates back to the 1940s when a doctor by the name of Janet Travell identified muscular trigger points and patterns on the body. She along with another doctor, David Simon, created the first generation of what is known today as dry needling.
The American Physical Therapy Association defines dry needling as a skilled intervention that uses needles to penetrate the skin to stimulate underlying trigger points for pain and movement impairment management.Â
The treatment uses small, solid needles inserted into the body. The purpose is to stimulate tissue and release tight muscles. It can also be used to help lessen pain. Dry needling is a growing trend being used by professional athletes as well as weekend warriors.
Dry Needling Versus Acupuncture
You might be asking yourself, what is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture. Because the two use needles, they might sound very similar. The truth is, although there is a commonality with both using needles, there is a big difference in both method and approach between the two.
Dry needling is used to treat the muscles after a physical examination has been conducted. Treatment is based on where the patient is feeling pain as well as other areas that the physical therapist determines after conducting an examination and assessment.
When undergoing dry needling, the physical therapist inserts needles into the body slowly. They are moved around and manipulated—gently—to get a response from the muscle and usually removed almost immediately afterward. This process might be repeated over and over again, depending on the situation.Â
Acupuncture is a technique for balancing the flow of energy. When acupuncturists insert needles into specific points of the body, they are looking to balance energy flow. In acupuncture, the needles are frequently left in the body for a specific amount of time, with the acupuncturist often leaving the patient for a while.Â
Who Performs Dry Needling?
Most states regulate dry needling so it is performed only by a physical therapist or doctor of physical therapy who has been specially trained. At Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness, a certified physical therapist will perform dry needling. A massage therapist does not perform dry needling although massage too deals with trigger points in the body.
Conditions That Can Be Treated With Dry Needling
Dry needling can relieve a variety of musculoskeletal problems. It is relaxing and therapeutic procedure that is suitable for many different conditions, such as back and neck pain, sporting injuries, and discomfort that is a result of poor posture.
If you are suffering from any of the following conditions, you might inquire about dry needling to find out whether it can help you:
- Athletic performance
- Back pain
- Bursitis
- Chronic pain
- Golfer's elbow
- Headaches
- IT band syndrome
- Knee pain
- Neck
- Osteoarthritis
- Piriformis syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
- Sciatica
- Tendonitis
- Tennis elbow
For the vast majority of people, dry needling does not hurt. In fact, most people don’t even feel the needles being inserted. Although the needle is moved and manipulated in order to engage a response from the muscle, the feeling that ensues is more of an ache or cramping sensation rather than pain. Â
Side Effects of Dry Needling
It probably comes as no surprise that there can be side effects to dry needling, but these will vary depending on the individual. Some people report some needle soreness that might last for a day or so after treatment. In very few patients, there is some skin bruising at the needle sights, but this is somewhat rare and occurs in fewer than 5 percent of patients.
Just in case you are a bit sore after treatment, you might want to plan your schedule around that possibility to give yourself a few days to recover.
What to Expect During Your First Dry Needling Appointment
During your first session, our physical therapist will evaluate the areas where you are feeling pain, discomfort, or tightness. An examination will determine which muscles are tight or knotted. This is often performed by gently pressing on the areas as directed by the patient or by palpitating areas to determine if the muscle feels tight or knotted.
After locating the areas to be treated, the physical therapist will press a plastic tube containing a sterile needle against the skin, gently tapping it into place. There should be very little discomfort during this procedure; most patients barely feel anything.
As the needle is pressed deeper into the muscle tissue, there may be some discomfort. The physical therapist will then gently manipulate the needle to stimulate the muscle into twitching or cramping, loosening tight muscle fibers.
Many patients report feeling relief from pain after just one or two dry needling sessions.
If you have heard about dry needling yet you remain skeptical of its efficacy, you should consider that many professional athletes around the world are using this treatment to relieve muscle pain and disfunction. At North Platte Physical Therapy, we are always happy to answer your questions about any of our treatments, which in addition to dry needling include treatment for craniofacial and jaw pain, functional movement screening, hand therapy and splinting, injury risk assessment, and more. Contact us today to learn more!
What you need to know about back surgery, from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist
December 3, 2019
What are the benefits?Â
There are quite a few benefits of back surgery - some of our favorites are below:
- Physical fitness
- Improved mood
- Getting back to your normal mode of operation and habit
What are the risks?Â
There are a few risks as well, however, the benefits and potential payoffs from receiving back surgery makes it worth it. Side effects/risks are also rare, and may vary person to person:
- Herniated discs
- Bleeding/infection
- Blood clots
- More serious conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and nerve damage
What are the different types of back surgery?Â
- Spinal fusion: If you are having a spinal fusion surgery, your doctor will be joining your vertebrae. This is a common type of surgery, however the surgery will limit your motion between the vertebrae. Despite this, most likely you will not experience any limit in your range of motion.Â
- Laminectomy: This is a surgery in which parts of your bone, bone spurs, or ligaments will be removed. While this will help relieve any pressure you are feeling...it can lead to a more unstable spine. Often times you might have this surgery, and then a spinal fusion to assist in stabilization.Â
- Disk replacement: This is exactly what it sounds like - a surgeon will remove a damaged disk and replace it with an artificial one. This tends to be similar to a spinal fusion, but recovery time is much shorter and this surgery will allow you to continue to move your spine.
If you have questions concerning an upcoming back surgery, we reco
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