North Platte Physical Therapy - Wheatland

 
 

North Platte Physical Therapy has been serving Wheatland and Platte County for 30 years. It began as a contract with Platte County Memorial Hospital providing out-patient and in-patient services. We now continue to provide out-patient services at our clinic treating a variety of patients and provide contract services for home health of Platte County and the Platte County School District #1. We are a rural clinic and treat a wide range of patients. Being a clinic in a smaller area, we have the pleasure of getting to know our patients personally as well as professionally.

Our Wheatland Clinic provides a comprehensive out-patient facility, including a fitness center available to the general public. In addition to staffing the out-patient clinic, our therapists provide services in home care, and public schools. We also work with our local physicians providing athletic physicals and early intervention for our injured athletes.

Location Details


307-322-1878  Send Email Address: 1456 Paragon Way, Wheatland, WY 82201
Hours: Mon - Fri: 7:30AM - 5:00PM
Fax: 307-322-1879
Michael Utt, PT, DPT, OCS
Clinic Supervisor

When I was a junior in high school I decided on physical therapy as my future career. I initially chose PT because I thought it would be fun to work with athletes. As I went through school I realized that I enjoyed working with all types of individuals with a variety of orthopedic-related ailments. I lived the majority of my life in eastern North Dakota and am now here in Wyoming to explore what else is out here in the country and grow as an individual.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of North Dakota
  • Bachelor of Science in General Studies with a Health Sub-Plan, University of North Dakota 

Certification/Specialized Training:

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
  • Orthopedic Certified Specialist
  • Vestibular Certification
  • Practical Blood Flow Restriction
  • A/B VR
  • Kinetacore Dry Needling-Level 1
  • Rock Taping Certification
  • Gray Institue, CAFS 
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
  • Kinetacore Functional Dry Needling Level 2

Professional Membership: 

  • American Physical Therapy Association - Orthopedic Section

Hometown: Casselton, ND

Hobbies: Basketball, golf, weightlifting, hiking, and the occasional jog.

 
Tommi VanRissegham, PTA

As a certified nursing assistant, I frequently witnessed the physical decline in the patients I provided care to and that inspired me to become a PTA, so I could help improve their quality of life. I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. I especially love stories about how my patients can now do things they weren't able to do before therapy.

Education:

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

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Musculoskeletal Management of the Pelvic Girdle
  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
Hometown: Lingle, WY

Hobbies: Reading, traveling, and spending time with my husband and five grown children

 
Andrew Polk, PTA

I enjoy the physical therapy field because it allows me to apply my understanding of and fascination with the human body to improve the health and quality of life of people in the community around me. I find this to be one of the most rewarding responsibilities I could imagine.

Education:

  • Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapy Assistant, Iowa Western Community College

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • FMS Y-Balance Test
  • Cupping Therapy
  • Blood Flow Restriction
  • IAOM Elbow
  • IAOM Hand/Wrist

Professional Society Membership

  • American Physical Therapy Association

Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, weight training, gardening, and cooking

Family: Wife, Raymi, and soon-expected daughter

 

Services Offered



Latest News & Info


Physical Therapy Services For Sciatic Nerve Pain


Physical Therapy Services For Sciatic Nerve Pain

Most people think of physical therapy in terms of injury recovery or for the elderly as they hope to improve mobility following some type of procedure. However, the truth is physical therapy has multiple benefits for individuals of all ages helping to treat and prevent a wide range of issues. Depending on the particular problem, children can benefit from receiving physical therapy services and even adults for many areas not associated with some type of injury or mobility issue. As we age, the chances for needing physical therapy may increase but the need still exists for people in all seasons of their lives.

Sciatica pain is related to a nerve of the same name, which often presents itself as lower back, hip, or leg pain in the body. This tingling and sometimes debilitating issue is triggered from a variety of different medical causes but typically impacts people as they age from 30 to 50 years old and beyond. Physical therapy is often a quality remedy for the pain as it can aid in treating many of the factors associated with any nerve issue. The benefits of targeting this pain with physical therapy treatment sessions offers a variety of different positives for those who may be dealing with sciatic pain as they age.

Pain / Swelling Reduction

Depending on the severity of sciatic pain, there could be associated swelling along the lower back, hip, and/or legs. This swelling or redness is often reduced with a targeted physical therapy plan, in addition to helping alleviate some of the other painful symptoms. Due to its personalized nature, a specific physical therapy regimen targets the exact symptoms for each individual patient helping to reduce pain, swelling, or any discoloration as the plan progresses.

Physical Movement

At times an individual's movements may be limited due to the effects of sciatic pain. In these instances, physical therapy can be utilized to help increase mobility and return an individual to their prior capabilities before any sciatic issues.

Prevent Symptom Recurrence

A targeted physical therapy plan of action will also help eliminate sciatic symptoms from recurring over time. Depending on the cause behind these initial issues, physical therapy may be used to offset their tendencies while helping generate a better course of action for the future. For example, the cause of sciatic pain may be related to overcompensation from one limb or side of the body to the other. A physical therapist will create tasks to help compensate for these practices, helping to adjust the body and prevent any symptom recurrence over time.

Strengthen Muscles

A program may also be created to help strengthen the lower back, pelvic, and leg muscles which can also eliminate sciatic pain. Creating a firm and stable base for the body, especially at its core, helps eliminate many nerve pain related issues. By developing a plan of action to increase the functionality of these body parts, individuals suffering from sciatic pain may soon have their symptoms relieved through the use of physical therapy.

If you or someone you know suffers from sciatic pain, needs extra assistance with mobility, or is seeking services for a preventative 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: Hip Replacement Benefits and Recovery


Physical Therapy Services: Hip Replacement Benefits and Recovery
There are numerous orthopedic physical therapy needs for individuals, especially as they age. While the cause of certain treatments differs from patient to patient, one particular enhancement is typically the result of growing older. Hip replacement is often suggested when an individual suffers from pain, swelling, or a lack of mobility due to the corresponding joint. Similar to knee replacement or a shoulder surgery, often hip replacements are due to the joints wearing out over time. While the function may still be available, padding or cartilage which helps cushion the blow of movement is eventually erased over time. This can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life and help often arrives in the form of surgery.

Hip surgery recovery timelines vary by each individual patient, but most can expect to undergo some type of treatment for approximately 10-12 weeks following the procedure. These changes and plans need attention in order to assure a positive road to recovery, which is an important aspect for the health of any patient. Fortunately, the benefits and ability to easily overcome this particular surgery is helpful as subjects prepare their own focus.

Pain Relief

One of the most common reasons individuals undergo hip replacement is due to the pain being caused by their natural joint. There are various reasons why a hip may be causing pain to its owner, but relieving these issues is commonly achieved through surgery.

Strength

A lack of strength in the joint may develop over time, but can also be remedied through replacement surgery. Almost immediately following a surgical repairment, subjects are able to support weight and attempt some pre-surgery activities.

Mobility

The movement of a hip joint is essential in many locomotive activities and is often jeopardized when there are issues present. When repaired, these mobility exercises are often improved and can lead to a return in pre-injury performance.

Quality of Life

A reduction in the quality of life for individuals who suffer with hip issues is apparent due to the abundance of how important the hip joint manages movement. Obviously any detrimental activities are going to negatively impact a person’s ability to properly function in any given environment. Fortunately, modern medicine and surgical advancements have allowed for improved capabilities for those who elect to have hip replacement surgery.

Recovery

The recovery process from any surgery varies depending on a variety of different components, but those who undergo hip replacement often need extra care. While their ability to walk may return immediately, especially with assistance, the overall process can take months before individuals feel like they did prior to undergoing the knife.

If you or someone you know suffers from hip joint pain issues, needs extra 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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Neck Pain Problems


Neck Pain Problems

There are multiple benefits to physical therapy and one of the most common ailments many people treat is neck pain. These issues cause suffering which is not matched by many other common problems throughout the body. For example, neck pain often leads to severe headaches while sending reminders of its existence each and every time someone makes any type of move. In order to deal with this predicament, physical therapy services aid in offering relief to get individuals back on track as quickly as possible.

According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately half of all people will experience a neck pain issue which warrants some form of treatment over their lifetime. With this being such a broad, problematic situation, understanding both the assistance available and types of pain is important. For many, physical therapy treatments help in getting relief from all different forms of neck pain problems.

Facet Dysfunction

The scientific name for a simple crick in your neck, many people wake with these types of issues from a rough night's sleep. Depending on how or where you fell asleep, the resulting neck pain is likely from staying in an uncomfortable position for a majority of the night. While these problems often heal on their own over time, there are certain situations where physical therapy or some other treatment may be necessary.

Numbness/Tingling

Experiencing tingling in the extremities is sometimes the result of a neck issue. With a bundle of nerves around the head and neck area, any numbness or tingling throughout the body could originate from this position.

Chronic Headaches

Chronic headaches often result from constant neck pain and should be dealt with accordingly. Instead of battling these issues with over-the-counter medicines, physical therapy applied to the neck area could assist in offering some relief from these painful symptoms.

Dizziness

Another pain problem resulting from neck issues is dizziness. Feeling disoriented or having intermittent dizzy spells could be a potential neck issue. Depending on the onset of these symptoms and any related activities or issues, neck pain may be the root cause of this problem. Targeting the area with a personally designed physical therapy plan will assist in generating relief.

Degenerative Disc/Joint Disease

Depending on your lifestyle and/or genetics, the onset of degenerative disk or joint disease could also be related to neck pain problems. Targeting this area of the body with certain maneuvers and procedures could alleviate some of the resulting pain issues and help patients with their recovery efforts.

If you or someone you know suffers from medical issues, needs extra assistance with mobility, or is seeking services for a preventative 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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Spinal Cord Injury Rehab Approach


Spinal Cord Injury Rehab Approach
Rehabilitation services play an important role for a number of individuals across the country, all based on an individual’s specific needs. Depending on the extent of an injury, creating a personalized recovery plan is just one of the many benefits for seeking physical therapy and a professional experience. These advanced metrics not only ensure the best overall care for patients, but it helps individuals from all walks of life with a relegated approach to create healing along a reasonable timeline. Spinal cord injuries are one of the most intricate and potentially harmful, in terms of execution, timing, and recovery. For these reasons, creating a personalized plan of action for all rehabilitation services is extremely important.

While it is difficult to cure spinal cord injuries, there are steps which can be taken to address the issues. By targeting certain aspects of the body and an individual’s functional abilities, physical therapists can formulate a plan of action to address certain needs. This approach helps not only to improve movement but also certain other features, all while speeding up the recovery timeline.

Mobility

Spinal cord injuries often result in some form of impact to an individual’s mobility. Due to the connective aspect a spinal cord plays within the body between the nervous system and each of the limbs, any issues are likely to affect movement and use. Through a regimented physical therapy program, patients are often able to improve upon their mobility over time.

Communication

Communication may also be influenced by any type of spinal cord issue but is also able to be targeted through rehabilitation practices. Be this inner body transfers, similar to the above impacts on mobility, or communication between a patient and other individuals, specific skills and routines may be used to improve these functions.

Muscle Strength

Muscle strength is going to be different between all individuals and likely to vary considerably depending on a person’s age. Depending on the capabilities of a subject prior to suffering an injury, physical therapy approaches will vary considerably. This is one reason why each program is specifically designed to meet the needs of the patient, helping improve upon their particular abilities and formulate a return to pre-existing functions as quickly as possible.

Flexibility

Back injuries and specifically spinal cord issues can dramatically affect a person’s ability to move. If you’ve suffered even a muscle pull, it's quickly realized just how important the back is to daily function and injuries to the spinal cord are even more severe. Flexibility allows for relief of some of this pain, but achieving a desired range of motion varies greatly on how easily the person can twist, turn, reach, and bend. By targeting flexibility during rehabilitation of a spinal cord injury, patients may see an increased result in their efforts to return performing pre-injury movements.

If you or someone you know suffers from spinal cord or back issues, needs extra 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: Top Orthopedic Knee Treatments


Physical Therapy Services: Top Orthopedic Knee Treatments
Joints spread across the body make many human movements happen and none may be more important than the knees. These lower body hinges allow walking, running, jumping, lifting, and many more activities to take place with ease but their constant use also leads to the potential for injury and wear. While there are plenty of orthopedic needs surrounding this major joint, its ligaments, and other components, the typical physical therapy treatments associated with a knee commonly depends on how the injury occurred. For example, individuals who participate in sports may be more subject to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries versus having to undergo a full knee replacement - which is typically reserved for people as they age.

Knee pain is something which impacts people young and old, but targeting specific causes for these issues helps individuals find relief. Being able to understand the problem allows medical professionals an opportunity to focus on the needs in order for a return to function prior to any pain. This often includes the use of physical therapy as there are plenty of different knee issues which can be served by using a focused approach. As with any physical therapy program, the needs will be specifically designed for each individual depending on their particular injury.

ACL Injuries

Athletes are more susceptible to ACL injuries due to the nature of their occurrence. Caused by sudden stops, directional changes, or outside collisions, these injuries typically require surgery for repair and a physical therapy regimen to return full functionality.

Meniscus Tear(s)

The meniscus is made up of cartilage in the knee and helps absorb impacts from constant bending and maneuvering during all activities. These components have a tendency to suffer tears when bearing weight and twisting, which is prone to any age individual in a variety of different situations. While repair without surgery is possible, depending on the tear’s location, these injuries do usually require medical attention more often than not in addition to physical therapy.

Knee Replacement

Another common orthopedic knee injury and treatment involves undergoing a knee replacement. Depending on the amount of damage which has transpired, this may be a partial or complete replacement. For many, this action comes when a joint is considerably worn out after constant use over time. Most individuals who undergo the knife for knee reconstruction are over the age of 60, making physical therapy an even more important part of the process. Learning to walk and function with a new joint in such a critical area is difficult, but a personalized physical therapy process will be implemented to help make the recovery as easy as possible.

If you have suffered a knee injury or know someone who has chronic pain in their joints, 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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