North Platte Physical Therapy - Casper (West)

 
 

The Casper West clinic has been serving the needs of the surrounding community since 2010.  This clinic along with our Casper East clinic continually strives to exceed the expectations of our patients.  Our clinics are patient-focused and allow our patients to collaborate with their therapist on the optimal care for each individual.  We provide this peak level of care in an energetic and enjoyable atmosphere.

We are dedicated to providing the best orthopedic care to central Wyoming. Our staff specializes in spine and extremities. We use multiple manual therapy and exercise treatment philosophies and techniques for treating back, muscle, joint, nerve and tendon disorders. North Platte Physical Therapy provides comprehensive physical and occupational therapy services to our orthopedic, pediatric, and geriatric patients. We have an excellent functional balance re-training program and fall prevention program. We also work with athletes and sports medicine patients.

Location Details

307-234-9067  Send Email
Address: 3831 Denis Drive #200, Casper, WY 82604
Hours: Mon - Fri 8AM - 5PM
Fax: 307-234-9074

Interested in scheduling at our East location? View Casper East Details

Meet the Staff

Matt Woodbury, DPT, OCS, SFMA

Clinic Supervisor

I have both a professional and personal passion for health. I will never stop learning about the complexities of the human body and the optimal ways to promote its function.  I want to remain active, enjoy life to the fullest, and help others also attain and maintain this freedom.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Mary
  • Bachelor of Science in Human Performance and Fitness, North Dakota State University

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
  • Certified Graston Technique Clinician
  • Worksaver Certified Tester
  • Certified Cupping Therapist
  • Vestibular Certification
  • Certification in Applied Functional Science, Gray Institute
  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • IAOM Elbow Course
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
  • LSVT

Continuing Education Training:

  • Kinesio Taping KT1 & KT2
  • Dry Needling
  • Muscle Energy Technique
  • Running Mechanics and Injury
  • Sole Supports Orthotic Casting
  • Various Other Orthopedic Courses

Professional Society Memberships:

  • American Physical Therapy Association - Orthopedics and Sports

Hometown: West Fargo, ND

Hobbies: Running, cycling, hanging out with family, listening to music and watching movies

 
Johnathan Francis, DPT

I knew for a very long time I wanted to be a Physical Therapist. I love taking things apart and figuring out how they work, and the human body is something that always fascinated me, so the opportunity to learn about how the body works and what things make it work better was a dream for me. I love being able to interact with and get to know people. Taking the time to know what is important to you makes it easier for me to figure out how to get you where you want to be. I grew up in Utah doing many outdoor activities and can't wait to get to know Wyoming better to see all that it has to offer. I also love spending time with my beautiful wife and two amazing kids and look forward to all of the fun adventures we will have together during our time in this great state!

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, Temple University
  • Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, Weber State University

Specialty Fields/Certifications in Progress:

  • Orthopedic Clinical Specialty (OCS)
  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
  • Vestibular Certification
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
  • Certification in Applied Functional Science, Gray Institute 

Certifications:

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate

Hometown: Farmington, Utah

Hobbies: Spending time with my family, rugby, woodworking, learning new things (like hunting). 

Sarah Phillips, PT, DPT

My interest in physical therapy started during my treatment following an injury. I realized my fascination with the human body and my drive to help others made physical therapy the perfect fit for me. I am excited to start my professional career with North Platte, working with and learning from their talented team of skilled therapists. I am thrilled to be here in Wyoming, and I look forward to exploring this beautiful state and getting to know the community.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Central Arkansas
  • Bachelor of Art in Biology & Spanish, Hardin-Simmons University

Certifications:

  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
  • Certification in Applied Functional Science, Gray Institute

Professional Society Memberships:

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Hometown:

  • Conway, AR

Hobbies:

  • Reading, watching TV, painting, jigsaw puzzles, video games, fishing, hiking, and outdoor activities

Jessica Engelhardt, PTA

Like many in my field, I first became interested in Physical Therapy after a sports-related injury in high school made me a patient myself. After earning a my bachelor’s degree, and then moved onto a Physical Therapist Assistant program. I believe that Physical Therapy can truly change an individual’s life for the better. I enjoy being around people every day and getting to know them. I am compassionate and want to help others achieve their goals. I grew up in Indiana, and lived in Colorado for three years before moving to Casper. I am very excited to explore this new area and discover what the community has to offer!

Education:

  • Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant, Laramie County Community College 
  • Bachelor of Science in Movement and Sport Sciences, Purdue University

Certifications:

  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
  • American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR and AED)
  • LSVT

Hometown:

  • Arcadia, Indiana

Hobbies:

  • Hiking, skiing, volleyball, and hanging out with friends and family watching movies

Services Offered

Latest News & Info

The Benefits of Yoga After Receiving Physical Therapy Services

August 26, 2020

The Benefits of Yoga After Receiving Physical Therapy Services
Physical therapy is the best way to recover from a muscle injury and regain your full range of motion. However, after you wrap up your physical therapy treatment, you’ll need to find ways to keep your body healthy and your muscles thriving. Though you have many options to choose from, yoga is one of the most effective workouts you can do. Here are a few benefits you may experience once you incorporate a yoga practice into your post physical therapy routine.

Improved Ability to Recover
There’s no guarantee that you’ll never get injured again after undergoing physical therapy sessions with your trusted team. However, there are things you can do to reduce the likelihood that your injury will require extensive physical therapy to fully recover. Yoga is one of them. When you incorporate yoga exercises into your routine, you’ll train your muscles to function properly, stay loose, and reduce your risk of injury in the first place. If you do get injured again, the injury will likely be less severe. Your muscles will be able to recover faster and more effectively.

Helps You Relieve Stress
When you get stressed, your muscles get tight. The tighter they are, the more restricted your range of motion will be. That restricted range of motion makes it easier for you to injure yourself and increases the likelihood of needing physical therapy in the future. Yoga helps keep your muscles loose and makes it easier for you to maintain the range of motion you regained after physical therapy. Over time, you might even see an improvement in the extent of your flexibility. 

You’ll Build Functional Strength
When you work out at a gym, it’s normal to want to push yourself and try exercises that you might not be ready for. Not only does that increase your risk of injury, but it also doesn’t help you stay healthier. Functional strength or building strength that helps your body function at 100 percent is always better than building bulk. However, getting those results on traditional gym equipment can be tough. Yoga builds functional strength with nothing more than your bodyweight. You’ll get strong without adding bulk to your frame.

May Improve Your Sleep
Little aches and pains can get in the way of a good night’s sleep more than anything else. The more often they do, the harder it will be for you to function at work, in social engagements, and other events throughout your life. Yoga helps stretch your muscles and restores your posture to reduce those aches and pains. When you’re in less pain, you’ll be able to sleep better which can then impact your overall health and wellbeing. 

Speak With Your Physical Therapist
If you’re about to wrap up physical therapy, the best thing you can do is continue to stay active. Ask your therapist for advice on the types of activities that will help you recover fully and avoid future injury. If you’re interested in yoga or any other activity, let them know about your interest so they can advise you further. 
 
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Common Signs of a Herniated Disc From Your Trusted Wyoming Physical Therapy Team

August 19, 2020

Common Signs of a Herniated Disc From Your Trusted Wyoming Physical Therapy Team
Whether you work a physical job or sit at a desk the entire day, you know there are few things that are worse than dealing with back pain. It interrupts your ability to focus on your work and keeps you from being able to do your job to the best of your ability. Though chronic back pain is a serious problem for many workers, identifying the underlying cause of the pain isn’t as simple as you might think. There are many different issues that can leave you searching the internet for "physical therapy services near me", but a herniated or bulging disc is one of the most serious. You’ll need to seek professional help to overcome the damage. Here are a few tell-tale signs to watch for.

There’s Intense Pain When You Sit Down
Ordinary muscle strain is often alleviated by sitting down or resting. It gives your muscles a chance to relax and removes the tension from the strained area. When you have a herniated disc, sitting will often make the pain worse. Pay attention to the way you feel when you’re taking a break or working at a desk. If the pain gets noticeably worse when you’re sitting down, call your doctor as soon as possible. 

The Pain Spreads Down Your Legs
One of the most common signs of a herniated disc is a condition called sciatica. This condition causes the pain you normally feel in your low back to run down the sciatic nerve which travels from your buttocks to your feet. When a disc ruptures or slips, it puts pressure on that nerve, resulting in pain throughout your lower back, buttocks, and legs. The pain is often slow to spread and doesn’t stick around for days on end. If you notice the pain shifting from your low back to your lower extremities when you perform certain activities, you may have a ruptured disc.

Feelings of Numbness
Believe it or not, ruptured or herniated discs don’t always cause sensations of pain. Sometimes, they cause parts of your body to feel numb or tingly. Think about the way your body feels when you’re moving around. If the pain is fairly consistent, you likely have a strained muscle. However, if the pain fades and leaves a feeling of numbness down one part of your body, you may have a herniated disc. If you notice this sensation, call your doctor immediately to discuss your treatment options. 

Get Help Quickly
Coping with low back pain throughout the day is never pleasant. Luckily, there are things you can do to correct the issue and get your body back on track. The best place to start is by working with an experienced physical therapy team and letting them slowly make corrections to your muscles and spine. Those corrections will help you stave off back pain in the future so you can focus on maintaining your health. If you’re experiencing low back pain, don’t wait. Contact your nearest office and schedule a consultation with our team.
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Why Active Recovery Days Are the Best Way to Avoid Needing Physical Therapy Services

August 13, 2020

Why Active Recovery Days Are the Best Way to Avoid Needing Physical Therapy Services
Exercising regularly is one of the most important things you can do for your body. It helps build up strength and keeps your body limber so you can avoid having to scour the internet for “physical therapy near me.” However, that doesn’t mean you should push yourself every single day. You need to take time away from your strenuous workouts. So, should you spend those days sitting on your couch binge-watching your latest favorite show? Not necessarily. Instead, you should incorporate active recovery days into your workout week. This is what you need to know.

What Active Recovery Means
Active recovery means you’re giving your body a break from the strenuous workouts you do on your normal gym days, but instead of sitting all day, you’re getting up and moving. Think of an active recovery day as an ultra-light workout day. If you normally run, go for a long and leisurely walk. If you lifted weights the day before, run through some yoga or stretch and walk the tension out. 

The Benefits of Active Recovery Days
Now that you understand what active recovery is, you’re likely wondering why it’s so important. After all, you deserve to be able to rest and take a day off after working out incredibly hard. While you’re certainly entitled to periods of rest, active recovery days have a few compelling benefits.

Keeps Your Muscles Loose
If you’ve ever worked out incredibly hard only to find that you’re stiff the next morning, you know that keeping your muscles loose is a challenge. Not only do stiff muscles increase the pain you feel throughout the day, but they also put you at risk for injury when you get back into your workout routine. Active recovery days emphasize movement, helping to keep your muscles loose and get rid of those feelings of stiffness that keep you from being able to work out as hard as you’d like later in the week.

Gives You Time to Focus on Form
Active recovery doesn’t have to mean taking a break from your exercise routine. It just means going at it with a lot less intensity. You can use this to your advantage and focus on form instead of how hard you’re pushing yourself. By paying attention to your form and building muscle memory when you’re not pushing yourself, you’ll be able to maintain that form later without as much effort.

It’s Fun and Relaxing
Believe it or not, active recovery days can be fun and relaxing. They’re the perfect opportunity to try new exercises and experience new things without having to worry about missing out on your workout. Just remember to keep things fun and don’t put pressure on yourself to perform to a certain level.

Keep Your Body Moving
Movement is the best medicine and is the easiest way to keep your muscles loose and healthy. If you ever end up dealing with an injury or are worried about a persistent ache that won’t go away, reach out and schedule an appointment with our team. 
 
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