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
  • LSVT
  • Modern Management of the Older Adult

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, North Dakota

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

 
James Watson, DPT

As a Physical Therapist, I live for that moment when people’s eyes light up with hope because they can do what they couldn’t before. I love learning everyone’s unique story and helping them overcome their barriers in life. I am enjoying getting to better know the good people of Casper every day.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, Touro University Nevada
  • Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Utah Valley University

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • LSVT BIG
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation Certificate (PESI)

Continuing Education:

  • Management of Lower Quadrant Pathology Course 1 (Folsom) 
  • Management of Lower Quadrant Pathology Course 2 (Folsom) 
  • Institute for Brain Potential Protecting Short Term Memory  

Hometown: Layton, Utah

Hobbies: Running, baking, woodworking, hiking and entertaining my daughters.

 
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 my bachelor's degree, I moved on to 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
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine

Hometown:

  • Arcadia, Indiana

Hobbies:

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

Tara Stadjuhar, PTA

My journey into Physical Therapy came from a love of sports and a fascination for how the body moves, functions, and heals. Being passionate about health and wellness, I am dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to optimal well-being. Witnessing the transformative impact of physical therapy firsthand is what fuels my love for this profession. I find immense joy in helping patients regain mobility, return to their favorite activities, and achieve their wellness goals.

Education:

  • Associates in Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant, Western Technical College, El Paso, TX
  • Bachelors of Community Health, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • LSVT BIG
  • Blood flow restriction training
  • American Heart Association Basic life support (CPR and AED)
  • Site coordinator of Clinical education (SCCE)
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine

Continuing Education:

  • Kinesio tape
  • Strain counter strain

Professional Society Memberships:

  • APTA of Wyoming and New Mexico

Hometown: Las Cruces, New Mexico

Hobbies: Skiing, fly fishing, camping, woodworking, DIY projects, spending time with my family, hiking with my dogs.

 

Services Offered

Latest News & Info

Physical Therapy Services: Three Important First Visit Considerations

Physical Therapy Services: Three Important First Visit Considerations
People across the country make visits to see their physical therapist each and every day. For many, these services provide relief and capabilities of a return to normal functionality on the targeted body part or painful area. Whether the deficit occurred through injury, age, or accident, physical therapy services offer beneficial options for helping patients recover or remove the pain entirely. A significant perk for all clientele is the program being implemented is designed specifically for each separate person, to focus on their precise needs and help speed up the recovery process. These factors make a significant difference, but there are also important items to consider before making a very first visit.

Direct access laws allow for individuals to seek physical therapy treatments without first visiting their primary care physician. While there are many people who are still referred to a therapist for treatment, if you feel the need for care or have certain questions about how treatment may help then the door is open. However, there are still a few actions to be taken in order to prepare for a successful initial appearance. 

Check Your Symptoms

Before arrival, individuals should prepare for their visit by checking symptoms, their persistence, pain levels, and impacts to ensure a doctor’s visit or medical emergency shouldn’t be triggered. Once determined a physical therapist may be able to assist, then a call should be placed. Patients need to also record their symptoms over time and provide specifics about how any pain or numbness is impacting their lifestyle.

Dress Accordingly

Patients should also consider their clothing when headed into the office for a visit. Often, sessions will require movement or access to the area being addressed. For example, jeans and long pants should be avoided for those patrons seeking physical therapy on a knee injury. 

Honest Communication

A third key element to a successful first visit is to be open and honest with how you are feeling and what causes the pain or discomfort. Holding back doesn’t help your therapist as they mold a personalized plan of action and will ultimately only delay your healing. By being up front with details and following through with any prescribed home activities, patients can establish the foundation for a quality and trusted relationship with their therapists.

If you have suffered an injury or know someone who has chronic pain, 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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Physical Therapy Services: Bad Posture Impacts the Body

Physical Therapy Services: Bad Posture Impacts the Body
The human body is an incredible machine, performing multiple functions (many at once) to keep us alive and conducting multiple types of movement. Standing upright isn’t something people often think about, but it does warrant some focus as bad posture could have many negative side effects. As time passes, not standing up straight may lead to detrimental conditions beyond simply beginning to hunch over. In fact, posture changes correlate between standing and sitting positions with individuals needing to be cognizant of both in order to keep bad habits from forming and impacting their current state over time.

The dangers of sitting involve more detrimental factors than bad posture results but it’s definitely a possibility. With damage resulting from prolonged inadequate postures of sitting and standing, being able to ensure you’re upright to the best extent possible is extremely important. The results of having a negative posture on your body extend to multiple scenarios, involving many different negative aspects. 

Pain

Bad posture has the potential to cause pain in a variety of many different areas, including the neck, headaches, lower back, and many other problem spots. If individuals are unable to correct their alignment it could result in multiple issues, even a permanent spinal curvature. Being able to correct or deal with these problems often involves physical therapy. A specified program can assist in eliminating the back or neck pain and possible headaches resulting from being slouched over many hours each day.

Sleep

Even sleep can be affected from not having proper alignment throughout the day. If your body is busy trying to constantly keep everything in a stacked order, then when it comes time for bed the results may continue as detrimental. As the body works to properly align during the day, when night time arises, the capability to keep a quality posture becomes especially important.

Digestion

Constantly bending over could put unnecessary pressure on the digestive system which may cause issues with proper digestion. If your body is not upright, then the elongated bend may put compression on the digestive system which could produce a needed correction before too much damage is produced. Knowing alignment and posture impacts digestion could lead individuals to put a renewed focus on this area.

Other Risks

Some other risks of bad posture include the potential for a pinched nerve. Constantly slouching may cause the spinal cord to pinch a nerve in the back causing another range of issues. These may begin as a tingling sensation in the extremities but could transition into something more harmful. In addition, a permanent curvature of the spine is also a possibility due to working with a negative posture over time.

If you or someone you know has bad posture and could use assistance with correcting their appearance, 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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Physical Therapy Services: Foot and Ankle Issues

Feet and ankles are likely body parts which rarely receive much thought although they are extremely important components for mobility. These joints allow the flexibility to walk, run, change direction, and many other different features that typically seem second nature. However, when an injury occurs, individuals immediately see the repercussions as their ability to maneuver usually becomes considerably limited. Depending on the severity of the issue, a need for braces, crutches, wheel chairs, or some other mobility assistance device could be needed. This not only impacts everyday life, but it also may require physical therapy treatments in an effort to return a joint to its pre-injured state.

Ankle injury causes range from athletes to those who aren’t inclined to participate in sports or regular physical activity. Any unexpected twist or turn of the foot might lead to an injury and need for physical therapy assistance. In fact, there are multiple injuries which are viewed as relatively common that could occur to anyone needing help in regaining their mobility.

Sprains/Strains

While these two terms are often used interchangeably, there is an actual medical difference between them. Sprains involve an injury to the connective tissue between two bones and strains are muscle issues. Both can be detrimental while also involving a need for physical therapy for full recovery.

Plantar Fasciitis

Many middle-aged individuals can expect to deal with plantar fasciitis at some point in their lifetime. These debilitating injuries involve the heel and attached tissues and are caused by a number of different activities, including wearing the wrong shoes. Understanding the cause can assist in receiving treatment for the issue.

Achilles Injuries

The achilles tendon is essential for being able to flex and function for walking and basic mobility skills. These movements may continue in the event of an injury, but sufferers can expect to be significantly limited. While some may heal without the need for surgery, there are scenarios in which receiving a medical repair is the best plan of action. For both, physical therapy can assist in helping to restore the functionality of a damaged achilles.

Arthroscopic Treatments

Helping to administer relief for arthritis and other joint pain issues, arthroscopic treatments are also a well-known foot and ankle concern. This procedure typically refers to a “clean-up” of the joint, removing any splintered pieces of bone or tissue in the area. 

If you have suffered an ankle 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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