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

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

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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How to Prevent Mountain Biking Injuries According to Wyoming Physical Therapy Experts

August 6, 2020

How to Prevent Mountain Biking Injuries According to Wyoming Physical Therapy Experts
Mountain biking is one of the best ways to take in the scenery that Wyoming has to offer. Though the sport is both fun and physically challenging, it’s not always the safest sport. Injuries can and will happen, but there are a few things you can do to prevent them so you can avoid having to spend hours undergoing physical therapy treatment before you can get back on two wheels. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe on the trails.

Check Your Bike  Before You Ride
Running through a safety check before you hit the trail is the best way to keep yourself and other riders safe. Inspect your bike thoroughly prior to every ride. Make sure the nuts, bolts, and axels are properly mounted and tightened. Check your brake cables for tension and make sure the calipers or rotors can stop your wheel when you squeeze the lever. Look at your pedals and remove any debris that could keep your feet from sticking well. It’s also a good idea to check your wheels and make sure they’re in true. If they’re not, the wheels won’t roll straight and could end up clipping rocks and roots as you go. 

Wear the Right Gear
Seeing mountain bikers zipping down trails without helmets or protective gear is, unfortunately, a common sight. Those riders risk serious injury if they fall or lose control of their bike on the trail. Instead of becoming another statistic, make sure you’re wearing the appropriate gear before you leave the trailhead. Invest in a good helmet and get it fit properly at your local bike shop. Wear gloves to maintain grip on your handlebars and consider knee and elbow pads to help reduce impact stress if you do fall. If you’re going all-out and riding technical trails and making steep downhill descents, invest in biking armor. This can dramatically reduce your risk of injury if you wipe out.

Warm Up Before You Leave
When your muscles are tight, they’re more prone to serious injury. Save yourself the risk by warming up before you hit the trail. Go for a short run or brisk walk to get the blood circulating and to loosen your muscles after the drive to the trailhead. Then, run through full-body stretches and make sure you’re comfortably loose. If anything feels tight or you notice strain from your previous ride acting up, consider taking it easy on the trail. Let your body be your guide. If it feels like you’re not up to a strenuous ride, don’t force it. When you force things, you’re more likely to hurt yourself. 

Keep These  Tips in Mind
If you’re planning on hitting the trail, keep these tips in mind and you’ll be able to reduce your risk of getting injured doing what you love most. If you do end up taking a bad spill or notice that you’re not performing the way you want, schedule a consultation as soon as possible. The sooner you do, the easier it will be to speed your recovery.
 
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