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
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
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
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)
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
- 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
- Ergonomic and Worksite Evaluation
- Fine Motor Dexterity
- Golf Swing Analysis
- Graston Techniques
- Hand Therapy
- Headache
- Kinesio taping
- Modalities
- Myofacial Techniques
- Neck Pain
- Neurological Services
- Orthopdedic Clinical Specialist, OCS
- Orthopedic Service
- Pediatric Therapy
- Pool Therapy
- Post Cancer Treatment
- Pre/Post Surgical Rehab
- Return to sport exercise programs
- Running Injuries
- Self-care skills
- SFMA - Selective Functional Movement Assesment
- Spine Care
- Sports Medicine
- Stroke Rehabiliation
- Tendonitis
- TMJ
- Torticollis
- Trigger Point Dry Needling
- Vestibular Rehabiliation
- Women's Health
- Work Hardening/Conditioning
- Work Injuries
- Wound Care
Latest News & Info
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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How to avoid injury during bad weather - from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist
November 25, 2019
The most common types of winter injuries include falling (on ice or snow), strain from snow shoveling, and ultimately injury during exercise while it’s cold out. However, there are a few things you can do to help avoid these common types of injuries. Let’s talk about falling first - the following won’t completely prevent you from falling and getting injured..but it’s a good start.Â
- Wear proper footwear, with proper traction
- Slow down - there is no need to rush
- Keep strides short, longer strides increase risk of fall
- Don’t rush outside when completing chores - once again there is no rush
- Never go outside without your cell phoneÂ
It’s important to pay attention to how your body is feeling after the fall. You might not feel the fall immediately, but if you’ve taken a particularly hard fall we recommend you go see a doctor right away just in case. Falls can be extremely dangerous - tread lightly.Â
Do you snow shovel regularly? Snow shoveling can cause injury, such as falling (as previously talked about) or even muscle strain. Here is how you can prevent uncomfortable and ultimately painful muscle strains:Â
- Take it slow and easy - trying to do too much too quickly can result in injury
- Make sure you are wearing proper gear so you don’t slip and fall while shoveling snow
- Stretch. This sounds odd, but be sure to stretch before going out to shovel snow.Â
In terms of preventing injury from outside physical activity - this will just require you to be careful. Accidents happen, but how you respond to them will ultimately determine how you heal. If you are experiencing body aches and pains, also be sure to reach out to your primary care physician or our team. 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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