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

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

Latest News & Info

How to treat lower back pain from your Wyoming physical therapist

June 19, 2019

How to treat lower back pain from your Wyoming physical therapist
As the weather heats up, nothing can ruin your summer fun like lower back pain. Lower back pain can stop you from enjoying even the most relaxing of activities - from laying on a beach to taking a nice walk through the local landscaping you might be stopped by lower back pain. Here are some things that might be causing your lower back pain, and why you should see your Wyoming physical therapist.

Disc Issues
This is a common issue, and often a painful/uncomfortable one. Disc pain can be characterized by sharp pain in the lower back, that might migrate down your leg as well. If you are experiencing this type of pain, and it gets worse when you are sitting or bending over - you might have disc issues. Herniated discs often cause these issues, and it’s more common in younger generations than you might think.

Sacroiliac Dysfunction
Sacroiliac Dysfunction is a mouthful, but it’s also something that can cause pain during sitting, driving, broad pain, or pain while getting in and out of your car. It is a little harder to diagnose, but overall Sacroiliac Dysfunction is an issue with the sacrum and/or ilia. These types of issues can be long lasting, and take awhile to diagnose through MRIs or xrays. If you think you are experiencing this problem, be sure to have an open and honest conversation with your doctor. 

Spinal Stenosis
As your body ages, the ligaments connected to your vertebrae can begin to thicken (a result of osteoarthritis). As these ligaments thicken, the spinal canal can begin to narrow which causes additional pain and discomfort. Spinal stenosis can get so bad that you might begin to have difficulty walking and may require more than physical therapy assistance. If you think you might have developed spinal stenosis, seek medical attention and care immediately.

Muscle Strain
If the back pain is sudden onset, and doesn’t last for very long, you might have just strained a muscle or a ligament. While healing from a muscle or ligament strain, you’ll need to take things slowly and be careful not to create any additional pain or issues. As you recover from a strain, just make sure to keep using your back. While rest and relaxation is helpful, so is light physical activity such as walking and stretching. If you realize this is far too painful, refer to some relaxation and then connect with your Wyoming physical therapist. 

If you don’t meet any of the symptoms listed previously, but you are still experiencing chronic back pain - talk with your Wyoming physical therapist. Chronic back pain can be defined as back pain lasting longer than three months, but no one wants to deal with back pain for that long. At North Platte Physical Therapy, we are here to help meet your needs when it comes to managing and healing back pain. We serve the communities of Wyoming and Nebraska with 22 clinics offering a full range of physical therapy services for post-cast recovery. Contact us today for more information.
 
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Staying healthy during the summer - from your Wyoming physical therapist

June 12, 2019

Staying healthy during the summer - from your Wyoming physical therapist
The summer months are here to stay, and as you spend more time outside you might be more likely to sustain injuries. Injuries can come in a number of forms and can often sneak up on you. You might be enjoying a hike with friends or family and start to feel a soreness in your ankle - or maybe you are enjoying a family cookout and take a misstep when taking food outside. No matter what happens or when, there are some ways you can avoid injury - take it from your Wyoming physical therapist.

Warming up 
If you plan on having a physically active day, it’s important to spend time warming up. This can include a light walk and stretch before you even leave your home. While warming up for a kayaking trip, hiking trip, or even a run outside a light walk or stretch can do wonders for your health and preventing injury. 

Pace yourself
It can be easy to get ahead of yourself when it comes to enjoying the summer weather. It might be tempting to do the 7-mile stretch versus the 5-mile on your first kayaking trip of the summer. Just remember, that although this might be fun, it isn’t always worth it and you can get seriously injured by over-exerting yourself. Remember to take things easy as your start a new exercise routine.

Pacing yourself applies to more than just physical activity. If you are working in the yard, around the house, or cleaning out a garage make sure you take extra care. It can be tempting to take more bags of mulch at once to avoid multiple trips, but this can actually lead to injury. Keep an eye on the way your body feels while performing household chores and maintenance.

Take care of yourself
While you should be doing this year-around, it’s extra important to take care of your body during the summer months. Heat can cause dehydration, and lack of proper nutrition can only accelerate these issues and cause more problems. Be sure to fuel your body properly, and carefully, during the summer. It’s going to be more important to consume more water as well if you notice that you are more tired than usual. 

Taking care of yourself includes warming up, as previously discussed, but also cooling down after physical activity and giving your body plenty of rest time. Rest time is essential in maintaining a healthy body, but also helping to reach your personal fitness goals.

If you begin to notice that you might have sustained an injury, or you aren’t feeling at your best, be sure to contact your Wyoming physical therapist for assistance. At North Platte Physical Therapy, we are here to help meet your needs when it comes to managing and healing back pain. We serve the communities of Wyoming and Nebraska with 22 clinics offering a full range of physical therapy services for post-cast recovery. Contact us today for more information.
 
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Four ways to speed up recovery after Wyoming back surgery

May 29, 2019

Four ways to speed up recovery after Wyoming back surgery
You are about to undergo, or are currently recovering, from back surgery and you may be wondering if there are ways to speed up your recovery time. The good news is there are a few things you can do to speed up recovery, and get back on your feet! We’ve provided you with four ways to speed up your recovery, but want to remind you that before changing or adding to your recovery regime, consult your Wyoming physical therapist. Everyone has a different recovery time and process, so what works for one might not work for all. 

Get Healthy
You might be considered healthy already (in which case stay healthy), but if you could do better this is a great time to really focus on your health. Fueling your body with the right foods will not only have you feeling better, but will help your body begin to recover quickly. If you haven’t already, talk with your physical therapist about starting a light exercise routine to aid in the recovery process. With back injuries and recovery you will need to be cautious, but light exercise can help decrease any pain you might be experiencing and get you on the road to recovery.

Kick the Bad Habits
Have any bad habits lurking in your closet? Now is a great time to work on kicking your bad habits, such as smoking cigarettes. We know we don’t have to tell you about all of the negative outcomes that cigarettes can cause, but by not smoking you can speed up your recovery time as well. 

Your Day to Day
When operating day to day, be sure to follow the basic mobility requirements and regulations set out by your physical therapist. They have set these guidelines for a reason, and any deviation could slow your recovery time. By following them to a “t” you are more likely to recover quickly and safely. In addition, be sure to have someone in your home who can assist you with movements, household chores, and basic things such as eating, drinking, and even bathing. An available and attentive caregiver will be your key to a safe and speedy recovery. Be sure to take care when bathing, you don’t 
want to overstrain your body or cause damage to your incision. Often times your doctor might recommend avoiding washing the area under running water for the first two weeks - in which case have some assist you in using a damp washcloth. 

Stay Vigilant 
While following your doctor’s recommendations for care and maintenance, be sure to stay aware of how your body is feeling and how your wound is healing. Check the incision daily to ensure there is no infection, and that there is no inflammation or redness. This can be indicative of a deeper problem that might cause you to see your doctor.

At North Platte Physical Therapy, we are here to help meet your needs and ensure a safe recovery after a back surgery. We serve the communities of Wyoming and Nebraska with 22 clinics offering a full range of physical therapy services for post-cast recovery. Contact us today for more information.

 
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