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 Make 2019 Your Best Year for Physical Fitness from Your Trusted Physical Therapist

March 20, 2019

How to Make 2019 Your Best Year for Physical Fitness from Your Trusted Physical Therapist
Are you a Wyoming resident seeking to improve your overall physical health situation? You’re not alone, as the centennial state is one of the healthiest and most physically fit states in the United States. If you’ve ever been to a state park or popular hiking trail on the weekend, you are well aware of the fact that people in our area love physical activity, as there are nearly endless ways to get exercise through outdoor activities in the area. If you’re wanting to make improvements to your overall health condition in 2019, here are a few helpful tips to follow from your trusted physical therapist.

Find a Physical Activity You Actually Enjoy

One of the most difficult parts about getting regular physical activity for many people is that it can be hard to motivate yourself to continue pursuing it, especially if you view the activity as a chore. The best way to stay on a consistent regimen of physical activity is to find one that you enjoy doing and one that will be easy to do on a consistent basis. When a person has a long day at the office, often the last thing they will want to do is exercise after work. This fact is compounded if the activity they are looking to do requires them to drive a long distance.

First, you may want to locate a gym that is close to your house, meaning you won’t have to drive home and then get stuck in traffic again just to work out. It’s best to make things as convenient as possible on yourself, as starting a new habit is difficult enough. The easier it is for you to engage in the activity, the better. This also applies to the activity itself, as any activity that is enjoyable will make it much more likely that you will actually complete the task. 

If you have a hard time working out because you don’t enjoy running, perhaps you can think about a class or other form of exercise that you find enjoyment from. You may also want to think about finding a workout buddy for as a way to help motivate you to keep exercising on a consistent basis.

If you are looking to improve your physical health situation is and are in need of physical therapy due to an accident or other physical ailments, contact North Platte Physical Therapy today and we will be happy to assist you with your first steps towards recovery. We have an extensive team of qualified physical therapists and specialists who care deeply about their clients and go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest quality treatment in the industry. If you are looking for a therapist who will carefully assess your individual needs and formulate a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs, North Platte is your preferred choice for the physical recovery process.
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How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Sciatica Symptoms

March 20, 2019

How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Sciatica Symptoms
Whether you're a runner from Cheyenne North, a bowler form Guernsey, or a hunter from Casper West —sciatica knows no bounds. The familiar sting and numbness that accompanies a sciatica flare up is all-too-familiar to suffered from across Wyoming and South Dakota. Thankfully, the team here at North Platte Physical Therapy will be here to offer you a wide variety of advice on preventing, managing and ultimately alleviating your lower back pain. 

That said, while sciatica 'feels' like lower back pain, it's quite different, biophysically. While your pain from sciatica might feel like it's concentrated in your lower back, it actually extends down the sciatic nerve, which, as long time sciatica suffers might already know, is the largest nerve in the human body. Whether your sciatic nerve pain is most prevalent in your lower back, buttock, hip or leg, the good news is that your friends here at North Platte Physical Therapy can get you on a path to relief and recovery.

How is sciatica diagnosed? Many health professionals proclaim that when patients come to them and say they believe they've got sciatica, they're usually correct. However, an official diagnosis is always the first way to go when it comes to implementing a diligent treatment plan. In addition to looking extensively at your medical history, your physical therapist will also give you a physical exam to try to discover what exactly is causing undue pressure on your sciatic nerve.

How is sciatica treated? At North Platte Physical Therapy, we've successfully aided thousands of sciatica patients through a series of physical therapy methods and through teaching them a variety of maintenance exercises. Usually the main goal in managing sciatica is to help you better solidify your abdominal muscles so that your lower spine is better supported. We might also recommend a series of pilates classes to help you deal with pain management. Whether you suffer from sciatica or another work-induced ailment, the North Platte Physical Therapy team can also help you make adjustments to your biomechanics and ergonomic behavior, particularly in the way you bend down to pick up things, or sit at your desk.

Keep in mind, treatment of sciatica varies considerably from patient to patient. That's why you can count on our team of physical therapy professionals to help you discover the treatment plan that's right for you and your precise symptoms. Too many people from across Wyoming and South Dakota suffer from the pain of sciatica unnecessarily. Contact the North Platte Physical Therapy team today to set up an appointment and to get on track with a physical therapy treatment regimen that will reclaim your life from everyday sciatic nerve pain and help you enjoy work and exercise again.
 
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Four Ways A Physical Therapist Can Change Your Life

March 13, 2019

Four Ways A Physical Therapist Can Change Your Life
There’s a lot of misconceptions out there about physical therapy. While many people think physical therapy is only useful in helping individuals and athletes recover from injury, there is a wide facet of the field dedicated to injury prevention as well. In fact, if you’ve been suffering from nagging pain, or simply want to move better, physical therapy can offer tremendous benefits. Whether you’re a construction worker from Cheyenne struggling with back pain, a teacher from Gillette with sore feet, or a policeman from Wheatland with nagging knee pain, the knowledgeable and friendly team here at North Platte Physical Therapy can help.


1. Improve Mobility: The hands-on therapy or treatments such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation utilized here at North Platte Physical therapy can help relieve the pains you experience every day while helping to restore proper muscle and joint function. In fact, a program of varied therapies also can prevent pain in knees, ankles, and legs from returning, helping you to be more mobile and active. 

2. Improve Balance: If you or an older loved one is a patient who is at risk for falls, our friendly team can provide exercises that mimic real-life situations to help improve your balance. Our wide range of effective physical therapy techniques can also help you with exercises to improve coordination to prevent falls and improve your mobility. Don’t let deteriorating strength reduce the safety you or your elderly loved one has in the comfort of their own home or workspace.

3. Improve Strength: The notion of bodybuilders being the picture of strength has been rendered antiquated by breakthroughs in physical therapy. Strength is differential across all body types, and can often be improved without arduous gym regimens. Our team can help you coordinate a series of low-weight exercises and targeted stretches to help you build strength in your hands, arms, ankles and legs. 

4. Improve Movement: Looking to move better on the athletic field or in everyday life? The North Platte Physical Therapy team can teach you a variety of stretching and strengthening exercises to assist you in restoring your ability to move with newfound strength and grace. Whether you live a more sedentary lifestyle or are very active, an improved movement program can not only help eliminate nagging aches and pains but also help to prevent injury. 

Tired of dealing with nagging soreness or the aches and pains you accumulate in everyday life? Looking for new ways to help improve your strength or mobility? Contact us today to let us know what’s bothering you. Our team of professionals will implement a safe, effective, and reasonably-priced treatment plan that will have you living better, whether that means sleeping more soundly or getting through your work day without pain. Patients across Wyoming and Western Nebraska have relied on North Platte Physical Therapy for their pain prevention and physical recovery needs for years. 
 
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