North Platte Physical Therapy - Cheyenne (East)

North Platte Physical Therapy East is located at 3917 E Pershing Blvd and is open to serve patients Mon-Fri 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Services provided include back and neck pain rehabilitation, outpatient wound care, post-op rehab, sports therapy, aquatic therapy, dry needling, kinesio taping, women's health, work hardening, vestibular and neurological rehabilitation. Walk-ins are always welcome.

Call 307-514-2411  to schedule today.

Location Details

307-514-2411  Send Email
 
Address: 3917 East Pershing Blvd. Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
Hours: Mon - Fri: 6:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m.
Fax: 307-514-2392

Interested in scheduling at our North location? View Cheyenne North Details 

Jessica Mangus, DPT, WCC, OCS, SFMA
Clinic Supervisor

 

I'm passionate about physical therapy and learning. I love to see people not just improve, but excel. I like to work in a variety of specialties in PT and love to learn as much as I can about the latest treatments and technologies.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, Mayo Clinic
  • Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and Psychology, University of Wyoming

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Vestibular Certification
  • Wound Care Certified
  • Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
  • Certified Cupping Therapist
  • Certification in Applied Functional Science, Gray Institute 
  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • Skin and Wound Management
  • North Platte Physical Therapy Symposium
  • IAOM Elbow Course
  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
  • A Systematic Approach to Examination, Diagnosis and Manual Therapy of the Wrist Part 1
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
  • Dry Needling
  • Wound Care
  • Women's Health
  • Kinesio Taping
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine

Professional Society Memberships:

  • American Physical Therapy Association

Hometown: Douglas, Wyoming

Hobbies: Skiing, shopping, and hanging out with her puppies Schatzi and Lily

 

Nik Breitkopf, MSPT, SFMA

My interest in physical therapy stemmed from my background in exercise physiology. I feel so fortunate for the opportunity to meet and learn from my interactions with clients throughout my career. I strive to meet the goals of my clients and get them back to the highest level of function possible.

Education:

  • Master of Science in Physical Therapy, University of South Dakota
  • Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, University of Wyoming
  • Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology, University of Wyoming

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • LSVT Big Certification
  • Craniosacral Certification
  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • MT-1: Essential Peripheral Seminar
  • North Platte Physical Therapy Symposium
  • IAOM Elbow Course
  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
  • Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner
  • Dry Needling
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine

Professional Society Memberships:

  • American Physical Therapy Association

Hobbies: Numerous outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, backpacking, crosscountry skiing, golfing, scuba diving, and spending time with his wife and two children

 

Trent Neill, PT, DPT, CSCS, DPT

Physical therapy is something I am incredibly passionate about. As someone who grew up playing different sports all the time, I was introduced to the field of physical therapy at a fairly young age. I love the fact that the career path I chose enables me to meet and work with so many different people and a wide variety of cases.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Art in Biology, Hastings College
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
  • Vestibular Certification
  • Certification in Applied Functional Science, Gray Institute 
  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • Clinical Management of the Fitness Athlete
  • IAOM Elbow Course
  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow

Hometown: Ogallala, NE

Hobbies: Hiking, skiing, wakeboarding, golfing, playing basketball, eating pizza, hanging out with family and friends.

 

 

Ty Parsons, PT, DPT

I chose a career in Physical Therapy because I am passionate about helping others maximize their quality of life and achieve their functional goals. I love building relationships with patients while I solve the "puzzle" that makes up each unique individual. I also love the opportunity to continuously learn to advance my clinical skills and expertise.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Mary
  • Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Promotion, University of Wyoming

Certifications/Specialized Classes:

  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • Kinetacore Level 1 Functional Dry Needling
  • Kinetacore Level 2 Functional Dry Needling
  • Gray Institute, CAFS
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine

Professional Society Membership:

  • American Physical Therapy Association

Hobbies: Strength Training, Running, Basketball, Golf, Disc Golf, Hiking, Camping

 

Rachel Hamilton, PTA, SFMA

I decided to pursue the field of physical therapy after shadowing a physical therapist for a class project my first year of college. Having never been injured significantly enough to require PT, I was never exposed to the career prior to this. Instant connection! My career in physical therapy keeps me on my toes, and I am always learning something new. My favorite thing about working for North Platte Physical Therapy is meeting new people and helping them reach their therapy goals. It is very rewarding for me, and I love being a part of the progress and success of my patients.

Education:

  • Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant, Waterloo, IA

Certification/Specialized Training:

  • Certification in Applied Functional Science, Gray Institute 
  • Vestibular Certification
  • Certified Cupping Therapist
  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • North Platte Physical Therapy Symposium
  • A Systematic Approach to Examination, Diagnosis, and Manual Therapy of the Wrist Part 1
  • Kinesio Taping
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate

Hometown: Algona, IA

Community Involvement: Member of St. Mary's Catholic Church

Hobbies: Outdoor activities, exercising, horseback riding, listening to music, spending time with my friends, family, and animals.

 

Hunter Bohn, PTA

I knew when I was in high school, I wanted a career in Physical Therapy. Knowing that I can have a personal impact on people's lives and being able to help them in one of their greatest times of need is rewarding all in itself.

Education:

  • Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapy Assistant, Laramie County Community College, Cheyenne, WY

Certifications:

  • North Platte Physical Therapy Symposium
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine

Hometown: Cheyenne, WY

Hobbies:  Exercising, hiking, hanging out with friends and family

 

Casper Physical Therapy Explains High School Football Injuries

October 31, 2018

Casper Physical Therapy Explains High School Football Injuries
Each year, there are more than a half million injuries each year on American high school football fields. Given the severity and impact of these injuries, it is best to act as soon as possible—even if signs and symptoms seem non-existent. It is a mistake many students make that can affect them throughout their life. Learn about the top types of high school football injuries, handling concussions, and using Casper physical therapy to recover. 
 

Most Common Types of Injuries


Given that football is a contact sport, injuries may occur. Some of the most common injuries experienced by student athletes include:

Achilles tendonitis: Swelling can occur when the Achilles tendon (back of the ankle) is strained. 
Fractures: Contact or quick movements can lead to fractures in the hands, legs, and more. 
Knee: Occurring from rapid twisting movements or contact, ligaments in the knee can be stretched or torn. 
Rotator cuff: The rotator cuff is a primary support within the shoulder. When strained, it can lead to radiating arm pain. 
Strains: Strains occur when muscles in an area have been overly stretched. They can be painful when overly extended or if they tear. 
Sprains: Sprains arise when ligaments, which connect muscles to bones, are negatively impacted. They can be overstretched or tear. 

Handling Concussions


Concussions are brain injuries, commonly due to an impact to the head, as well as quick, rapid movements. These rapid movements cause the brain to move around, causing issues. This movement can cause bruising or problems with crucial blood vessels. Upon receiving a blow, a student-athlete should be checked out as soon as possible. Signs of a concussion include: 
  • Blurred vision
  • Brain fog
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Nausea
  • Slurred speech
  • Tinnitus
  • Vomiting

The go-to way a student-athlete needs to recover from a concussion is to rest. Many wonder, “is it safe to sleep if you have a concussion?” If symptoms are minimal, it may be fine. It is best to go by the advice of a doctor to be certain. In extreme cases, falling asleep with a concussion can lead to a loss of consciousness. 

Recovery and Physical Therapy


For injured student football players, it is imperative to see a local physical throughout the recovery process. A premier physical therapist will ensure your student takes proper measures for a swift and successful recovery. From there, physical therapists can help the student improve their sport. This can be done by teaching various stances and techniques to avoid injuries. Students that have not sustained an injury will still benefit from training with a physical therapist to avoid getting hurt in the future. For many students, an injury can be career ending, which is unfortunate before their actual athletic career really begins. 

If your child has sustained an injury playing football, North Platte Physical Therapy’s sports medicine team will aid in their recovery. Specializing in student-athletes, we can help with recovery as well as athletic training. This will help your student avoid injuries in the future and become a stronger, quality athlete. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. 
 
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Signs of a Stroke Explained by Physical Therapy

October 24, 2018

Signs of a Stroke Explained by Physical Therapy
Each year, almost a million Americans suffer from a stroke. While a majority of that population are senior citizens, it can also happen to those that are younger. Sadly, strokes are one of the leading causes of death each year, making it crucial to detect the signs and act as soon as possible.  Learn more about strokes and how to quickly identify the signs of one. The quicker you act for yourself or a loved one, the higher the chances are for successful treatment and recovery. Acting fast and utilizing physical therapy in Cheyenne, WY can provide a better quality of life. 

What Causes a Stroke? 


Blood supply to the brain is vital. If blood flow to the brain becomes restricted in any way, brain cells will die, and a stroke occurs. They are most common in those with high blood pressure, as well as people that have diabetes, heart disease, a genetic history of strokes or smoke. 

There are two types of strokes that can occur: 

Ischemic: Most common type of stroke when the key blood vessels to the brain clot, leading to a lack of blood flow to the brain. 
Hemorrhagic: Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts. 

FAST: How to Quickly Spot a Stroke


To quickly identify a stroke, remember the acronym “FAST,” which stands for: Face, arm, speech, and time. 
  • Face: Look for changes in the face, such as numbness or dropping on one side. If unsure, as a person to smile as one side will be affected. 
  • Arm: During a stroke, one arm will become weak. Ask a person to lift their arm and look for difficulty or the inability to raise one. 
  • Speech: Slurred speech is a key sign of a stroke. Some sufferers will also mumble phrases over and over. If unsure, tell a person to say a short phrase and see if they can repeat it back to you. 
  • Time: Timing is everything. If you notice any of the following symptoms in a person, even if you aren’t sure, call 911. The faster you act, the better chances a person has at recovery and survival. 
  • Read more on these 14 signs and symptoms of a stroke to learn about additional warning sides in addition to “FAST.”

Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy


Seeing a local physical therapist is one of the best ways to recover from a stroke. A physical therapist will create a customized plan based on the severity of the stroke to help a person regain mobility. Top physical therapists will help a person regain crucial motor function and accomplish basic, essential tasks. 

Whether you or a loved one has experienced a stroke, North Platte Physical Therapy is your go-to for rehabilitation and premier physical therapy. Our staff is trained and dedicated to the recovery of stroke suffers, creating a customized plan to get back to normal as much as possible. We know that each case is different and are here to help. Be sure to contact us today to set up an appointment at a North Platte location near you. 
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What Your Physical Therapist Has to Say About Keeping Knee Injuries From Occurring

October 17, 2018

What Your Physical Therapist Has to Say About Keeping Knee Injuries From Occurring
If you’re an athlete—either someone who competes or just a weekend warrior—chances are pretty good that you have experienced some kind of knee issue. In fact, knee injuries are one of the most common reasons people seek out treatment such as physical therapy. Not only do knee injuries hurt, but they can prevent you from participating in the sports you love—and they can make life difficult in general. Before your healthy knees become unhealthy knees, read on to find out what a Cheyenne, WY physical therapist has to say about how you can protect your knees from injury.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Even just the stress of walking can harm your knees if you are carrying around extra pounds. Then if you had sports into the mix, you are really adding to the burden your knees must handle. Keep your weight at an appropriate level for your height to keep your knees from being unduly stressed.

Find Low-Impact Activities

If you are carrying around a few extra pounds that you want to lose, or if your knees have a tendency to be tender, sticking to low-impact activities can really help the impact on your knees while still keeping you active. If you are looking for cardio options, there are plenty of machines at the gym, such as the elliptical, that can give your heart a good workout and keep your knees protected.

Warm Up Before and Stretch After Each Work Out

Both of these are easy to skip when you are eager to get started competing or working out, but both are important to your routine. Warming up will loosen up muscles and tendons, making you less prone to injury. Stretching after your workout will help with mobility, and also help to protect you from injury.

Wear Good Quality Shoes

If you are on your feet a lot—whether for sports or for everyday life—wear the right shoes for the job. If you stand a lot for your job, the proper footwear can protect your knees as well as your back. They can also keep you more comfortable all day. If you are into a sport such as running, go to a professional running store so they can recommend the proper shoe. This article has good information on appropriate shoes for both walking and running: 10 Best Walking and Running Shoes for Bad Knees and OA Knee Pain.

Strength Train

Strength training—as long as you are using proper form—can strengthen the muscles and tendons in your legs, making less prone to injury. Have a coach or personal trainer give you training on proper form as this is essential to prevent injuries. 

Seek Physical Therapy When Needed

Sometimes injuries and strains happen, and when they do, don’t hesitate to seek out the help of a physical therapist to help you get past the pain. You can find out more about seeing a physical therapist and learning what to expect by reading here.

At North Platte Physical Therapy, we want our patients to have healthy knees and live a pain-free life. If you have suffered an injury, we invite you to contact North Platte Physical Therapy to learn more about how we can help you recover. Our staff is well known throughout Wyoming because of our strong commitment to our patients. We can fulfill comprehensive physical therapy services, and we look forward to creating a custom a treatment plan based on your needs. Contact us today!
 
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When to Use Ice Versus Heat for Injuries

October 10, 2018

When to Use Ice Versus Heat for Injuries
When you are hurting from a muscle strain or an injury, you might be wondering if you should treat your pain with ice or heat. Treating chronic pain with either can be highly effective, but it’s crucial to know which situations call for which treatment—and which call for both. Take the advice of a physical therapist to ensure you are using them effectively.
Let’s take a look at when you should be using ice versus heat.

Use Heat for Muscle Pain or Stiffness

There are two different types of heat you can use for muscle pain or stiffness: dry heat and moist heat. If you have ever used a heating pad, then you know how easy it is to apply dry heat. Moist heat can come from a source such as a steaming towel or a hot bath.
There is also heat from an ultrasound, which can be highly effective. Sitting in a sauna is another option.
Heat therapy can soothe muscles and damaged tissue because it increases blood flow and temperature in the area, which promotes healing. Be sure you are using warm heat rather than hot.

Be sure you do not use heat therapy for the following:
  • There is a bruise or burn in the affected area.
  • There is a pre-existing condition such as diabetes, dermatitis, multiple sclerosis, or vascular disease that can be negatively affected by the heat.
  • If you are pregnant, use of a hot tub or sauna for heat therapy is not recommended.
Applying heat therapy to the affected area for 15 to 30 minutes is often enough to relieve pain and stiffness.

Use Ice for Injuries, Pain, Inflammation, and Swelling

Cold therapy does the opposite of heat therapy in that it draws blood flow away from the affected area. This can help reduce swelling and inflammation. It also numbs the area, temporarily relieving pain.
You can purchase ice packs at the drugstore, which you keep in the freezer to use when needed. They come in all different kinds of shapes and sizes.
There are also coolant sprays available. Ice baths are another option that athletes often use to reduce potential swelling after a particularly tough workout.
Don’t use cold therapy if you have sensory disorders or poor circulation.
Never apply a cold pack directly to the skin; wrap it first in a towel or cloth or it can damage the skin and tissues.
Cold therapy is most effective when it is used several times throughout the day for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, applied to the affected area.
If you need more information about treating pain or injuries with ice or heat, give us a call today. North Platte is your go-to local physical therapist in Douglas, WY to provide the services that will get you feeling better and stronger. Our expert staff is respected throughout the Wyoming and Nebraska areas for providing superior and customized physical therapy services. We can handle any of your physical therapy needs. Fill out our contact form to get started and to find a location near you.
 
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Casper Physical Therapy Tips to Combat Sedentary Lifestyles

October 3, 2018

Casper Physical Therapy Tips to Combat Sedentary Lifestyles
If you have a desk job and a commute into work every day, you are like many people who spend too much time sitting all day. Some experts are calling this the “new smoking” because it is having such a detrimental impact on our overall health—similar to the negative effects of smoking cigarettes. A lot of people are even suffering from chronic pain because of this unhealthy way of life. There are things you can do, however, and here are some tips from a Casper physical therapy expert.

Take Frequent Walking Breaks

It’s easy to sit at your desk hour after hour without getting up, but frequent walking breaks is good for your health. Instead of instant messaging someone in your office, get up and walk to speak face-to-face. If you forget to get up, get one of the popular fitness trackers on the market and set up reminders to get up for a few minutes every hour or so. (These trackers can also help make sure you get a minimum number of steps in each day.)

Take the Stairs

If you have the opportunity to choose the stairs or an elevator, always take the stairs. Stair-climbing burns a lot of calories—and it is good for your heart.

Stand Up When You Can

When you are a phone call stand up and walk around, if possible. Or ask your company to invest in a standing desk for you. Most of them are affordable and adjustable so you can move back and forth between sitting and standing.

Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is good for your body—and it will mean more frequent trips to the restroom, which will get you moving more. If you are wondering just how much water is enough, take a look at this article: How Much Water Should You Drink Each Day?

Park Far Away

Don’t look for the closest parking spot; find one that will force you to walk a bit farther—whether you are at the office or the mall. This is a good way to incorporate more walking into your day.

Hit the Gym or the Trail

If you aren’t already working out, make it a part of your normal routine. You don’t need to spend hours each day at the gym or run 10 miles at a time to benefit. Even just 20 minutes a day will go a long way toward improving your health.
If you can incorporate the above tips into your life, you will be well on your way to staying in motion, which is crucial for your overall wellbeing.

Contact North Platte Physical Therapy to learn more about the effects a sedentary lifestyle can have on your body. Our staff is admired throughout the Wyoming and Nebraska areas because of our commitment to our clients. We can fulfill comprehensive physical therapy services, and we are happy to customize a treatment plan that can help you go to your job every day without serious health ramifications. Give us a call!
 
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