North Platte Physical Therapy - Cheyenne (North)
Our company has now expanded to provide physical therapy services to the city of Cheyenne and its surrounding communities. We provide progressive, research-based intervention techniques to meet your personal rehabilitative needs. As a patient of North Platte Physical Therapy you can expect to receive the highest level of rehabilitation, a personalized plan of care designed to meet your needs, a family friendly, hometown clinical experience and exceptional outcomes so you can return to your active lifestyle. We focus on always remaining flexible to meet your needs. With same day appointments and walk-ins welcome, whatever your injury may be, we are always here for you. We will work closely with your healthcare providers to provide the most seamless recovery possible. If you have any questions on the services that we can provide or how we can best serve you please contact us or stop by so we can get you on the road to recovery.
Location Details
307-514-5834 Send Email
Address: 7226 Commons Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82009
Hours: Mon - Fri: 7AM - 6PM
Phone: 307-514-5834
Interested in scheduling at our East location? View Cheyenne East Details
Nate Eakins, DPT, OCS, COMT, CSCS, SFMA,
AIB-VR, C-PS
Clinic Supervisor
My interest in physical therapy was instilled while watching my mother work in Torrington as a Physical Therapy Aide. I am passionate about continuing education and maintaining the highest level of excellence in physical therapy. My patients will always come first, and I will work with you to achieve the best outcome possible.
Degrees:
- Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy (In Progress), Texas Tech University
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of North Dakota
- Bachelor of Health Sciences, Minor in Chemistry, University of Wyoming
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist
- Orthopedic Certified Specialist APTA
- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
- Certified Trigger Point Dry Needling
- Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner
- Certified Cupping Therapist
- Vestibular Certification
- Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
- Champion Performance Specialist
- IAOM Elbow Course
- IAOM Wrist 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
- ErgoScience FCE Trained
- Gray Institue, CAFS
- Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine
Professional Society Memberships:
- American Physical Therapy Association
- National Strength and Conditioning Association
Community Involvement:
- Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce
Hometown: Lingle, Wyoming
Family: Wife: Lorelei Eakins, Children: Ava, Harper, & Hayes
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, outdoor activities, and spending time with family
Kara Carter, PT, DPT, OCS, AIB-VR
Seeing patients progress through treatments and making a difference in their lives to regain function gives me a great feeling of personal satisfaction. Doing this work, you meet a variety of people from many walks of life and make lifelong connections with people. Physical therapy fosters a holistic approach and allows therapists to treat the individual, rather than the body part or injury. Lending a helping hand through all aspects of rehabilitation focused my career choice on physical therapy.
Education:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Clarke University
- Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medical, Iowa Wesleyan University
- Associate of Science, Lake Land College
Certifications/ Specialized Training:
- Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
- Orthopedic Certified Specialist
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Certified
- A Systematic Approach to Examination, Diagnosis, and Manual Therapy of the Wrist Part 1--IAOM
- Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
- Dry Needling Course 1
- Dry Needling Course 2
- Current Concepts in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
- IAOM Wrist Course
- IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
- Gray Institue, CAFS
- Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine
Professional Society Memberships:
- American Physical Therapy Association
- Orthopedic Section
Hometown: Potomac, Illinois
Hobbies: Hiking, camping
Family: Amanda, Shadow, and Max
William Hunt, PT, DPT
During college, I became fascinated with human movement and movement-based medicine. Being a physical therapist allows me to give my patients more hands-on time than traditional medicine, and since I believe the human body was designed to move, I love instilling that passion in my patients.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Promotion, University of Wyoming
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of North Dakota
Certification/ Specialized Training:
- IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
- EIM/ Kinetacore Trigger Point Dry Needling Level 1
- ICE Cervical Spine Management
- ICE Lumbar Spine Management
- ICE Extremity management
- RockTape Basic and Advanced Certified
- FMS Level 1
- Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine
Professional Society Memberships:
- American Physical Therapy Association - Wyoming Chapter
Hobbies: When I'm not working at the clinic, I will be out trying to conquer the mountains of Wyoming and Colorado or mountain biking on the local trails.
Cole Brooks, PTA
"I decided to go into physical therapy after becoming injured in high school football. I really enjoyed the positive environment during my therapy experience and strive to provide the same for my patients."
Education:
- Associate of Applied Science Physical Therapist Assistant, Laramie County Community College
Certifications/ Specialized Training:
- IAOM Elbow Course
- IAOM Wrist Course
- IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
- Vestibular Certification
- A Systematic Approach to Examination, Diagnosis, and Manual Therapy of the Wrist Part 1
- Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
- Sportsmetrics Certified
- Kinesio Taping
- IAOM Manual Therapy of the Lower Cervical Spine, Lumbar spine and SI joint
- Therapeutic Neuroscience Education
- Certified Cupping Therapist
- Gray Institue, CAFS
- Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine
Professional Society Memberships:
- American Physical Therapy Association
Community Involvement:
- Member of Cheyenne Berean Church
Hometown: Cheyenne, WY
Hobbies: Fly fishing, hunting, hiking, and anything outdoors
Anne Berry, PTA
My father had suffered a stroke, and I was able to see firsthand the role that physical therapy played in his recovery and returning back to normal life. I knew then that I wanted to help people that way.
Education:
- Bachelor of Business & Marketing, Western State College
- Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant, San Juan Farmington, NM
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
- IAOM Elbow Course
- IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
- IAOM Manual Therapy of Lumbar Spine and SI Joint
- Vestibular Certification
- Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
- Kinesio Taping
- Professional Memberships:
- Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy
- Gray Institue, CAFS
Community Involvement:
- Valley Christian School Foundation Member
- Havens on the Rock Summer Camp Board Member
Hometown: Evergreen, CO
Family: Husband: Todd Berry, Children: Lance & Catie
Hobbies: Biking, skiing, traveling, and spending time with family
Craig Koger, PTA
Being an athlete my entire life, sports medicine and physical therapy have always been a passion of mine. After recovering from a shoulder injury, which I had to have surgically repaired, I was inspired by a Physical Therapist who helped me regain my strength in order to continue my sports career. I pursued this career in Physical Therapy to help others achieve their dreams and continue to do what they love.
Education:
- Bachelor of Kinesiology and Health Promotion and Sciences, University of Wyoming
- Associate of Applied Science Physical Therapist Assistant, Laramie County Community College
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- IAOM Wrist Course
- Functional Movement Specialist
- A Systematic Approach to Examination, Diagnosis, and Manual Therapy of the Wrist Part 1
- Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy
- Gray Institue, CAFS
- Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine
Hometown: Wheatland, Wyoming
Family: Wife: Allyson Koger
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, outdoor activities, cameras, spending time with his wife and two dogs.
Services Offered
- Arthritis Pain
- Back Pain
- Balance and Vestibular Rehab
- Biofeedback
- Biomechanical Gait Analysis
- Body Mechanics Training
- CSCS, Certified Strength Conditioning Specialist
- Chronic Pain
- Cupping Therapy
- Custom Foot Orthotics
- Custom Splinting
- Ergonomic and Worksite Evaluation
- Fine Motor Dexterity
- Fitness Screenings
- Functional Capacity Evaluations
- Graston Techniques
- Hand Therapy
- Headache
- Kinesio taping
- Modalities
- Myofacial Techniques
- Neck Pain
- Neurological Services
- Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, OCS
- Orthotic Fabrication
- Orthopedic Service
- Pediatric Therapy
- Pool Therapy
- Post Cancer Treatment
- Pre/Post Surgical Rehab
- Pre-employment Screening
- Return to Work Screening
- Return to sport exercise programs
- Running Injuries
- Self-care skills
- Sensory Integration
- SFMA - Selective Functional Movement Assessment
- Spine Care
- Sports Medicine
- Sportsmetrics
- Stroke Rehabiliation
- Tactical Training
- Tendonitis
- TPI (Titlist Institute Performance) Certified Golf Screenings
- TMJ
- Torticollis
- Trigger Point Dry Needling
- Vestibular Rehabiliation
- Women's Health
- Work Hardening/Conditioning
- Work Injuries
- Worksaver Certified Work Physicals
- Wound Care
Latest News & Info
Things to Consider When Exercising in the Cold Weather from Your Casper Physical Therapist
November 14, 2018
Staying fit year-round can sometimes involve exercising in colder weather climates. Although there are always heated, climate-controlled gyms available to individuals seeking to maintain or improve their current physical health situation, there are many activities that take place outside. Things such as hiking, biking, skiing, and rock-climbing are just a few of the popular activities that Coloradans like to engage in during the colder weather months. Engaging in physical exercise in colder conditions can present different challenges for your body. Your Casper physical therapist has some things to consider when exercising outside during chilly weather.
Ok, so you probably are already aware of the importance of warming up before you begin an intensive exercise routine. Regardless of what the activity is, warming up before you workout is an essential component of preparing your body for physical activity. Warming up can prepare your lungs, heart, and muscles for a more strenuous phase during a workout. Muscles that are warmed up are able to both contract and relax faster, reducing the possibility of muscle injury.Â
All of these factors become even more important to your physical health during cold weather, as the possibility of injury can increase with colder weather, especially for individuals who choose not to warm up. Getting your body to an ideal temperature during colder months can take a little bit longer, as you will be starting under cooler conditions. Finding the right warm up for your specific outdoor activity can also improve your body’s readiness for working out.
If you’ve taken the necessary measures to warm your body up, another critical aspect of preparing yourself for outdoor physical activity during colder months is to stay warm. The importance of having proper clothing for your specific activity is crucial if you are to prevent serious injury and conditions such as frostbite and hyperthermia from occuring. If you are traveling away from your home a considerable distance, make sure to bring additional layers of clothing with you as a precautionary measure.
Consider purchasing clothing which will help keep you warm without restricting your movement or mobility. Athletic apparel has made significant strides in recent years to improve the ability to keep individuals warm without burdening them with excessive weight. It may take a degree of trial and error to figure out what the right amount of layers are for your particular activity, as having to shed layers every time you work out can be an irritating hassle to deal with.
Another important aspect to working out outside is to remain as dry as possible. If your activity involves some level of contact with snow or water, you will want to invest in clothing that is waterproof and specifically designed to keep you as dry as possible. Look into clothing that has moisture-wicking technology as a way to prevent your body from becoming excessively wet. Staying dry is key to remaining warm, as a wet body will keep you colder. This can not only make your workout miserable, but can leave you vulnerable to more serious health detriments.Â
During the warmer months of the year, staying hydrated is obvious and apparent to anyone who is exercising, as they will not only need water for hydration but will be motivated to drink more for cooling purposes. During the winter, it can be easy to forget about drinking plenty of water, as the cooler weather will give a person much less motivation for hydrating themselves. However, this can be a dangerous trap, as you will still need an ample amount of water if you are exerting yourself physically.Â
If you are heading to the mountains for your preferred physical activity, always bring enough water for your workout. Having too much water is never a problem, as you may surprise yourself with how much you will need to consume to maintain your optimal hydration levels. If you are going on a long hike, trail run, or are engaging in backcountry skiing, consider investing in a water storage device that will allow you to take it with you without sacrificing your performance levels. Devices such as a water bladder and pack can be the perfect option for athletes seeking to remain prepared without losing a step.
If you are heading into the mountains for your particular physical activity, it is especially important to monitor current weather conditions as a way to prepare for your activity. If you are an avid skier or snowboarder, a fresh foot of snowfall will be just what you are looking for. However, if you were seeking to take a winter hike on your preferred mountain trail, excessive snow can make your hike an undesirable or impossible feat.Â
Staying ahead of the weather can be key to maximizing your time, as you certainly don’t want to waste a day due to weather conditions. Safety should always be your top priority in every situation when it comes to exercise, and you should never sacrifice safety for the possibility of a good workout. Invest in proper gear and make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving in the mountains prior to leaving home.
If you are looking to improve your physical health situation and are in need of physical therapy due to an accident or other physical ailments, contact North Platte Physical Therapist 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, Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness is your preferred choice for the physical recovery process.
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Warm Up Before You Workout
Ok, so you probably are already aware of the importance of warming up before you begin an intensive exercise routine. Regardless of what the activity is, warming up before you workout is an essential component of preparing your body for physical activity. Warming up can prepare your lungs, heart, and muscles for a more strenuous phase during a workout. Muscles that are warmed up are able to both contract and relax faster, reducing the possibility of muscle injury.Â
All of these factors become even more important to your physical health during cold weather, as the possibility of injury can increase with colder weather, especially for individuals who choose not to warm up. Getting your body to an ideal temperature during colder months can take a little bit longer, as you will be starting under cooler conditions. Finding the right warm up for your specific outdoor activity can also improve your body’s readiness for working out.
Stay Warm and Dry
If you’ve taken the necessary measures to warm your body up, another critical aspect of preparing yourself for outdoor physical activity during colder months is to stay warm. The importance of having proper clothing for your specific activity is crucial if you are to prevent serious injury and conditions such as frostbite and hyperthermia from occuring. If you are traveling away from your home a considerable distance, make sure to bring additional layers of clothing with you as a precautionary measure.
Consider purchasing clothing which will help keep you warm without restricting your movement or mobility. Athletic apparel has made significant strides in recent years to improve the ability to keep individuals warm without burdening them with excessive weight. It may take a degree of trial and error to figure out what the right amount of layers are for your particular activity, as having to shed layers every time you work out can be an irritating hassle to deal with.
Another important aspect to working out outside is to remain as dry as possible. If your activity involves some level of contact with snow or water, you will want to invest in clothing that is waterproof and specifically designed to keep you as dry as possible. Look into clothing that has moisture-wicking technology as a way to prevent your body from becoming excessively wet. Staying dry is key to remaining warm, as a wet body will keep you colder. This can not only make your workout miserable, but can leave you vulnerable to more serious health detriments.Â
Hydrate Yourself
During the warmer months of the year, staying hydrated is obvious and apparent to anyone who is exercising, as they will not only need water for hydration but will be motivated to drink more for cooling purposes. During the winter, it can be easy to forget about drinking plenty of water, as the cooler weather will give a person much less motivation for hydrating themselves. However, this can be a dangerous trap, as you will still need an ample amount of water if you are exerting yourself physically.Â
If you are heading to the mountains for your preferred physical activity, always bring enough water for your workout. Having too much water is never a problem, as you may surprise yourself with how much you will need to consume to maintain your optimal hydration levels. If you are going on a long hike, trail run, or are engaging in backcountry skiing, consider investing in a water storage device that will allow you to take it with you without sacrificing your performance levels. Devices such as a water bladder and pack can be the perfect option for athletes seeking to remain prepared without losing a step.
Monitor Weather Conditions
If you are heading into the mountains for your particular physical activity, it is especially important to monitor current weather conditions as a way to prepare for your activity. If you are an avid skier or snowboarder, a fresh foot of snowfall will be just what you are looking for. However, if you were seeking to take a winter hike on your preferred mountain trail, excessive snow can make your hike an undesirable or impossible feat.Â
Staying ahead of the weather can be key to maximizing your time, as you certainly don’t want to waste a day due to weather conditions. Safety should always be your top priority in every situation when it comes to exercise, and you should never sacrifice safety for the possibility of a good workout. Invest in proper gear and make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving in the mountains prior to leaving home.
If you are looking to improve your physical health situation and are in need of physical therapy due to an accident or other physical ailments, contact North Platte Physical Therapist 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, Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness is your preferred choice for the physical recovery process.
Knee Anthroscopy Explained by Physical Therapy in Cheyenne, WY
November 7, 2018
For many knee injuries and problems, a knee anthroscopy is a great, non-invasive way to fix a problem. This minor procedure is gaining in popularity thanks to the latest advancements in surgical technology. Since it is easier on the body, recovery is expedited, helping you get back to work and activities quickly. Explore more about knee anthroscopy and using premier physical therapy in Cheyenne, WY to recover.Â
A knee anthroscopy is a type of non-invasive surgical procedures to help relieve pain on and around the joint of the knee. The reason why it is called an “anthroscopy†is because a small camera, called an “anthroscope,†is placed into the knee after making a small incision. This is incision is just large enough to place a small camera through. From there, the surgeon can use special tools to go in and make various fixes to issues within the knee. It is also an excellent way to diagnose larger issues. The procedure itself is fairly quick and there are rarely common issues and complications. Knee anthroscopies are one of the top ways surgeons help those with knee issues thanks to their low risks and quick recovery time.Â
From there, a surgeon can review the inside of the knee and look for all types of issues, including:Â
When going in for anthroscopic knee surgery, your surgeon will help make you comfortable. Given the nature of the surgery, it may often be a simple outpatient procedure that does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. By not having to open the entire knee to operate, you will enjoy being able to get back to your day-to-day routine in no time. Because it does not have as much stress on the knee as traditional surgeries, it is one of the best ways to treat an issue.Â
Even though knee anthroscopy surgery is not as intense as a traditional open-knee procedure, it is best to work with a local physical therapist on your recovery and rehabilitation program. A physical therapist will create a customized plan specialized plan to help you regain proper movement. It is best to utilize a physical therapist as opposed to exercising on your own to help you with a successful recovery. Without the help of an expert, you could re-injure yourself or create more damage undoing all the work that was done.Â
Have you undergone a knee anthroscopy and are seeking a local physical therapist to help with recovery? Or planning for a procedure? North Platte Physical Therapy is your go-to physical therapist, experienced with common surgeries. We’ll create a customized plan for you to help to recover fast and avoid future injuries. Our experienced staff will create the perfect rehabilitation plan to help you get back to normal activities and movement. Contact us today to schedule an appointment near you.Â
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What is a Knee Anthroscopy?Â
A knee anthroscopy is a type of non-invasive surgical procedures to help relieve pain on and around the joint of the knee. The reason why it is called an “anthroscopy†is because a small camera, called an “anthroscope,†is placed into the knee after making a small incision. This is incision is just large enough to place a small camera through. From there, the surgeon can use special tools to go in and make various fixes to issues within the knee. It is also an excellent way to diagnose larger issues. The procedure itself is fairly quick and there are rarely common issues and complications. Knee anthroscopies are one of the top ways surgeons help those with knee issues thanks to their low risks and quick recovery time.Â
Common Reasons for Procedure
From there, a surgeon can review the inside of the knee and look for all types of issues, including:Â
- ACL reconstruction
- Bone fragments
- Cartilage issues or transfers
- Diagnosing larger issues such as arthritis
- Fractures
- Joint pain
- Patella repair
- Swelling
- Torn ligaments or meniscus
When going in for anthroscopic knee surgery, your surgeon will help make you comfortable. Given the nature of the surgery, it may often be a simple outpatient procedure that does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. By not having to open the entire knee to operate, you will enjoy being able to get back to your day-to-day routine in no time. Because it does not have as much stress on the knee as traditional surgeries, it is one of the best ways to treat an issue.Â
Using Quality Physical Therapy to Recover
Even though knee anthroscopy surgery is not as intense as a traditional open-knee procedure, it is best to work with a local physical therapist on your recovery and rehabilitation program. A physical therapist will create a customized plan specialized plan to help you regain proper movement. It is best to utilize a physical therapist as opposed to exercising on your own to help you with a successful recovery. Without the help of an expert, you could re-injure yourself or create more damage undoing all the work that was done.Â
Have you undergone a knee anthroscopy and are seeking a local physical therapist to help with recovery? Or planning for a procedure? North Platte Physical Therapy is your go-to physical therapist, experienced with common surgeries. We’ll create a customized plan for you to help to recover fast and avoid future injuries. Our experienced staff will create the perfect rehabilitation plan to help you get back to normal activities and movement. Contact us today to schedule an appointment near you.Â
Casper Physical Therapy Explains High School Football Injuries
October 31, 2018
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.Â
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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.Â
Fractures: Contact or quick movements can lead to fractures in the hands, legs, and more.Â
Knee: Occurring from rapid twisting movements or contact, ligaments in the knee can be stretched or torn.Â
Rotator cuff: The rotator cuff is a primary support within the shoulder. When strained, it can lead to radiating arm pain.Â
Strains: Strains occur when muscles in an area have been overly stretched. They can be painful when overly extended or if they tear.Â
Sprains: Sprains arise when ligaments, which connect muscles to bones, are negatively impacted. They can be overstretched or tear.Â
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:Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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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.Â
Fractures: Contact or quick movements can lead to fractures in the hands, legs, and more.Â
Knee: Occurring from rapid twisting movements or contact, ligaments in the knee can be stretched or torn.Â
Rotator cuff: The rotator cuff is a primary support within the shoulder. When strained, it can lead to radiating arm pain.Â
Strains: Strains occur when muscles in an area have been overly stretched. They can be painful when overly extended or if they tear.Â
Sprains: Sprains arise when ligaments, which connect muscles to bones, are negatively impacted. They can be overstretched or tear.Â
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:Â
- 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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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