Big Country Rehabilitation - Douglas
We offer various services including outpatient and inpatient care as well as in-home care, public school services and early childhood. Our Douglas clinic provides a comprehensive outpatient facility, including a fitness center available to the general public. In addition to staffing the outpatient clinic, our therapists provide services in home care, early childhood center and their public schools.
Some of the services we provide include: Orthopedic and sports medicine treatments, spinal cord and extremity joint mobilization, postural re-education, core strengthening, kineso-taping, aquatic and pool therapy, wound care, orthotic fitting and casting, custom extremity splinting, spinal cord and neuro rehab, work hardening, functional capacity evaluations, myofascial release (including dry needing), TMJ evaluations and treatments.
Our occupational therapy staff provides a state recognized driving program designed for helping patients return to independence. They also offer outpatient and inpatient bedside swallowing evaluations to individuals with swallowing disorders.
Hours: Mon - Fri: 7AM - 5:00PM
Fax: 307-358-9330
Chuck Mangus, PT, SFMA
Partner
Chuck has been a Physical Therapist for more than 30 years and is one of the founders of North Platte Physical Therapy. He has a special interest in manual therapy and enjoys the biomechanics of the body. He believes in education and has taken many research-based classes. He encourages everyone in the company to seek out higher education and is very proud of the knowledge base his employees have. Chuck enjoys mentoring his staff and considers his office a teaching facility, where he welcomes students from top universities to come to our facility and learn from his group. His office has been awarded the Creighton University Department of Physical Therapy Site of Excellence Award as well as the Regis University Site Award.
Education:
- Physical Therapy Pre-Graduate, University of Wyoming
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, University of North Dakota
Professional Society Memberships:
- Past President and Vice President, Wyoming Chapter, American Physical Therapy Association
- American Physical Therapy Association
- Wyoming Physical Therapy Association
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
- Vestibular Certification
- IAOM Elbow Course
- Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
- Practical Blood Flow Restriction
- Functional Capacity Evaluations
- Graston Technique
- Clinical Examination and Manual Therapy of the Acute Lumbar Spine and Sacroiliac Joint
- Therapeutic Neuroscience Education: Educating Patients About Pain
- Clinical Examination and Manual Therapy of the Lower Cervical Spine
- Drug Test Collector (Urine) Training Course
- Spinning Beyond Basics-An Advanced Vestibular Rehabilitation Course
- Anxiety-Free Coding for Rehab With ICD-10-CM
- Clinical Examination and Manual Therapy of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Cervicothoracic Junction
- Introductory Level: Intramuscular Manual Therapy (Trigger Point Dry Needling
- Advanced Level: Functional Dry Needling (Trigger Point Dry Needling)
- Application for Pain Management & Sports Injuries Parts 1 and 2 of 2 Courses
- Clinical Examination & Manual Therapy of the Foot & Ankle
- Fundamental and Advanced Kinesio Taping (KT1 and KT2)
- Mechanics of the Lower Kinetic Chain
- Cervical and Thoracic Back Rehab
- Low Back Pain 101
- Differential Diagnosis and Manual Therapy of the Hip
- Differential Diagnosis and Manual Therapy of the Knee
- KCI USA, Inc."s Level 1, V.A.C.® Certification Training and Field V.A.C.® Dressing Application
- Comprehensive Cervical, Thoracic, Lumber and Sacral Re-Stabilization
- Severe Spasticity: A Team Approach
- Differential Diagnosis and Manual Therapy of the Shoulder
- Different Diagnosis and Manual Therapy of the Lower Cervical Spine Disc, Facet and Uncovertebral Pathology
- Nonoperative Orthopedic Medicine and Manual Therapy of the Upper Cervical Spine and Headache
- Lumbar Spine II: Secondary Disc Related Pathology of the Lumbar Spine
- Assessment and Treatment of Vestibular Disorders
- SI Joint and Lumbar Spine-Primary Disc-Related Pathology
- M.E.J. Thoracic Spine & Ribs
- Aquatic Therapy In-Service
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement System Imbalances Associated with Musculoskeletal Pain -Levels I & Level II
- Scapula Reaction
- Muscle Energy Techniques of the SI, Lumbar, Cervical and Thoracic Spine
- Eleventh Annual Clinical Symposium
- The Challenge of Shoulder Rehabilitation
- Interdisciplinary Management of Spine Cord Injury Presented by Northwest University Medical School
- Mechanical Disorders of the Vertebral Column
- Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises
- Orthotics and Podiatric Medicine
- Evaluation, Treatment and Prevention of Spine Disorder
- Heart Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
- TMJ and Cervical Disorders
- Industrial Back Care and Educational Courses
- When the Foot Hits the Ground Everything Changes
- TNS Use and Electrode Placement
- Myofacial Release Seminar
- Mobilization and Soft Tissue Mobilization of the Cervical and Thoracic Spines
- Rehabilitation of the Hand
- Gray Institue, CAFS
- Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
- IAOM Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
- Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine
Clinical Supervisor
Present
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, Supervising Physical Therapy Internships
- Regis University, Denver, CO, Supervising Physical Therapy Internships
- Laramie County Community College, Supervising Physical Therapy Assistant Internships
1995-Present
- Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, Supervising Physical Therapy Internships
1988-Present
- University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Student Internships
- Idaho State University, Supervising Internships through the State of Wyoming
Licensures
- 1989-Present: State of Wyoming License #246
- 2000-Present: State of Nebraska License #1879
- 1984-Present: State of Minnesota License #2752
- 1984-Present: State of North Dakota License #634
Professional Organizations
- 1982-Present: Member of Wyoming American Physical Therapy Association
- 1996: Vice President of Wyoming American Physical Therapy Association
- 1998: President of Wyoming American Physical Therapy Association
Hometown: Laramie, WY
Family: Wife: Lisa, Children: Jessica, Ben
Hobbies: Fishing, cycling, skiing
Elijah Lee, PT, DPT
Elijah came to the field of Physical Therapy following his passion of helping others, emphasizing helping those in pain using exercise and manual therapy. Elijah completed a clinical rotation at our facility in his final year of PT school and after loving the Wyoming way-of-life, chose to start his career in the city of Douglas, where he continues to practice his craft, and teach others.
Education:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Rockhurst University
- Bachelors of Science in Biology, University of Missouri-St Louis
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Institute of Clinical Excellence Dry needling for both upper and lower quarters.
- International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine thoracic spine.
- Institute of Clinical Excellence "Modern Management of the Older Adult" Live course.
Professional Society Memberships:
- APTA
Hobbies: Hiking, camping, and fly fishing. Family
Ceirra D. Carlson PT, DPT
I have a passion for helping people optimize their movement in order to feel better, live longer and participate in the activities and lifestyle they love. I enjoy helping people everyday, and using my skills to have a positive impact on their lives.
Education:
- Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Creighton University
- Bachelors of Science in Biology from Cottey College
- Associate of Science from Sheridan College
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Dry needling level 1 from Evidence in Motion
- Mulligan Mobilization with Movement UQ
- IAMT Exercise Prescription
- IAMT Lumbosacral Treatment
- Continuing Education in Pelvic and Women’s Health
Professional Society Memberships
- American Physical Therapy Association
Family: When not in the clinic I spend my time fly fishing, hunting, camping, snowmobiling and jewelry making.
Hobbies: Coming to Douglas has brought me closer to my family, Mom and Dad, Shelby and Mike, and I have a younger sister, Julianne.
Kylee Collini, PTA
I decided to pursue a career in physical therapy when I was in high school. I had to attend therapy for my own injury and thoroughly enjoyed my experience. I have always wanted to be part of a profession that allows me to help others and this is a wonderful way to do that. The opportunity to help others improve themselves and to see them succeed makes my job very satisfying.
Education:
- Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant, Laramie County Community College
- Associate of Applied Science, Pre-Allied Health, Eastern Wyoming College
- Associate of Applied Science, Pre-Nursing, Eastern Wyoming College
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
- Vestibular Certification
- Functional Movement Techniques Certified Provider
- Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
Professional Society Memberships:
- American Physical Therapy Association
Hometown: Keeline, Wyoming
Hobbies: My hobbies include; spending time with family, working on the family ranch, horse back riding, bike riding, and working out.
Michael Addelman, PTA
I pursued a career as a Physical Therapist Assistant driven by my love for sports, exercise, and aiding others. The Field of healthcare had always intrigued me, but I was determined to find a way to merge my passion for coaching, training, and empowering individuals to achieve their maximum potential. Physical Therapy became the perfect outlet for me to pursue my goals and make a difference in people’s lives.
Education:
- 2017-Associate of Applied Science-Physical Therapist Assistant– Laramie County Community College.
- 2018- Credit Diploma- Exercise Science, Coaching – Laramie County Community College.
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Level 1 Blood Flow Restriction Training
- Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner
- Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation &Treatment of the Shoulder & Knee
- Modern Management of the Older Adult
Hometown: Douglas, Wyoming
Family: Wife and kids. Two dogs- Kela and Koda
Hobbies: Being Outdoors, Fishing, Hunting, Hiking, Snowboarding, anything adventurous and Being with Family
Bonnie Richards, OTR/L
Clinic Supervisor
As an Occupational Therapist living in rural Wyoming, you have a chance to see a variety of patients, I can honestly say that I thrive on the diversity of the patients I treat every day. I love being able to help and serve others who need occupational therapy services. Because of the variety of patients I see every day I have been to many research-based classes including swallow-evaluations, driving evaluations, orthopedic rehab, cognitive evaluations, vestibular rehab, & pediatrics. It is just a fun place to work!
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, University of North Dakota
Professional Society Memberships:
- National Mobility Equipment Dealers
- American Occupational Therapy Association
- Wyoming Occupational Therapy Association
- Association of Driver Rehabilitation Specialists
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Advanced Topics in the Examination and Treatment of the Shoulder
- IAOM Elbow Course
- IAOM Wrist Course
- Vestibular Certification
- A Systematic Approach to Examination, Diagnosis and Manual Therapy of the Wrist Part 1
- Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
- Advanced Kinesio Taping (KT3)
- Clinical Examination and Manual Therapy of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Cervicothoracic Junction
- Dizziness in Elders
- Donatelli's Pathophysiology and Mechanics of the Shoulder with Lab
- Driver's Rehabilitation
- From Eyesight to Insight: Visual/Vestibular Assessment & Treatment
- Functional Cognitive Activities for Adults with Brain Injury or Stroke
- Introduction to Hand Therapy
- Occupational Therapy & Dysphagia
- Selective Mobilizations of the Peripheral Nervous System of the Upper Quarter
- Spinning Beyond Basics
- Surgery and Rehabilitation of the Hand with Emphasis on the Elbow
- The Upper Cervical Spine in Headaches, Dizziness, and Pain
- Upper Extremity Limb Loss Rehabilitation
- M1-Basic Training in the Graston Technique
- Gray Institue, CAFS
- Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
- Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine
- Modern Management of the Older Adult
Community Involvement:
- Children's Church
- Volunteer Coach
Hometown: Newcastle, WY
Family: Husband, Sheldon Richards, sons, Jonah and Jacob, daughter, Josie
Hobbies: Being outdoors, camping, 4-wheeling, attending my children's events
Wade Brennan, COTA, SFMA
I chose to become an OTA to assist people in fulfilling their physical potential. I appreciate the body's ability to overcome injuries.
Education:
- Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy, Casper College
Board Certifications:
- National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- IAOM Elbow Course
- Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
- DOT Physical & Drug Testing Certified
- Graston Technique
- IAOM Clinical Examination & Manual Therapy of Shoulder and Shoulder Girdle
- IAOM Clinical Examination & Manual Therapy of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome & Cervicothoracic Junction
- Industrial Safety & Rehabilitation Institute for Pre-Placement Screening, Work Saver Program
- Kinesio Tape
- Unlocking Mysteries of the Wrist
- Vestibular Spinning Beyond Basics
Community Involvement:
- Bowling League
- Mens Basketball
Hometown: Ellsworth, NE
Family: Wife, Tori, Daughter, Landri, Son, Eason
Hobbies: Following Nebraska Cornhusker Action, fantasy football, hiking, sledding, and hotdog connoisseuring
Services Offered
- Arthritis Pain
- Back Pain
- Back School Presentations
- Balance and Vestibular Rehab
- Biofeedback
- Biomechanical Gait Analysis
- Body Mechanics Training
- Chronic Pain
- Cupping Therapy
- Cognitive Evaluations and Treatment
- Custom Foot Orthotics
- Custom Splinting
- Driving Evaluations
- Ergonomic and Worksite Evaluation
- Fine Motor Dexterity
- Graston Techniques
- Hand Therapy
- Headache
- Kinesio taping
- Modalities
- Myofacial Techniques
- Neck Pain
- Neurological Services
- Oral Motor Control
- 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
- Sports Metrics
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- Swallow Evaluations
- Swallow Strengthening
- Tendonitis
- TMJ
- Torticollis
- Trigger Point Dry Needling
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Vital Stimulation
- Women's Health
- Work Hardening/Conditioning
- Work Injuries
- Worksaver Certified Work Physicals
- Wound Care
Latest News & Info
Physical Therapy Services: Three Important First Visit Considerations
Direct access laws allow for individuals to seek physical therapy treatments without first visiting their primary care physician. While there are many people who are still referred to a therapist for treatment, if you feel the need for care or have certain questions about how treatment may help then the door is open. However, there are still a few actions to be taken in order to prepare for a successful initial appearance.
Check Your Symptoms
Before arrival, individuals should prepare for their visit by checking symptoms, their persistence, pain levels, and impacts to ensure a doctor’s visit or medical emergency shouldn’t be triggered. Once determined a physical therapist may be able to assist, then a call should be placed. Patients need to also record their symptoms over time and provide specifics about how any pain or numbness is impacting their lifestyle.
Dress Accordingly
Patients should also consider their clothing when headed into the office for a visit. Often, sessions will require movement or access to the area being addressed. For example, jeans and long pants should be avoided for those patrons seeking physical therapy on a knee injury.
Honest Communication
A third key element to a successful first visit is to be open and honest with how you are feeling and what causes the pain or discomfort. Holding back doesn’t help your therapist as they mold a personalized plan of action and will ultimately only delay your healing. By being up front with details and following through with any prescribed home activities, patients can establish the foundation for a quality and trusted relationship with their therapists.
If you have suffered an injury or know someone who has chronic pain, could use assistance with mobility issues, or is seeking services for another reason, then consider reaching out to the physical therapy experts at North Platte Physical Therapy, Monument Physical Therapy, Big Country Rehabilitation, and Bear Lodge Rehabilitation today. Offering 18 different locations across Wyoming and Nebraska, our professional staff are ready and willing to help administer and create a personalized plan of action specific to your needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Available for all of your physical therapy and related offerings, we look forward to meeting you and providing the type of service you can rely on to help improve your overall wellness very soon!
Physical Therapy Services: Bad Posture Impacts the Body
The dangers of sitting involve more detrimental factors than bad posture results but it’s definitely a possibility. With damage resulting from prolonged inadequate postures of sitting and standing, being able to ensure you’re upright to the best extent possible is extremely important. The results of having a negative posture on your body extend to multiple scenarios, involving many different negative aspects.
Pain
Bad posture has the potential to cause pain in a variety of many different areas, including the neck, headaches, lower back, and many other problem spots. If individuals are unable to correct their alignment it could result in multiple issues, even a permanent spinal curvature. Being able to correct or deal with these problems often involves physical therapy. A specified program can assist in eliminating the back or neck pain and possible headaches resulting from being slouched over many hours each day.
Sleep
Even sleep can be affected from not having proper alignment throughout the day. If your body is busy trying to constantly keep everything in a stacked order, then when it comes time for bed the results may continue as detrimental. As the body works to properly align during the day, when night time arises, the capability to keep a quality posture becomes especially important.
Digestion
Constantly bending over could put unnecessary pressure on the digestive system which may cause issues with proper digestion. If your body is not upright, then the elongated bend may put compression on the digestive system which could produce a needed correction before too much damage is produced. Knowing alignment and posture impacts digestion could lead individuals to put a renewed focus on this area.
Other Risks
Some other risks of bad posture include the potential for a pinched nerve. Constantly slouching may cause the spinal cord to pinch a nerve in the back causing another range of issues. These may begin as a tingling sensation in the extremities but could transition into something more harmful. In addition, a permanent curvature of the spine is also a possibility due to working with a negative posture over time.
If you or someone you know has bad posture and could use assistance with correcting their appearance, mobility issues, or is seeking services for another reason, then consider reaching out to the physical therapy experts at North Platte Physical Therapy, Monument Physical Therapy, Big Country Rehabilitation, and Bear Lodge Rehabilitation today. Offering 18 different locations across Wyoming and Nebraska, our professional staff are ready and willing to help administer and create a personalized plan of action specific to your needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Available for all of your physical therapy and related offerings, we look forward to meeting you and providing the type of service you can rely on to help improve your overall wellness very soon!
Physical Therapy Services: Foot and Ankle Issues
Ankle injury causes range from athletes to those who aren’t inclined to participate in sports or regular physical activity. Any unexpected twist or turn of the foot might lead to an injury and need for physical therapy assistance. In fact, there are multiple injuries which are viewed as relatively common that could occur to anyone needing help in regaining their mobility.
Sprains/Strains
While these two terms are often used interchangeably, there is an actual medical difference between them. Sprains involve an injury to the connective tissue between two bones and strains are muscle issues. Both can be detrimental while also involving a need for physical therapy for full recovery.
Plantar Fasciitis
Many middle-aged individuals can expect to deal with plantar fasciitis at some point in their lifetime. These debilitating injuries involve the heel and attached tissues and are caused by a number of different activities, including wearing the wrong shoes. Understanding the cause can assist in receiving treatment for the issue.
Achilles Injuries
The achilles tendon is essential for being able to flex and function for walking and basic mobility skills. These movements may continue in the event of an injury, but sufferers can expect to be significantly limited. While some may heal without the need for surgery, there are scenarios in which receiving a medical repair is the best plan of action. For both, physical therapy can assist in helping to restore the functionality of a damaged achilles.
Arthroscopic Treatments
Helping to administer relief for arthritis and other joint pain issues, arthroscopic treatments are also a well-known foot and ankle concern. This procedure typically refers to a “clean-up” of the joint, removing any splintered pieces of bone or tissue in the area.
If you have suffered an ankle injury or know someone who has chronic pain in their joints, could use assistance with mobility issues, or is seeking services for another reason, then consider reaching out to the physical therapy experts at North Platte Physical Therapy, Monument Physical Therapy, Big Country Rehabilitation, and Bear Lodge Rehabilitation today. Offering 18 different locations across Wyoming and Nebraska, our professional staff are ready and willing to help administer and create a personalized plan of action specific to your needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Available for all of your physical therapy and related offerings, we look forward to meeting you and providing the type of service you can rely on to help improve your overall wellness very soon!
Physical Therapy Services: Available Applications For Children and Youth
The benefits of physical therapy for children are abundant but vary depending on the specific needs for each potential client. These services not only allow for a younger generation to begin helpful treatments, but they are also helping foster an individualized approach for each and every need. By doing so, physical therapists are making the most of an incredible opportunity while helping return injured individuals to a recovered state in less time than ever believed possible.
Pain Management
Those who suffer from chronic pain need all of the assistance available and physical therapy can significantly assist with management. In certain scenarios, even children need assistance with pain depending on their particular personal situations. With open communication between parents, guardians, and physical therapists, specially designed programs can be constructed in order to provide help while keeping kids comfortable to the highest extent possible.
Movement Capabilities
There are also certain movement capabilities which may be targeted for children with a need in an area of service administration. Depending on possible health issues and other varying factors, physical therapy services have the potential to assist with both young and old patrons as needed. Movement also extends beyond the commonly associated skeletal system, bones, and joints, with plans capable of highlighting cardiovascular, nervous, and other bodily systems.
Return to Prior Performance
A major goal of any physical therapy program is for the subject to return with same level performance capabilities after suffering an injury. These actions allow for people of all ages to enjoy a full recovery and physical therapy aids in the effectiveness, speed, and length of time for this to take place. With every program and client presenting a unique scenario, finding the right focus on treatment can take time, but once results are being seen it’s important to examine what is working or not and adjust accordingly.
If you have suffered an injury or know someone who has chronic pain, could use assistance with mobility issues, or is seeking services for another reason, then consider reaching out to the physical therapy experts at North Platte Physical Therapy, Monument Physical Therapy, Big Country Rehabilitation, and Bear Lodge Rehabilitation today. Offering 18 different locations across Wyoming and Nebraska, our professional staff are ready and willing to help administer and create a personalized plan of action specific to your needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Available for all of your physical therapy and related offerings, we look forward to meeting you and providing the type of service you can rely on to help improve your overall wellness very soon!
Physical Therapy Services: Areas of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain persists for an extended period of time following an accident, injury, or other related activity. In addition, certain illnesses may also cause extended pain to appear and others suffer without evidence of any particular cause. Constantly dealing with these pain issues has many repercussions including a potential affect to employment, wages, being absent from social activities, and other side effects beyond the physical ramifications. Knowing which areas of the body may be impacted by chronic pain is also helpful in identifying the problem.
Joint Pain (Arthritis)
Arthritis is another umbrella term for joint pain which may occur in different areas of the body. Especially as you age, the likelihood of increased pain from joints increases and constant battles with specific areas may qualify as chronic pain.
Neck Pain
Most everyone has experienced a stiff or painful neck from a rough night’s sleep, but for those experiencing chronic pain this suffering is constant. While there are numerous potential treatment methods, physical therapy may enhance movement and help subdue or eliminate the pain.
Back Pain
Numerous individuals suffer from back pain which is another large area of chronic pain association. Resulting from age, accidents, or other injuries, finding relief is paramount for those impacted in this way.
Headaches
For some individuals, headaches extend beyond typical timeframes or occur more frequently - including daily. These two instances are likely to be considered chronic pain allowing those suffering engagement in treatment tactics, potentially including physical therapy to address the issue.
Muscle Pain (Fibromyalgia)
Another chronic pain issue which also results from various different origins are constant muscle and body aches, known as Fibromyalgia. This ailment often results in difficulty sleeping and can lead to other associated factors from a lack of quality rest.
If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain, needs assistance with mobility issues, or is seeking services for another reason, then consider reaching out to the physical therapy experts at North Platte Physical Therapy, Monument Physical Therapy, Big Country Rehabilitation, and Bear Lodge Rehabilitation today. Offering 18 different locations across Wyoming and Nebraska, our professional staff are ready and willing to help administer and create a personalized plan of action specific to your needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Available for all of your physical therapy and related offerings, we look forward to meeting you and providing the type of service you can rely on to help improve your overall wellness very soon!