Monument Physical Therapy - Gering

 
 

Monument Physical Therapy is a therapist-owned practice specializing in delivering individualized care for patients of all ages.  We have been serving the Scottsbluff/Gering valley since November of 2009.  We are excited to offer rehabilitation services including orthopedics, post-operative care, stroke rehabilitation, vestibular rehabilitation, women's health, pediatrics, work hardening, functional capacity evaluations, and aquatics.  

We provide treatments such as biofeedback, dry needling, Graston technique, cupping therapy, blood flow restriction, and kinesio taping to offer our patients the latest and most advanced procedures in manual therapy available for faster and better results.  Monument Physical Therapy's staff provides treatment for athletes before and after games to keep them at the top of their game. 

Our goal is to provide the most complete care for each individual patient.  To learn more call or stop by and see how we can serve you.

Location Details


Address: 3315 10th Street, Gering, NE 69341
Hours: Mon - Thurs: 7AM - 6PM, Fri: 7AM - 5PM
Fax: 308-633-5365
Meghan Roper, PT, DPT, OCS, SFMA

Clinic Supervisor


Therapy is not one size fits all.  In the past five years, I have come to appreciate my patients for their unique differences.  I am passionate about providing individualized care that gets to the root of the problem and treat treating my patients as a whole.  I am passionate about orthopedic, neurological, and pelvic health conditions, and I am motivated by my patients' results.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Nebraska Medical Center
  • Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Nebraska Wesleyan University

Professional Society Memberships:

  • Nebraska Physical Therapy Association
  • American Physical Therapy Association

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
  • Orthopedic Certified Specialist
  • A Systematic Approach to Examination, Diagnosis, and Manual Therapy of the Wrist Part 1
  • Practical Blood Flow Restriction
  • CarFit Technician
  • Level I Intramuscular Therapy (Dry Needling)
  • SFMA Level 1 - Selective Functional Movement Assessment
  • Level 1 Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
  • Fundamentals of Pregnancy and Postpartum Physical Therapy
  • ErgoScience FCE Trained
  • Pelvic Floor Level 2A: Colorectal Conditions, Pudendal Nerve Dysfunction, Male Pelvic Floor
  • Pelvic Floor Level 2B: Urogynecologic Exam & Treatment
  • Vestibular Certification
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine

Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska

Family: Husband: Cody, Stepson: Mason, Son: Noah

Hobbies: Hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, and camping

Josh Hill, PTA, SFMA

While in high school I injured my shoulder playing football and required physical therapy.  This was followed by multiple track injuries that also required PT treatments.  I began my studies in college focusing on Exercise Science.  During that time, I worked as a physical therapy technician in an outpatient physical therapy clinic and realized that my passion was in rehabilitation.  That was when I began pursuing my career in Physical Therapy Assistance. 

Education:

  • Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assistance, Clarkson College

Professional Society Memberships:

  • Nebraska Physical Therapy Association
  • American Physical Therapy Association

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • Blood Restriction
  • A Systematic Approach to Examination, Diagnosis, and Manual Therapy of the Wrist Part 1
  • Practical Blood Flow Restriction
  • Nebraska Coaching Certification 2010
  • Sportsmetrics Certification 2010
  • Niel-Asher trained for Treatment of Frozen Shoulder 2010
  • CarFit Technician
  • SFMA Level 1 - Selective Functional Movement Assessment
  • Certified Cupping Therapist

Hometown: Grand Island, Nebraska

Family: Wife: Sundee, Children: Cora, Tea , Easton

Hobbies: Being outdoors with family, swimming, biking, playing in the snow

 
Toni Rice, PTA, SFMA

Throughout high school and college, I was very active in competitive running.  I ended up becoming a patient at one point in my running career and after seeing how much physical therapy helped, I realized at that moment that I wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy and help people of all ages recover from injuries as well.   I couldn't be happier with my choice. Every day I learn something new from my patients and find pure joy in helping them achieve something that is important to them.  In the end, I have gained some of the greatest friendships.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Concordia University
  • Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assistance, Clarkson College

Professional Society Memberships:

  • Nebraska Physical Therapy Association
  • American Physical Therapy Association

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • IAOM - Clinical Examination and Manual Therapy of the Acute Lumbar Spine and SI Joint
  • Therapeutic Neuroscience Education
  • SFMA Level 1 - Selective Functional Movement Assessment
  • Certified Cupping Therapist
  •  IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
  • Athletes & Pelvic Rehabilitation
  • Functional Strengthening in Children
  • Autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing impairments
  • The Power of Play: Effective Play-based Therapy and Early Intervention

Hometown: Bayard, Nebraska

Family: Husband: Nate, Sons: Luke and Blake

Hobbies: Spending time with family and puppy Oakley, being at the lake in the summer, running for fun, and being outdoors.

 

Services Offered



Latest News & Info


Tips to staying healthy, from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist


July 24, 2019

Tips to staying healthy, from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist
Summer is already more than half way over - can you believe it? Hopefully you’ve been enjoying the summer to your full ability, but if you are unsure of how you’re going to stay healthy and active for the remainder (and even into the fall) we have some of the best tips for you from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist.

Avoid Fad Diets
Fad Diets are tempting...but they ultimately are not going to be the best solution to helping you stay healthy and well. Fad Diets might help you lose weight quickly, but it’ll be easy to gain all of the weight you’ve just lost! No one wants that! When dieting, stick to a healthy balance and cut back on sweets, alcohol and non-whole grains. 

Moderation
Speaking of getting rid of the bad...have you ever heard of the phrase “everything is good in moderation?” That’s not always the best motto to live by, but there are sometimes where it can be good for you. Cutting out absolutely everything that is good can cause you to binge on unhealthy foods - so first try to cut back the bad things. Practice moderation, and good portion control!

Get Active
Staying (or getting) active doesn’t have to be difficult or hard. It can be as easy as committing to taking 10,000+ steps a day. Taking a morning and evening walk can make all of the difference in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Want to take it to the next level? Try working out a few times a week! It’ll not only make you feel better (endorphins are released during exercise) it’ll lead to you feeling strong and confident after.

Eat To Fuel
When you think of what you are eating and fueling your body with - eat to fuel. Try thinking of your body like an engine - afterall it is how you get from place to place. If you approach food as a way to fuel the body, it might make it easier for you to eat fruits and vegetables throughout the day. This includes eating more fruits, vegetables, and less bad fats (think sweets). 

Hydration
Hydration is essential to losing weight, and maintaining a healthy body! Water helps to fuel almost everything we do, if you aren’t drinking enough water your body is going to hold on to that excess water - we don’t need or want water weight! The rule of thumb is to consume approximately ⅔ of your body weight in ounces. 

Contact North Platte Physical Therapy to benefit from our sports medicine programs. Our expert staff is revered for providing superior and personalized physical therapy services throughout the Wyoming and Nebraska areas. We can provide comprehensive sports medicine services for individual athletes or entire teams, we use the best physical therapy techniques available, and we would be happy to treat sports injuries and maximize performance levels so you and your team can enjoy the thrill of victory.  
 
Read More...

Love a good knuckle cracking? Get the truth about how this affects your body.


July 17, 2019

Love a good knuckle cracking? Get the truth about how this affects your body.
Knuckle cracking can be one of the most gratifying experiences, and many do it as stress relief and even to help with sore joints. But is cracking your knuckles really good for you? There’s always been a debate on whether cracking your knuckles is truly good for you, or if there is any damage that might occur as a side effect. While you knuckles might feel “loose” after, the question remains...is cracking your knuckles going to cause long-term damage? Your Wyoming therapist is here to help.

What does knuckle cracking really do?
In basics, cracking any joint is really just bending the joint until it makes a popping sound. While you might feel that your joints are “loose,” there is no medical evidence that cracking your joints actually help to relieve any pain or pressure. There is a possibility that it is a placebo effect - so keep that in mind!

Are their side effects to cracking your knuckles?
Whew, this one is a hard one to explain. For decades the theory has been that popping your knuckles can ultimately lead to arthritis, but honestly there isn’t any research to support this. We feel confident in saying that overall it is unlikely that knuckle cracking is related to arthritis. 

However, you should not just be worried about artritis. Be careful when popping your knuckles/fingers. If you crack your knuckles, or fingers, by pulling on them it is possible to pull your finger right out of its joint! This would certainly be an unpleasant experience,  but it’s also possible to damage ligaments doing this. So be careful. In addition, cracking knuckles can cause inflammation and weaken your grip over time. While it’s not as bad as arthritis, it can be uncomfortable and cause issues. 

How to maintain healthy joints
If you are looking to keep your joints healthy, there are a few things you can do. While you don’t have to stop cracking your knuckles...why risk inflammation and possibly weaken your grip. The biggest thing you can do for your joints is to maintain a healthy body weight, stay healthy through exercise, and continue to eat healthy and watch your nutrition.

Everyone’s body is different, so when it comes to your care be sure to stay in close contact with your doctor as well as your physical therapist. If you realize you might be encountering some unpleasant wrist or hand pain, contact us. At North Platte Physical Therapy, we are here to help meet your needs. We serve the communities of Wyoming and Nebraska with 22 clinics offering a full range of physical therapy services. Contact us today for more information.
 
Read More...

What you need to know about c-section recovery, from your Wyoming physical therapist


July 10, 2019

What you need to know about c-section recovery, from your Wyoming physical therapist
If you've recently had a baby - congratulations! Having a baby is an exciting time, but can be overwhelming and even stressful. If you needed a c-section, that can only add to your stress and the emotional rollercoaster you might be feeling. Recovery from a c-section should be relatively painless, but it can involve some additional steps even physical therapy. Here are some of our tips to help you to a speedy recovery:

Get Moving
We mean this, but be sure to take it easy. When we say get moving we mean participate in some light stretching, a brisk walk, or something that won’t put too much stress on your body. By getting your body moving, not only will you have the chance to get some much needed fresh air - but can also help get your collagen moving and prevent it from shortening. Just make sure to get your doctor’s approval prior to moving to often or starting a new routine. 

Scar Tissue Massage
To help prevent any adhesions from forming along your scar, we recommend scar tissue massage. Practicing light scar tissue will help your scar heal and help to prevent any further infection and scarring - just make sure you work together with your doctor and physical therapist to ensure it won’t cause any unintended damage. 

Bracing
While growing in popularity, belly braces aren’t your best option when recovering from a c-section. Belly braces are advertised to help train your body to maintain a flatter stomach, however it can be possible that your body gets used to the brace doing the work and can ultimately cause undue stress to your body. Your body is in a delicate state after a c-section, it’s important to do the best you can to help you body heal properly and safely. However, the decision is always your choice, so do what you and your doctor feels is right for your body.

Self-Care
While we are advocates of always practicing self-care, you should be especially aware of your body and take care extra care after a c-section. C-sections can be traumatic for your body, so be sure to practice basic self-care. This includes getting plenty of rest, focusing on good nutrition, and relieving your pain through doctor approved exercises, physical therapy, and pain medication.
Everyone’s body is different, so when it comes to your care be sure to stay in close contact with your doctor as well as your physical therapist. As professionals we are here to help and guide you to the best possible solution. At North Platte Physical Therapy, we are here to help meet your needs and ensure a safe recovery, or a safe start to a new exercise routine. We serve the communities of Wyoming and Nebraska with 22 clinics offering a full range of physical therapy services. Contact us today for more information.
 
Read More...

Easy ways to practice healthy living, from your Wyoming physical therapist


July 3, 2019

Easy ways to practice healthy living, from your Wyoming physical therapist
Healthy living can feel difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. No matter where you are at in your health journey, nutrition and exercise is your key to feeling great and living a long/healthy life. Not only this, but staying mindful of your health can help to prevent back pain, joint pain, and other common body aches and ailments as time goes on. If you are looking for some tips to help get you started on your healthy living journey, we have compiled our seven best tips - straight from your Wyoming physical therapist!
The first step in living a healthy lifestyle is exercise, and this includes more than just becoming a gym rat. You’d be surprised with how just moving your body more can help you feel rejuvenated and even make it easier to achieve your fitness goals. Here are some tips to help you get moving more often:
Take it easy: If you aren’t used to exercising, take it easy! Practice warming up and cooling down with each workout and make sure you switch up your exercise routine. It’s also important to listen to your body - if you are tired and sore, a rest day is much needed!
Go the extra mile: When it comes to your daily routine, try making small changes such as taking the stairs versus the elevator or parking in a spot slightly farther away. As these small changes become habits, you’ll start to see a difference. 
Find a buddy: Having a workout buddy will keep you accountable and give you someone to “feel the workout burn,” with! It’s easier for you to break a workout date with yourself, but not with a friend.

You can’t outrun a bad diet! Proper nutrition is essential in not only maintaining your ideal shape (no matter what that looks like), but it’s important in staying healthy and lively as well. Poor nutrition is the root cause of many health issues, here are some tips on how to focus on your nutrition, without breaking the bank or taking hours of your time: 
  • Bring your lunch: Bringing your lunch to work, or even when you know you’ll be gone all day, can help keep you on track to achieve your health and fitness goals. Not only will this help save you money, but it’ll be healthier and even boost your confidence.
  • Plan snacks: When it comes to day-snacking, always have your snacks ready to go and packed. By planning your snacks you can avoid unhealthy snacking.
  • Stock for success: Stock your pantry for success! Avoid buying cookies, candies and other unhealthy foods to stock your pantry with, but instead buy healthier options such as low-fat crackers, protein bars, and fruits/veggies. 
  • Portion control: Ever heard of everything is okay in moderation? While that isn’t always true, it is something good to remember when it comes to eating. It is perfectly okay to enjoy some brown rice, but maybe only have half a cup versus three cups!  
If you are unsure about starting a new exercise routine, or need assistance we are here to help! Our team of professionals at North Platte Physical Therapy, are here to help meet your needs. We serve the communities of Wyoming and Nebraska with 22 clinics offering a full range of physical therapy services for post-cast recovery. Contact us today for more information.
 
Read More...

How to treat lower back pain from your Wyoming physical therapist


June 19, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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