North Platte Gillette Physical Therapy
Our goal at North Platte Physical Therapy - Gillette, WY is to have the most compassionate and well-trained staff in Campbell county. With 4 professionals on staff, we are able to specialize in a wide variety of treatment approaches and patient populations. And after providing services to Gillette, and surrounding areas for over 20 years. We've seen it all, treating everything from pediatrics to geriatrics. We make your Physical Therapy goals our goals.
In order to better serve our community, North Platte Gillette Physical Therapy offers a Bumps and Bruises program for our Sheriffs, Police, Fire Department, and youth athletes. Bumps and Bruises is designed to evaluate the patient's problem areas and get our athletes "back in the game." Our goal is to get the patient or first responder back to their job or sport. We also offer a variety of other services for Medicare patients, student-athletes, and others.
North Platte Gillette Physical Therapy, is dedicated to providing the best care, customer service, and insurance transparency to all of our patients. We want our patients to feel comfortable and understand their individual insurance benefits for Physical Therapy. As a courtesy, we do verify all patients' insurance and explain coverage. At North Platte Gillette Physical Therapy, we offer extended hours to meet all of our patients' needs. Walk-in appointments are always welcomed. Call 307-686-2569 today to schedule your appointment.
Location Details:
North Platte Gillette Physical Therapy
North Platte Gillette Physical Therapy
Address: 620 4-J Court, Gillette, WY 82716
Hours: Monday -Friday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM (Closed for lunch 12PM - 1PM Daily)
Fax: 307-686-2615
Fax: 307-686-2615
Ben Mangus, DPT, OCS, WCC, CSCS, SFMA, CAFS, CKTP, AIB-VR
Clinic Supervisor
I knew from a young age that I wanted to help individuals rehab naturally and physical therapy was that perfect fit. I enjoy getting to know each patient I come in contact with and make it a priority to help them reach their goals.
Education:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, New York Institute of Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Promotion, University of Wyoming
Professional Society Memberships:
- American Physical Therapy Association
- National Strength and Conditioning Association
- Kinesio Taping Association International
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
- Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
- IAOM Wrist Course
- Vestibular Certification
- Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
- A Systematic Approach to Examination, Diagnosis, and Manual Therapy of the Wrist Part 1
- Practical Blood Flow Restriction
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
- Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner
- Maitland: Essential Peripheral Seminar
- Maitland: Essential Spinal Seminar
- IAOM: Clinical Examination and Manual Therapy of the Acute Lumbar Spine and Sacroiliac Joint
- IAOM: Diagnosis and Management of the Acute Lumbar and SI Joint
- IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
- When the Feet Hit the Ground"¦Everything Changes
- Long Island Orthotics and Prosthetics: Lower Extremity Prosthetic Gait Deviation
- Selective Functional Movement Assessment Certified
- Functional Dry Needling Level-1
- Functional Dry Needling Level-2
- Certified Cupping Therapist
- Certified in Applied Function Science
- BikeFit The Foot/Pedal Interface
- RockTape IASTM Practitioner
- Maitland: Evidenced-Based Orthopedic Diagnostic Evaluation Seminar
- Ergo Science FCE Certified
- ErgoScience FCE Trained
- Wound Care Certification from the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy
- Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
- Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine
Hometown: Douglas, WY
Family: Parents: Chuck & Lisa Mangus, Sister: Jessica Mangus, Wife: Brooke, Puppy Dog: Bexley
Hobbies: Cycling, archery, fly fishing, and hunting.
Melissa Metcalf, DPT, OCS, SFMA, AIB-VR
I have always had a nurturing and caring spirit; gravitating towards jobs and activities where I could help others. I also love the human body, how it works, and is intricately put together. When looking at possible career fields as a high school student, physical therapy seemed to be the perfect fit for me! Practicing in outpatient physical therapy has allowed me the joy of helping others reach their goals and dreams.
Education:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of North Dakota
- Bachelor of Science in Biology, Specific to Human Biology, Chadron State College
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
- 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
- Practical Blood Flow Restriction
- SFMA Certified
- CAPP-OB Trained through the APTA
- Certified Work Saver (industrial testing)
- Certified Trigger Point Dry Needling (TPN)
- Graston Trained
- Certified Cupping Therapist
- Specialized in Vertigo/Vestibular
- Evaluation and Treatment of the Lumbar Spine and Sacroiliac: method and approach
- Pre-placement screening
- Effective Therapeutics of common Upper and Lower Extremity Conditions
- Intro to Vestibular Rehab
- Low Back Pain 101
- Spinal and Peripheral Manual Therapy Techniques of the Lower Quarter
- Cervical and Thoracic back rehab
- Donatelli"s Pathophysiology and mechanics of the shoulder
- Mechanics of the Lower Kinetic Chain
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Level 1
- Cervical decision-making and manual Therapy Management and Treatment of TMJ and upper Cervical Spine
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Level 2
- Muscle Energy Techniques for the Spine, Pelvic Girdle, and Ribs
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Level 3
- Running Injuries
- Introduction Level Functional Dry Needling
- Advanced Level Functional Dry Needling
- Graston Technique
- Harnessing the Diaphragm/Pelvic Floor position for Rehab and Fitness
- Spinning Beyond the Basics - Advanced Vestibular Rehab
- The Foot and Ankle
- Diagnosis and Management of Acute Lumbar and SI joint
- SFMA Level 1
- Cupping Therapy
- Clinical Exam and Manual Therapy of the Elbow
- Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
- Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine
Professional Society Memberships:
- American Physical Therapy Association
- Member of the Wyoming Chapter of APTA
- Chief Delegate for Wyoming Chapter, APTA House of Delegates 2009-2012
Community Involvement:
- Active participant at Living Rock Church, MS for Wyoming
Hometown: Cheyenne, Wyoming
Family: Rex and Barb (parents)
Hobbies: Triathlons, running half marathons, travel medical missions, reading
Deb Percifield, PTA, SFMA, AIB-VR
In 1999 my husband passed away unexpectedly and I was in need of a way to provide for myself and my children. I knew I was interested in a career in the medical field. At the end of my degree study at Gillette College, my advisor gave me an application for the PTA program at Central Wyoming Community College. The idea of being a PTA was exciting. I enjoy working with people and making a difference in a person's quality of life.
Education:
- Associate of Art- Northern Wyoming Community College
- Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapy Assistant, Central Wyoming Community College
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
- Vestibular Certification
- Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
- Graston Trained
- Specializes in Myofascial/Craniosacral Release
- Cervical Disorders, Pediatrics, and Pool Therapy
- Certified Cupping Therapist
- Pediatric Myofascial Release
- Differential Diagnosis and Manual Therapy of the Hip
- Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Foot and Ankle
- Pilates Fundamentals and Techniques
- Mobilization of the Nervous System
- Biomechanics and Orthotics
- Cervical and Thoracic Spine: A Maitland Approach
- Spasticity Management: Focus on Rehabilitation
- Manual Therapy for Physical Therapy Assistant
- Low Back Pain 101
- Spinal and Peripheral Therapy Techniques of the Lower Quarter
- Cervical and Thoracic Back Rehab
- IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
- Donatelli's Pathophysiology and Mechanics of the Shoulder with Lab
- Mechanics of the Lower Kinetic Chain
- Fundamental and Advanced Kinesio Taping (KT1 and KT2)
- Advanced Kinesio Taping (KT3)
- Orthopedic Symposium
- Functional Capacity Evaluations
- Exercise Experts for Aging Adults
- Graston Technique
- Clinical Examination and Manual Therapy of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Cervicothoracic Junction
- Clinical Examination and Manual Therapy of the Lower Cervical Spine
- Diagnosis and Management of the Acute Lumbar and SI Joint
- SFMA
- Cupping Therapy
- Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
- Persistent Pain Management
- Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
- Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine
Community Involvement:
- Active participant at St. Matthews Catholic Church
- BETA Sigma Phi Sorority
Hometown: Gillette, Wyoming
Family: Bruce (husband), Wendi, Chris, and Amanda (children) and 6 grandchildren
Hobbies: Spending time with family, cooking, and baking
Brooke Mangus, PTA, SFMA, AIB-VR
Physical therapy has been a huge influence on my life and well-being; in high school, I had two sports injuries. I joined this field of practice with the outlook to help others resume a quality of living desirable to each individual patient the same way my physical therapists did for me when I was a patient.
Education:
- Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant, Laramie County Community College
Certification/Specialized Training:
- Clinical Examination and Manual Therapy of the Acute Lumbar Spine and Sacroiliac Joint
- Practical Blood Flow Restriction
- A Systematic Approach to Examination, Diagnosis, and Manual Therapy of the Wrist Part 1
- IAOM Manual Therapy of the Acute Lumbar Spine and Sacroiliac Joint
- IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
- Kinesio Taping
- Manual Therapy Joint Mobilizations for the PTA
- When The Feet Hit The Ground... Everything Changes
- Selective Functional Movement Assessment Certified
- IAOM Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Cervicothoracic Junction
- IAOM Manual Therapy of the Cervicothoracic Junction
- Vestibular Certified
- Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
- Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine
Professional Memberships: Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy
Hometown: Casper, WY
Family: Husband, Ben, and Bexley Jean (fur baby)
Hobbies: Hunting, camping, cycling, skiing, and playing with my dog Bexley
Services Offered
- Arthritis Pain
- Back Pain
- Back School Presentations
- 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 & Worksite Evaluation
- Fine Motor Dexterity
- Functional Capacity Evaluations
- Golf Swing Analysis
- 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
- SFMA - Selective Functional Movement Assessment
- Spine Care
- Sports Medicine
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- Tendonitis
- TMJ
- Torticollis
- Trigger Point Dry Needling
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Women's Health
- Work Hardening/Conditioning
- Work Injuries
- Worksaver Certified Work Physicals
- Wound Care
Latest News & Info
Tips to staying healthy, from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist
July 24, 2019
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.Â
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).Â
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 â…” of your body weight in ounces.Â
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. Â
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Read More...
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.Â
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).Â
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 â…” of your body weight in ounces.Â
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. Â
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Love a good knuckle cracking? Get the truth about how this affects your body.
July 17, 2019
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.Â
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.Â
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.
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Read More...
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.Â
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.Â
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.
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What you need to know about c-section recovery, from your Wyoming physical therapist
July 10, 2019
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.Â
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.Â
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.
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Read More...
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.Â
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.Â
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.
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Easy ways to practice healthy living, from your Wyoming physical therapist
July 3, 2019
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.Â
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:Â
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Read More...
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.Â
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:Â
- 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.Â
- 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! Â
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How to treat lower back pain from your Wyoming physical therapist
June 19, 2019
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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 takeawhile 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.Â
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 thanphysical therapy assistance . If you think you might have developed spinal stenosis, seek medical attention and care immediately.
Muscle Strain
If the back pain issudden 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.Â
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.
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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.
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
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
Muscle Strain
If the back pain is
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.
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