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
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



Latest News & Info


Staying healthy during the summer - from your Wyoming physical therapist


June 12, 2019

Staying healthy during the summer - from your Wyoming physical therapist
The summer months are here to stay, and as you spend more time outside you might be more likely to sustain injuries. Injuries can come in a number of forms and can often sneak up on you. You might be enjoying a hike with friends or family and start to feel a soreness in your ankle - or maybe you are enjoying a family cookout and take a misstep when taking food outside. No matter what happens or when, there are some ways you can avoid injury - take it from your Wyoming physical therapist.

Warming up 
If you plan on having a physically active day, it’s important to spend time warming up. This can include a light walk and stretch before you even leave your home. While warming up for a kayaking trip, hiking trip, or even a run outside a light walk or stretch can do wonders for your health and preventing injury. 

Pace yourself
It can be easy to get ahead of yourself when it comes to enjoying the summer weather. It might be tempting to do the 7-mile stretch versus the 5-mile on your first kayaking trip of the summer. Just remember, that although this might be fun, it isn’t always worth it and you can get seriously injured by over-exerting yourself. Remember to take things easy as your start a new exercise routine.

Pacing yourself applies to more than just physical activity. If you are working in the yard, around the house, or cleaning out a garage make sure you take extra care. It can be tempting to take more bags of mulch at once to avoid multiple trips, but this can actually lead to injury. Keep an eye on the way your body feels while performing household chores and maintenance.

Take care of yourself
While you should be doing this year-around, it’s extra important to take care of your body during the summer months. Heat can cause dehydration, and lack of proper nutrition can only accelerate these issues and cause more problems. Be sure to fuel your body properly, and carefully, during the summer. It’s going to be more important to consume more water as well if you notice that you are more tired than usual. 

Taking care of yourself includes warming up, as previously discussed, but also cooling down after physical activity and giving your body plenty of rest time. Rest time is essential in maintaining a healthy body, but also helping to reach your personal fitness goals.

If you begin to notice that you might have sustained an injury, or you aren’t feeling at your best, be sure to contact your Wyoming physical therapist for assistance. 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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Four ways to speed up recovery after Wyoming back surgery


May 29, 2019

Four ways to speed up recovery after Wyoming back surgery
You are about to undergo, or are currently recovering, from back surgery and you may be wondering if there are ways to speed up your recovery time. The good news is there are a few things you can do to speed up recovery, and get back on your feet! We’ve provided you with four ways to speed up your recovery, but want to remind you that before changing or adding to your recovery regime, consult your Wyoming physical therapist. Everyone has a different recovery time and process, so what works for one might not work for all. 

Get Healthy
You might be considered healthy already (in which case stay healthy), but if you could do better this is a great time to really focus on your health. Fueling your body with the right foods will not only have you feeling better, but will help your body begin to recover quickly. If you haven’t already, talk with your physical therapist about starting a light exercise routine to aid in the recovery process. With back injuries and recovery you will need to be cautious, but light exercise can help decrease any pain you might be experiencing and get you on the road to recovery.

Kick the Bad Habits
Have any bad habits lurking in your closet? Now is a great time to work on kicking your bad habits, such as smoking cigarettes. We know we don’t have to tell you about all of the negative outcomes that cigarettes can cause, but by not smoking you can speed up your recovery time as well. 

Your Day to Day
When operating day to day, be sure to follow the basic mobility requirements and regulations set out by your physical therapist. They have set these guidelines for a reason, and any deviation could slow your recovery time. By following them to a “t” you are more likely to recover quickly and safely. In addition, be sure to have someone in your home who can assist you with movements, household chores, and basic things such as eating, drinking, and even bathing. An available and attentive caregiver will be your key to a safe and speedy recovery. Be sure to take care when bathing, you don’t 
want to overstrain your body or cause damage to your incision. Often times your doctor might recommend avoiding washing the area under running water for the first two weeks - in which case have some assist you in using a damp washcloth. 

Stay Vigilant 
While following your doctor’s recommendations for care and maintenance, be sure to stay aware of how your body is feeling and how your wound is healing. Check the incision daily to ensure there is no infection, and that there is no inflammation or redness. This can be indicative of a deeper problem that might cause you to see your doctor.

At North Platte Physical Therapy, we are here to help meet your needs and ensure a safe recovery after a back surgery. 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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Seven tips to making the most of your Wyoming physical therapy treatment


April 24, 2019

Seven tips to making the most of your Wyoming physical therapy treatment
When you are ready to pursue your Wyoming physical therapy options, it’s important to get the most out of your physical therapy treatment. Afterall, you are using physical therapy to get better and to heal your body. These are our seven tips to making the most out of your physical therapy experience, and ensure that you will keep getting better. 

1. Ask Questions
Your physical therapist is here to assist you. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask them - they are here to help. The best physical therapists will be ready and open to answer whatever questions you might have and reassure you of any fears that you might be experiencing. 

2. Communicate
This goes hand in hand with asking questions, but make sure you are communicating with your physical therapist often and openly. If you are feeling any type of new pain, or feel that you might have re-injured yourself talk to your physical therapist immediately. 

3. Complete All Exercises 
Your physical therapist has assigned you particular exercises for a reason. Make sure you complete all exercises as ordered during your appointment but also at home. Your physical therapist might have assigned you additional exercises for home, and if they did there is a reason for that. 

4. Stay in Contact with Your Physician 
As you complete your physical therapy, keep in contact with your primary care physician. It’s important to keep your medical records up to date but also ensure that your doctor knows how you are managing and handling your pain. 

5. Stay Patient
Physical therapy isn’t a quick fix - it’s going to take time for the physical therapy to truly work and heal your body. By staying patient and focused on all of your exercises you will get better, it’ll just take some time. Don’t give up.

6. Set Goals
Your physical therapist might have set goals for you, but it’s important to create your own goals as well. Your goals are going to be a great motivator in sticking to your routine, your schedule, and ultimately getting better. When setting goals keep them realistic, achievable, and something that will help you keep moving forward. 

7. Don’t Skip Appointments
This might seem like an obvious one, but don’t ever skip your appointments. Appointments are key to getting better and sticking on a strict schedule will help you to continue to improve. If you are feeling pain, don’t skip your appointment just communicate with your physical therapist. They can help you identify why you are experiencing pain, and adjust your workout as needed. 

Are you tired of dealing with chronic pain? Or are you ready to improve your current situation? Contact us today to let us know what’s bothering you. Our team of professionals will implement a safe, effective, and reasonably-priced treatment plan that will have you living better, whether that means sleeping more soundly or getting through your work day without pain. Patients across Wyoming and Western Nebraska have relied on North Platte Physical Therapy for their pain prevention and physical recovery needs for years.
 
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Using physical therapy as treatment for pain


April 17, 2019

Using physical therapy as treatment for pain
Long-term pain, also known as chronic pain, can be treated through the use of physical therapy - in fact, physical therapy might be your best option at treating this type of pain. Most of the time you will need a recommendation from a doctor to see a physical therapist, but it can definitely be worth asking your doctor for one. We’ve put together our top reasons as to why you should consider investing in physical therapy treatment for your chronic pain. 

How does physical therapy treat pain?
Pain doesn’t always originate from where you think it does, and that’s why physical therapists are going to treat the source of the pain. Participating in physical therapy will help with joint and soft tissue mobilization and provide treatments that help to relieve pain, restore muscle, and get your body back on track to feeling better.

Physical therapists are experts in treating the body - not only can they help you identify the pain but they can help you treat it through a series of exercises. These exercises might include low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming, or stationary bike exercises. 

Physical therapy might also treat pain through the use of stretching, or body-weight strengthening exercises. The point of physical therapy is to treat your pain through the use of exercises and to get your body moving. In many cases your physical therapists will also prescribe exercises to complete at home - be sure to do these as prescribed to assist with pain.

What should I expect? 
Before your appointment check with your physical therapist to see if there is anything special or out of the ordinary you should be prepared for and check with your insurance company to see how much is or isn’t paid for. Be ready to discuss when your pain started, how it has intensified, if it has spread, and what mobility issues you might be having. You will most likely be moving around a lot in your first appointment as your physical therapist identifies your current issues, so make sure to wear clothing that is easy to move around in and be active in. In addition to exercises, be prepared that your physical therapist might utilize other tools such as a heating or ice pack, ultrasounds or even a massage. 

Will it be painful? 
The answer to this is complicated, but not in the way you think. Physical therapy will not be painful, but it might be challenging or uncomfortable. Physical therapy is designed to help your body heal and get stronger, so push yourself! Your physical therapist will never put you through anything that will harm you.

Tired of dealing with chronic pain? Or are you just looking for new ways to help improve your strength or mobility? Contact us today to let us know what’s bothering you. Our team of professionals will implement a safe, effective, and reasonably-priced treatment plan that will have you living better, whether that means sleeping more soundly or getting through your work day without pain. Patients across Wyoming and Western Nebraska have relied on North Platte Physical Therapy for their pain prevention and physical recovery needs for years.
 
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New Swedish Study Highlights Benefits of Physical Therapy Care


March 27, 2019

New Swedish Study Highlights Benefits of Physical Therapy Care
From executive professionals form Cheyenne North and school teachers from Guernsey, to construction experts from Casper West and first responders from Cheyenne South, there's a familiar refrain from regional professionals who seek care here at North Platte Physical Therapy: 'I wish I'd found you sooner!'

In fact, according to newly published medical research from Sweden, patients seeking primary care for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) who are triaged to a physical therapist fare just as well—and in some respects, better—than those who are seen by a physician general practitioner (GP). 

While we encourage all prospective patients to consult with their primary care provider for all serious injuries first, the findings illuminate just how effective physical therapy can be when you’re looking for relief from MSDs such as carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis, tendinitis, back pain, tension neck syndrome, and hand-arm vibration syndrome. That’s why students, amatuer and professional athletes, and everyday professionals rely on our team every day. 

Patients participating in the study, conducted across three major primary care health centers (PHCCs) in Gothenberg, Sweden,  were of people between the ages of 16 and 67 seeking help for a new, non-debilitating musculoskeletal condition. Patients were excluded from the study if they required home visits, were receiving ongoing treatment for the current MSD, or were seeking help for a chronic condition unchanged for 3 months or more. In other words, patients surveyed were seeking help for the types of non-chronic MSD pain that interfered with their everyday tasks both at work and at home. 

The purpose of the work was to determine how effective their physical therapy treatment had been against those seeking only “traditional” avenues for care. The results were surprising. Analysis revealed that while both focus group in the study improved at similar rates, the group receiving care from regular physical therapy visits group reported consistently better outcomes. 
The study’s PT group tended to reduce what authors call "externalization" of the condition to health care providers —namely, a reduction of stress related to their MSD. 

At North Platte Physical Therapy, we understand that this is an exciting time to seek physical therapy care. With a growing scope of practice and expanding direct access opportunities, our staff of new and seasoned clinicians have a real ability to make an impact in both patient care as well as the trajectory of your healthcare care needs. 

Too many people from across Wyoming and South Dakota suffer from the pain of what could be an easily managed MSD unnecessarily. Contact the North Platte Physical Therapy team today to set up an appointment and to get on track with a physical therapy treatment regimen that will reclaim your life from everyday aches and pains and help you enjoy work and exercise again.
 
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