North Platte Physical Therapy - Lovell

 
 

Easy, Flexible Scheduling with Same Day Services

The Lovell Clinic provides physical and occupational rehabilitation services including outpatient and inpatient care and services to the local public school. These therapeutic services include treatment of all age groups from infants to geriatric patients. We help restore the range-of-motion, strength, coordination, and functional mobility that allow our patients to improve the quality of their lives. Our goal is to provide instruction and appropriate exercise programs that allow people to return to the activities they enjoy. We offer same day scheduling to all patients and work to fit their busy life schedules.

Location Details


Address: 1115 Lane 12, Lovell, WY 82431
Hours: Mon - Fri 8AM - 5PM
Fax: 307-548-5263
Ladell Merritt, DPT, SFMA

Clinic Supervisor


Ladell believes that the human body is designed to move and be active.  He enjoys helping people improve themselves to enjoy life to the fullest.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, Creighton University 
  • Undergraduate Studies, Utah State University 

Certifications/Specialized Training:  

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • Trigger point dry needling, custom foot orthotics, manual therapy for back, neck, and shoulders, and vestibular rehabilitation
  • ErgoScience FCE Trained
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
  • LSVT-BIG
  • CAFS

Professional Society Memberships:

  • APTA, Orthopedic and Sports Sections

Hometown: Star Valley, Wyoming

Family: Ladell and his wife have four children

Hobbies: Triathlons and competing in Ironman races

 
Trisha McArthur, DPT

Trisha enjoys being able to help people return to active, productive, and meaningful function so they are able to have a good quality of life after sustaining injury, surgery, or disease.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, Northern Arizona University 
  • Master of Exercise Science and Nutrition, Colorado State University 
  • Bachelor of Exercise Science, University of Wyoming 

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • Certified Dry needling, manual therapy, ASTYM and sports medicine
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
  • LSVT-BIG
  • CAFS
  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine

Professional Society Memberships:

  • APTA

Hometown: Trisha was born in Lovell, Wyoming and ended up graduating high school in Douglas, Wyoming. She currently lives in Cowley, WY

Hobbies: Trisha enjoys the outdoors and likes hiking and camping. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends.

 
Sarah Trotter, PTA

I enjoy my job as a PTA helping people return to their previous function following injury or surgery.  I enjoy working in Rural Wyoming as we get to see a wide variety of patients in various settings including inpatient and outpatient.  I love the opportunity to educate patients through exercise and strengthening and see them progress and reach their goals.

Education:

  • Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant, San Juan College Farmington, NM
  • Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, Montana State University Bozeman, Montana

Certification/Specialized Training:

  • Rocktape Fascial Movement Taping

Community Involvement:

  • Conditioning coach for high school girls' soccer team, volunteer sports medicine team for middle school athletic activities

Hometown: Thompson Falls, Montana

Family: Husband Shane, stepson Jesse, and stepdaughter Gracie.

Hobbies: Roping, quilting, gardening, exercising, volleyball, and horseback riding

 
Emily Leonhardt, PTA

I used to go with my grandma to her many PT appointments, and she was a terrible, noncompliant patient (lovely lady otherwise). The therapists were always so kind & helped her tremendously despite her snarky attitude. It gave me my love for older, grumpier patients & helping them reach their goals.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology & Health Promotion, University of Wyoming 
  • Associate of Occupational Studies: Physical Therapist Assistant, Pima Medical Institute, Denver, CO

Certification/Specialized Training:

  • Functional Strengthening
  • Fall Prevention
  • LSVT-BIG
  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine

Hometown: Bailey, CO

Family: Husband, Austin, son Calvin, & puppies Paxton, Maggie, & Sammy.

Hobbies: playing with her son, hiking/romping around in the mountains with friends & family, reading

 
Brett Soloai, OTR/L, CHT

Brett is from New Zealand and became a US Citizen in 2010.  Brett strives to help his patients reach their maximum functional potential and restore the highest quality of life attainable.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, The Central Institution of Technology

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Certified Hand Therapist

Professional Society Memberships:

  • American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT)

Community Involvement:

  • LDS Church

Hometown: Hamilton, New Zealand

Family: Wife Cathryn and 6 children. Jordan is married and living in Gillette, Wyoming, and working as a Physical Therapist.  Lauren is married and living in Houston, Texas.  Regan, Ashton, Kierstyn, and Gavin are living in Powell.

Hobbies: Racquetball, basketball, auto mechanics, outdoor activities, travel, and family

 
Olivia Borden, OTD, OTR/L

I enjoy my job as an OT because I am able to assist my patients in returning to their previous occupations. I'm highly motivated to help others reach their maximum independence and quality of life.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Interdisciplinary Minor, in Aging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 
  • Doctor of Occupational Therapy, University of Mary-Billings

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • LSVT-BIG
  • Advanced topics in examination, evaluation, and treatment of the shoulder
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate

Professional Society Memberships:

  • AOTA
  • WYOTA

Hometown: Zhukovka, Russia 

Family: Husband Ross and two pups

Hobbies: Camping, hiking, kayaking, gardening, crocheting, & baking

 

Services Offered



Latest News & Info


Commonly Injured Body Parts


Commonly Injured Body Parts
Physical therapy (PT) provides a wide range of services for a large part of the general population. While many individuals associate athletes as those who need physical therapy the most, there are plenty of reasons to apply this method of treatment for everyone. From work injuries to mobility issues, the situations where physical therapy helps individuals is significant. However, there are certain body parts which are more susceptible in athletics and everyday life.

There are approximately 300 million therapy sessions administered each year across the United States. While the majority of recipients are older, impacted body parts remain the same for all people. Due to their movement patterns and susceptibility to injury, these particular joints and other parts of the body are more commonly associated with physical therapy services to enhance mobility, relieve pain, or return to a prior metric of performance.

Knee

From athletes to seniors, knees have a tendency to become injured or cause mobility issues as age increases. Both of these impact an individual’s capability to remain mobile and can also reduce their ability to bear weight. By administering physical therapy to the affected joint, sessions can help boost recovery.

Ankle

Lower joints also twist and turn in ways which may cause need for physical therapy. The ankle is a vulnerable joint for injury both inside and outside the sports world. From slipping off a sidewalk to falling on a wet floor, the ankle is another body part which requires an enormous amount of support in the PT world.

Shoulder

Lifting heavy objects, carrying items, and any repetitive movement completed over and over again may all lead to an upper body PT focus. The shoulder is a complex joint surrounded by tendons, muscle, and bones which all have the capacity to dissipate over time. Once any below average performance is noticed, immediate action should be implemented for support.

Head and Neck

The head is another body part which is subject to injury from many different events. Concussions have recently been the subject of much attention and physical therapy may assist in dealing with post-injury symptoms. In addition, the neck is an especially complex joint which has potential to cause significant pain when not functioning properly.

Elbow

Similar to the knee, elbow injuries are the upper body equivalent and another mobile joint which wears down as time passes. In addition, there are numerous actions individuals complete everyday which could also cause damage to this part of the body. 

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!
 
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Physical Therapy Services: Areas of Chronic Pain


Physical Therapy Services: Areas of Chronic Pain
There are many different benefits and applications of physical therapy services but one ailment which often receives assistance involves those suffering from chronic pain. This blanket diagnosis impacts millions of Americans and finding relief can be life changing. Understanding the causes varies between individuals and this is one of the major factors why physical therapy helps address the problem areas. With plans specifically designed for each particular patient, improvements are often seen and felt after only a short time. However, recognizing the associated areas of chronic pain is also key prior to seeking help from any physical therapy services.

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!
 
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Physical Therapy Services For Businesses


Physical Therapy Services For Businesses
Running a business can be a rewarding experience, but there are certain details which may be extremely frustrating. Depending on the size of your employee workforce, understanding all of the ins and outs of human resources can be difficult for owners and certain required compensation insurance coverages are often draining to the budget. The nature of your business will determine which applicable percentages apply, but even with ‘desk jobs’ there remains some risk of injury. For this reason and many others, examining the benefits of partnering with an individual physical therapist or operational practice and how their services can assist your company should be given priority.

Millions of workers compensation claims are reported annually, leaving businesses and insurance companies to cover costs and prices to rise. The state of these employees and their ability to complete jobs of which they are assigned varies for each individual and situation, but there are certain aspects and qualifications which may be assessed by a physical therapy clinic helping to make informed decisions. Once processed, businesses have seen multiple benefits with a working relationship for each of the following reasons and more.
Pre-Employment Screening

Once the physical therapist is made aware of what a specific job requires, there are numerous tests and assessments which can be completed in order to check for any physical limitations associated with the employment opportunity. Many jobs require individuals to complete a general physical prior to beginning work, this potential partnership simply takes the health analysis a step farther, helping avoid or mitigate any future issue.

Injury

In the event an injury does occur to an employee, physical therapy services may be required as part of their recovery process. By having a trained and trusted therapist working closely with your business and all employees, the relationship is often positive and easier for all involved parties. On the business side, knowing the company will only ever have to work with one clinic versus having multiple employees getting information from different sources is especially helpful.

Return To Work

Following an injury, employees need to pass certain parameters before being admitted back into the workforce. Again, by having the same group of physical therapists working alongside your company and its employees, consistency is strong along with a trusted relationship. Employers can be confident their employees are receiving the best care possible and that they are fully ready and capable to return once cleared.

Testing

Each of these different scenarios requires a specific test for analyzing the subject and their ability to meet the needs of a certain job. From pre-employment determinations to returning from suffering an injury, having all of your information sourced from the same physical therapist is a tremendous perk for business owners. The consistency of subject matter plays a vital role in helping companies make the most informed decisions possible when it comes to work related injuries, employees, and any associated compensation.

If you own a business or know someone who suffers from 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!
 
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Physical Therapy Services: Pelvic Floor Areas of Concern


Physical Therapy Services: Pelvic Floor Areas of Concern
One of the many positive things about physical therapy is its ability to adapt for many different applications. Not only are practitioners able to formulate a personalized plan for each and every client, but the needs addressed also vary on a case by case basis. For many, the services include various exercises, movements, and other features to generate blood flow while helping increase mobility. These features target areas to improve overall health and often work moving certain areas back to a predetermined state. For example, an athlete may suffer a knee injury which requires physical therapy as a part of their healing process. These applications vary from one patient to the next, but returning the individual to a pre-injured state is often the goal. However, not only are joints, tendons, and ligaments highlighted, but there are other areas of the body which may also reap the benefits of a personalized physical therapy plan.

Pelvic floor muscles serve a variety of different purposes, all of which are vital. From helping control bodily functions to having an impact on an individual's sexual experience, being able to maintain and utilize the pelvic floor is extremely important for everyone. Both males and females benefit from having a strong base and any areas of need should be addressed immediately. 

Control

One quality aspect of having a healthy pelvic floor is the ability to control both bowels and urination. The muscles performance in this area helps eliminate any unwanted leakage and can assist in making certain there are no issues during regular daily activities.

Constipation

Opposite, weak or unused pelvic floor muscles also leads to constipation for individuals who aren’t readily putting these areas into regular use. While this space supports many of the different organs and bodily functions within this area, having a constant standing for longer periods of time may also lead to secondary bowel issues.

Pain

Abdominal pain is another problematic feature which may be addressed through targeting of the pelvic floor. Improvements in these areas and any adjustments to assist in pain management can both be helpful when dealing with any type of concern.

Sexual Issues

Another side effect of an ineffective or weakened pelvic floor is their impact on sexual experiences for everyone. Men can suffer from erectile dysfunction and pelvic floor muscles also assist with ejaculation. In females, the ability to maintain a strong pelvic floor contributes to enhanced sensation and more arousal due to the muscles being stronger within this area of the body.

If you or someone you know suffers from pelvic floor issues, needs assistance with mobility, 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!
 
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Physical Therapy Services: Dry Needling Treatment Areas


Physical Therapy Services: Dry Needling Treatment Areas
Physical therapy treatment services vary depending on the needs of each individual client and how therapists attack their symptoms is also very specific to all patients. These modifications and adjustments lead to multiple approaches helping clients get the absolute best care possible and a solution for their needs. For many, these actions target pain related features and one practice which can be utilized to treat a multitude of different symptoms involves dry needling.

Reasons to try dry needling depend on each patient but there are many different areas which can be targeted throughout the body. Often, these procedures are performed in tandem with another physical therapy approach and a goal of finding the correct combination of services for individuals to find relief. While many people are somewhat familiar with the practice of acupuncture, dry needling is something entirely different. Originating on opposite ends of the world, acupuncture focuses on energy and alignment whereas dry needling is a specific approach to target muscles and release trigger points for patient relief.

Neck, Back, and Shoulders

There are many different physical therapy activities to target these high problem areas for pain, discomfort, or other ailments, but dry needling can be coupled with them to assist individuals. Pinpointing problem areas along the muscles associated in and around these areas may help free a person from pain, discomfort, or immobility.

Elbow

Elbow pain is commonly associated with tennis and golf participants due to the repetitive nature of their participatory movements. Using dry needling, physical therapists can pinpoint any areas in need of relief as part of a physical therapy plan.

Headaches

Constant or repetitive headache symptoms may also benefit from a physical therapist’s dry needling technique. Migraine sufferers could achieve some reprieve by pinpointing muscles to reduce spasms impacting these feelings.

Hips and Glutes

Mobility is often significantly impacted if there is pain associated in either of these important areas. By using a dry needling technique, physical therapists can target certain muscles to help potentially release any areas causing an issue.

Knee

Similar to elbow pain, this lower body joint can also be an issue for athletes and other individuals as they age due to repeated use and impact. If needed, dry needling may be used in and around the joint to help serve the needs of any affected patient.  

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!
 
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