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
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.
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
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
Services Offered
- Back/Neck pain
- Balance Rehab
- Biofeedback
- Biomechanical Gait Analysis
- Body Mechanics training
- Cognitive Development
- Cupping Therapy
- Custom Splinting
- Ergonomic & Worksite Evaluations
- Fine Motor Dexterity
- Functional Capacity Evaluation
- Graston Techniques
- Hand Therapy
- Kinesio taping
- Modalities
- Neurological Services
- Oral Motor Control
- Orthotic Fabrication
- Orthopedic Service
- Pediatric Therapy
- Pre/post Surgical Rehab
- Play & social skills
- Post Cancer Treatment
- Sensory Integration
- SFMA - Selective Functional Movement Assessment
- Spine Care
- Splinting/Taping techniques
- Sports Medicine
- Sport Specific Exercise
- Tendonitis & Arthritis
- Trigger Point Dry Needling
- Women's Health
- Work Hardening / Conditioning
- Work Injuries
- Wound Care
Latest News & Info
Tips to staying healthy, from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist
July 24, 2019
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
Â
Love a good knuckle cracking? Get the truth about how this affects your body.
July 17, 2019
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.
Â
What you need to know about c-section recovery, from your Wyoming physical therapist
July 10, 2019
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.
Â
Easy ways to practice healthy living, from your Wyoming physical therapist
July 3, 2019
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
Â
How to treat lower back pain from your Wyoming physical therapist
June 19, 2019
.jpg)
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.
Â