North Platte Physical Therapy - Powell
Physical and Occupational Therapy are offered through Powell Valley Healthcare. These therapeutic services provided by our friendly staff include treatment to all age groups from infants to geriatric patients. We help restore the range-of-motion, strength, coordination and functional mobility that allows our patients to improve the quality of their lives through our experience and state of the art equipment. Our goal is to provide instruction and appropriate exercise programs that will 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: 307-754-3792
John Asher, PT, OCS
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Partner, Clinic Supervisor
John is a partner at North Platte Physical Therapy and has been with the company since 1995. John is from Honolulu, Hawaii, and has always enjoyed various sports, which is what led him into Physical Therapy.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of New Mexico
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
- Certified Vestibular Specialist
- Certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling
- Certified in Applied Functional Science (CAFS), Gray Institute
- Certified in Graston IASTM Technique
- Certified Cupping Therapist
- SFMA Level 1 - Selective Functional Movement Assessment
- Expertise in Kinesiotaping
- Specialized training through the IAOM, including Lumbar Spine, Cervical Spine, Thoracic Spine, Knee, and Shoulder
Special Interests:
- Vertigo and Vestibular Disorders
- Ankle and Knee Rehabilitation
- Spine Rehabilitation
- Corrective Exercise Prescription
Professional Society Memberships:
- American Physical Therapy Association
- Wyoming Physical Therapy Association
Community Involvement:
- Instructor for Powell Valley Healthcare's CNA Program
- Volunteer Therapist for Powell High School and Middle School Athletic sports medicine team
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
Family: Wife: Julie; Son: Carson; Daughter: Lauren
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and weight training
Troy Fulton, MS, PT
I love Physical Therapy because it gives me the opportunity to interact with a variety of people. I think it is so rewarding to make a difference in someone's life by reducing their pain or helping them gain the strength or function to get back to enjoying life.
Education:
- Master of Physical Therapy, University of South Dakota
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Blood Restriction
- Certified Kinesiotaping
- IASTM Rock Blading Certification
- IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
- Mulligan Concept ( Upper and Lower Quarters)
- Practical Blood Flow Restriction
- Trigger Point Dry Needling, Functional Capacity Evaluations, Employment Screens
- Certified Cupping Therapist
- Ergo Science Functional Capacity Evaluations
- ErgoScience FCE Trained
- CAFS
Professional Society Memberships:
- American Physical Therapy Association
- Wyoming Physical Therapy Association
Community Involvement:
Supporter of local high school and college sports
Hometown: Powell, Wyoming
Family: Sons: Nate, Noah, and Nic
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, camping, and woodcarving
Gail Mills, PT
Physical Therapy is the perfect blend of my interest in science, medicine, and providing service to others. I enjoy working with a variety of ages of patients in both outpatient and inpatient settings. I love the personal element of PT as I have the opportunity to help patients restore function and facilitate a return to their desired lifestyle.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, University of North Dakota
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Adult Bladder Control and Urinary Incontinence Certification, Male and Female
- Specialized Training in Dysfunction of the Pelvic Floor, including Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Pelvic Pain, and Postpartum Care
- LSVT BIG Certification
- IASTM Rock Blading Certification
- Kinesiotaping Certification
- SFMA Level 1 - Selective Functional Movement Assessment
Professional Society Memberships:
- Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy
Community Involvement:
- Volunteer Patient Advocate at Serenity Pregnancy Resource Center
- Various volunteer church activities
Hometown: Hulett, Wyoming
Family: Husband Gary, daughter Nikki, and sons Gavin and Galen as well as 9 grandchildren
Hobbies: Camping, horseback riding, reading, crocheting, and visiting my children and grandchildren.
Kandice Lytton, DPT
As a physical therapist, I enjoy making a connection with my patients to learn more about what they want to achieve in therapy. Every patient is unique, and their rehabilitation should be, as well.
Education:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, Rochester, Minnesota
- Bachelor of Art, Biology, Carroll College, Helena, Montana
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Herman and Wallace Pelvic Floor Level 1
- Herman and Wallace Athletes and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- Function and Dysfunction of the Pelvic Girdle and Pelvic Floor
- Pelvic Pain – Female and Male
- Pediatric Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Rehabilitation
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Care
- Functional Manual Therapy for the Pelvic Girdle
Professional Society Memberships:
- Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy
Community Involvement:
- Cub Scout Den Leader
Hometown: Sulphur Springs, Montana
Family: Children: Sam, Garret, Peter
Hobbies: Horseback riding/roping, baking, gardening, fishing/boating, hunting, reading, and sewing. n.
Brett Soloai, OTR/L, CHT
Brett is originally 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:
- Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder
- IAOM Elbow Course
- Certified Hand Therapist
- Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
- Mulligan Concept (Upper Quarter)
- Donatelli Shoulder Evaluation and Treatment
- Certified Cupping Therapist
- Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
Professional Society Memberships:
- American Society of Hand Therapists
Community Involvement:
- LDS Church
Hometown: Hamilton, New Zealand
Family: Wife Cathryn and 6 children and many grandchildren
Hobbies: Racquetball, basketball, auto mechanics, outdoor activities, travel, and family
Kinsey Baxter, MOTR/L
Occupational therapy allows people to live their best, most independent life. I love that I get to walk that journey with my patients. Being an occupational therapist has been my lifelong dream, and I am so excited to share my joy in this work with Powell and my new patients of all ages.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health, University of Wyoming
- Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, University of Wyoming
Certifications:
- LSVT BIG
Professional Society Memberships:
- American Occupational Therapy Association
Hometown: Powell, Wyoming
Family: Married to Carter, my high school sweetheart, and happy to be living in Wyoming with our dogs, Flynn and Clyde.
Hobbies: I enjoy being outside doing anything, including running, hiking, skiing, and kayaking. I love spending time in the mountains with my husband, our dogs, and my friends.
Mary Dietz, PTA
I enjoy working in the Physical Therapy department because of the variety of people and injuries I encounter on a daily basis. This is a very fulfilling job when I can help someone get back to the activities they enjoy.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, University of Montana
- Associate of Applied Science - Physical Therapy Assistant, San Juan College, Farmington, NM
Certifications/Specialized Training:
- Rocktape Fascial Movement Taping
- Practical Blood Flow Restriction
- Certified Cupping Therapist
- LSVT BIG Certification
Professional Society Memberships:
- American Physical Therapy Association
Hometown: Powell, Wyoming
Family: Husband, Clay
Hobbies: Horseback riding, CrossFit, and quilting.
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
- Functional Strength
- Certified CPR instructor
- CAFS
Community Involvement:
- 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.
Services Offered
- Balance Rehab
- Body Mechanics Training
- Chronic Pain
- Custom Foot Orthotics
- Custom Splinting
- Ergonomic & Worksite Evaluation
- Functional Capacity Evaluations
- Hand Therapy
- Kinesio taping
- Myofacial Techniques
- Parkinson's Treatment LSVT Big
- Pediatric Occupational Therapy
- Pre/Post Surgical Rehab
- Pre-Employment Screening
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- TMJ
- Torticollis
- Trigger Point Dry Needling
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Women's Health
- Work Hardening/Conditioning
- Worksaver Certified Work Physicals
- Wound Care
Latest News & Info
Physical Therapy Services: Hip Replacement Benefits and Recovery
Hip surgery recovery timelines vary by each individual patient, but most can expect to undergo some type of treatment for approximately 10-12 weeks following the procedure. These changes and plans need attention in order to assure a positive road to recovery, which is an important aspect for the health of any patient. Fortunately, the benefits and ability to easily overcome this particular surgery is helpful as subjects prepare their own focus.
Pain Relief
One of the most common reasons individuals undergo hip replacement is due to the pain being caused by their natural joint. There are various reasons why a hip may be causing pain to its owner, but relieving these issues is commonly achieved through surgery.
Strength
A lack of strength in the joint may develop over time, but can also be remedied through replacement surgery. Almost immediately following a surgical repairment, subjects are able to support weight and attempt some pre-surgery activities.
Mobility
The movement of a hip joint is essential in many locomotive activities and is often jeopardized when there are issues present. When repaired, these mobility exercises are often improved and can lead to a return in pre-injury performance.
Quality of Life
A reduction in the quality of life for individuals who suffer with hip issues is apparent due to the abundance of how important the hip joint manages movement. Obviously any detrimental activities are going to negatively impact a person’s ability to properly function in any given environment. Fortunately, modern medicine and surgical advancements have allowed for improved capabilities for those who elect to have hip replacement surgery.
Recovery
The recovery process from any surgery varies depending on a variety of different components, but those who undergo hip replacement often need extra care. While their ability to walk may return immediately, especially with assistance, the overall process can take months before individuals feel like they did prior to undergoing the knife.
If you or someone you know suffers from hip joint pain issues, needs extra 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!
Neck Pain Problems
There are multiple benefits to physical therapy and one of the most common ailments many people treat is neck pain. These issues cause suffering which is not matched by many other common problems throughout the body. For example, neck pain often leads to severe headaches while sending reminders of its existence each and every time someone makes any type of move. In order to deal with this predicament, physical therapy services aid in offering relief to get individuals back on track as quickly as possible.
According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately half of all people will experience a neck pain issue which warrants some form of treatment over their lifetime. With this being such a broad, problematic situation, understanding both the assistance available and types of pain is important. For many, physical therapy treatments help in getting relief from all different forms of neck pain problems.
Facet Dysfunction
The scientific name for a simple crick in your neck, many people wake with these types of issues from a rough night's sleep. Depending on how or where you fell asleep, the resulting neck pain is likely from staying in an uncomfortable position for a majority of the night. While these problems often heal on their own over time, there are certain situations where physical therapy or some other treatment may be necessary.
Numbness/Tingling
Experiencing tingling in the extremities is sometimes the result of a neck issue. With a bundle of nerves around the head and neck area, any numbness or tingling throughout the body could originate from this position.
Chronic Headaches
Chronic headaches often result from constant neck pain and should be dealt with accordingly. Instead of battling these issues with over-the-counter medicines, physical therapy applied to the neck area could assist in offering some relief from these painful symptoms.
Dizziness
Another pain problem resulting from neck issues is dizziness. Feeling disoriented or having intermittent dizzy spells could be a potential neck issue. Depending on the onset of these symptoms and any related activities or issues, neck pain may be the root cause of this problem. Targeting the area with a personally designed physical therapy plan will assist in generating relief.
Degenerative Disc/Joint Disease
Depending on your lifestyle and/or genetics, the onset of degenerative disk or joint disease could also be related to neck pain problems. Targeting this area of the body with certain maneuvers and procedures could alleviate some of the resulting pain issues and help patients with their recovery efforts.
If you or someone you know suffers from medical issues, needs extra assistance with mobility, or is seeking services for a preventative 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!
Spinal Cord Injury Rehab Approach
While it is difficult to cure spinal cord injuries, there are steps which can be taken to address the issues. By targeting certain aspects of the body and an individual’s functional abilities, physical therapists can formulate a plan of action to address certain needs. This approach helps not only to improve movement but also certain other features, all while speeding up the recovery timeline.
Mobility
Spinal cord injuries often result in some form of impact to an individual’s mobility. Due to the connective aspect a spinal cord plays within the body between the nervous system and each of the limbs, any issues are likely to affect movement and use. Through a regimented physical therapy program, patients are often able to improve upon their mobility over time.
Communication
Communication may also be influenced by any type of spinal cord issue but is also able to be targeted through rehabilitation practices. Be this inner body transfers, similar to the above impacts on mobility, or communication between a patient and other individuals, specific skills and routines may be used to improve these functions.
Muscle Strength
Muscle strength is going to be different between all individuals and likely to vary considerably depending on a person’s age. Depending on the capabilities of a subject prior to suffering an injury, physical therapy approaches will vary considerably. This is one reason why each program is specifically designed to meet the needs of the patient, helping improve upon their particular abilities and formulate a return to pre-existing functions as quickly as possible.
Flexibility
Back injuries and specifically spinal cord issues can dramatically affect a person’s ability to move. If you’ve suffered even a muscle pull, it's quickly realized just how important the back is to daily function and injuries to the spinal cord are even more severe. Flexibility allows for relief of some of this pain, but achieving a desired range of motion varies greatly on how easily the person can twist, turn, reach, and bend. By targeting flexibility during rehabilitation of a spinal cord injury, patients may see an increased result in their efforts to return performing pre-injury movements.
If you or someone you know suffers from spinal cord or back issues, needs extra 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!
Physical Therapy Services: Top Orthopedic Knee Treatments
Knee pain is something which impacts people young and old, but targeting specific causes for these issues helps individuals find relief. Being able to understand the problem allows medical professionals an opportunity to focus on the needs in order for a return to function prior to any pain. This often includes the use of physical therapy as there are plenty of different knee issues which can be served by using a focused approach. As with any physical therapy program, the needs will be specifically designed for each individual depending on their particular injury.
ACL Injuries
Athletes are more susceptible to ACL injuries due to the nature of their occurrence. Caused by sudden stops, directional changes, or outside collisions, these injuries typically require surgery for repair and a physical therapy regimen to return full functionality.
Meniscus Tear(s)
The meniscus is made up of cartilage in the knee and helps absorb impacts from constant bending and maneuvering during all activities. These components have a tendency to suffer tears when bearing weight and twisting, which is prone to any age individual in a variety of different situations. While repair without surgery is possible, depending on the tear’s location, these injuries do usually require medical attention more often than not in addition to physical therapy.
Knee Replacement
Another common orthopedic knee injury and treatment involves undergoing a knee replacement. Depending on the amount of damage which has transpired, this may be a partial or complete replacement. For many, this action comes when a joint is considerably worn out after constant use over time. Most individuals who undergo the knife for knee reconstruction are over the age of 60, making physical therapy an even more important part of the process. Learning to walk and function with a new joint in such a critical area is difficult, but a personalized physical therapy process will be implemented to help make the recovery as easy as possible.
If you have suffered a knee injury or know someone who has chronic pain in their joints, 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!
Physical Therapy Services: Three Important First Visit Considerations
Direct access laws allow for individuals to seek physical therapy treatments without first visiting their primary care physician. While there are many people who are still referred to a therapist for treatment, if you feel the need for care or have certain questions about how treatment may help then the door is open. However, there are still a few actions to be taken in order to prepare for a successful initial appearance.
Check Your Symptoms
Before arrival, individuals should prepare for their visit by checking symptoms, their persistence, pain levels, and impacts to ensure a doctor’s visit or medical emergency shouldn’t be triggered. Once determined a physical therapist may be able to assist, then a call should be placed. Patients need to also record their symptoms over time and provide specifics about how any pain or numbness is impacting their lifestyle.
Dress Accordingly
Patients should also consider their clothing when headed into the office for a visit. Often, sessions will require movement or access to the area being addressed. For example, jeans and long pants should be avoided for those patrons seeking physical therapy on a knee injury.
Honest Communication
A third key element to a successful first visit is to be open and honest with how you are feeling and what causes the pain or discomfort. Holding back doesn’t help your therapist as they mold a personalized plan of action and will ultimately only delay your healing. By being up front with details and following through with any prescribed home activities, patients can establish the foundation for a quality and trusted relationship with their therapists.
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!