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: Cerebrovascular Patient Goals
A cerebrovascular accident often occurs unexpectedly with varying degrees of impact and type. These events, commonly referred to as a stroke, are known to be debilitating and require almost immediate medical attention. When detected early, the patient's chance of survival with minimal impacts improves considerably. Due to the dangers of these cerebrovascular incidents, patients are often left with a need for physical therapy services in order to assist with their recovery.
Strength
Focusing on regaining strength throughout the body is important after suffering a stroke. Fortunately, each individual’s personal recovery plan of action will be set specific to their needs and goals. Instead of serving a one-size-fits-all approach to recovery, physical therapists create exercises and actions to best implement results.
Balance
Another area often impacted by a stroke involves balance. These characteristics can be especially important to address as it is a cornerstone of mobility. Creating a plan of action to improve or restore balance components is paramount on the road to recovery.
Coordination
Combining these feats of balance and strength focuses on coordination. Even simple movements often become complex depending on the severity of an individual’s cerebrovascular incident. Orchestrating an approach to encompass each of these needs is extremely helpful.
Education
Educating individuals and their immediate loved ones is also an important part of the physical therapy recovery process. Physical therapists often provide patients with activities which can be completed between visits in order to assist with the recovery process. Giving both the patient and their support group the tools to understand why the curated individualized approach is best for recovery and treatments remains a key goal to assist everyone involved.
Quality of Life
Ultimately, the goal for any physical therapy program is to improve an existing quality of life and this remains true for cerebrovascular patients. Depending on the severity of their episode, a personalized action plan will be implemented to provide patients with the best quality of life possible for their situation.
If you or someone you know has sustained a cerebrovascular episode, 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!
Physical Therapy Services: Percussive Treatment Benefits
What is physical therapy? Unfortunately, many individuals don’t understand exactly the capabilities or reasoning behind seeking treatment but there are multiple benefits for patients with all kinds of ailments. The range of treatments also expands considerably depending on the type of injury or a patient’s condition with percussive therapy being one of the most popular options today. This treatment features many positives and should aid in pleasing a client base, especially for those where percussive therapy can assist recovery.
Muscle Strength
One of the most common applications of physical therapy revolves around injury treatment. This capability typically enhances muscular strength and percussive applications are one of the best methods of enhancing these conditions. Increasing blood flow into the muscle, percussive treatments help boost strength within certain areas of the body.
Flexibility
The enhanced blood flow also aids with stretching muscle fibers and enhancing flexibility within a targeted area. Since each physical therapy treatment session is focused specifically on helping the individual, understanding how flexibility is enhanced through percussive therapy is important to aid patients as needed.
Recovery
Those who are undergoing some type of recovery may also benefit from percussive therapy, especially since it helps improve blood flow to the targeted area. By specifically focusing on the area in need of recovery, individuals can speed up their return to maneuverability at a targeted, healthy pace.
Pain Reduction
Another significant benefit of percussive therapy is an ability to reduce the pain associated with certain ailments. The repetitive motion and increased blood-oxygen levels helps reduce pain and any other inflammation within the treatment area. This focus on improving treatment not only boosts personal satisfaction, but it also assists in creating a well established foundation for any similar treatments in the future.
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!
Physical Therapy Services: Common Lower Back Injuries
Lower back pain is caused by a variety of different issues and understanding the cause can be especially helpful when seeking treatment. In the event pain is from one of the more common lower back injuries, then the likelihood physical therapy treatments will assist is going to be helpful. One of the best ideas associated with physical therapy is being able to receive a personalized plan of action to assist in the desired results for whatever the case may be, from returning mobility to pain reduction. Having this specified approach for each individual also allows for the recovery plan to be targeted and personalized to fit the needs of each patient.
Strains
Injury strains in the lower back are one of the most common culprits for individuals requiring physical therapy. Typically these are the result of improper lifting techniques, trying to move too much weight, or twisting/turning when carrying some heavy object. The notice for these types of injuries is almost instant, but they also may arise over time after having moved in a certain way.
Arthritis
Over time arthritis can occur in the joints and bones of humans and unfortunately, the lower back is no different. If the spine becomes inflamed then similar pain is going to arise from the impacted areas. While arthritis may be more common to the hands and feet, lower back arthritis is also a cause for chronic pain in many individuals.
Herniated Disk
There are many different causes for a herniated disk, but even sleeping in an improper position can lead to lower back pain. These issues cause pain and potentially swelling, causing those affected to seek treatment in order to alleviate some of the issues. Depending on the specific cause, a targeted physical therapy regimen could aid in providing some comfort.
Fracture
Lower back injuries causing a break in the bone are also common and can lead to a debilitating condition. If you’ve ever even strained the back, then you know any injury here comes with a constant reminder of the issue regardless of how you move. With a fracture, this is definitely the case and should be adhered to appropriately to help ease any issue and prevent further damage.
If you have suffered a lower back 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: Benefits for Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone related disease which decreases density and increases the risk for a break or fracture in the event of any high impact. Most frequently, this occurs when older individuals take an unexpected fall and then realize they have broken a bone. While unfortunate, often these individuals aren’t even aware they may have this disease until it’s too late. Fortunately there are many benefits to undergoing a physical therapy plan for those who either already suffer from osteoporosis or fear they may be in danger, should they take an unexpected slip, trip, or fall.
Strength
A personalized physical therapy plan should be implemented to help strengthen the body . These exercises and plans help boost how a person’s body responds to the aging process and may assist in protecting them from suffering any injuries during some other impactful event.
Balance
As individuals age their balance typically becomes more and more of an issue. Often, those who are elderly may be at risk more so than others of falling and physical therapy assists in maintaining balance. Depending on the individual, therapists will create a specialized plan of action to address any areas of concern.
Mechanics
The physical mechanics of moving - walking, stairs, bending, lifting, etc. - are subject to vulnerability due to osteoporosis and a physical therapy regimen can help. Individuals who need assistance in creating or returning to their best bodily mechanics to an optimum performance level can benefit from taking part in a specialized physical therapy plan.
Pain Relief
Many individuals who suffer from osteoporosis also endure chronic pain, but starting a physical therapy plan will assist in eliminating this issue. Depending on the care being needed, a therapist may be able to service the individuals and help alleviate the constant pain that many deal with each and every day.
If you or someone you know may have osteoporosis, 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!
Physical Therapy Services: Five Helpful Rehabilitation Activities
Helping reduce pain and manage movement, physical therapy covers a broad range of applications. Not only are there different reasons for administering these practices, but the benefits cover an entire range of different capabilities. Serving in the realm of rehabilitation, there are five areas where physical therapy is especially prevalent. These specifications not only apply to those attempting a recovery, but they can also benefit individuals who are aging and those who may need an area of focus to enhance their mobility.
Universal Conditioning
One area where rehabilitation services impact everyday life is when it comes to universal conditioning. Essentially, being able to implicate some style of daily walking and movement for individuals is especially beneficial. These characteristics not only help increase blood flow, but it also assists in improving joint flexibility and lung capacity for increased efforts as time passes.
Joint Range-of-Motion
Another common application for rehabilitation involves the ability to increase range of motion of any impacted joints. These practices help manage pain and allow for those affected to return movement patterns previously administered without any pain or restriction.
Targeted Strength
Certain exercises also allow for those in the midst of rehab to target areas needing increased strength. Muscle building activities centered around standing, walking, and other mobile activities assists in building upon a foundation for movement. These targeted strength ideas also allow for an additional focus on critical areas of need for those individuals being prescribed rehabilitation activities.
Balance and Coordination
Another critical realm of focus for all rehabilitation exercises revolves around balance and coordination. Being able to stabilize an individuals’ movements, helps them feel confident in their abilities and allows for an improved quality of life knowing they can be left to their own functional mobility.
Transitional Activity
In the event mobility becomes a significant issue, working on transitional activities is helpful. These options include a focus on being able to safely maneuver from one position to another, including: bed to a walker, chair to a walker, wheelchair to bed, seated to standing, etc. Focusing on these everyday movements helps individuals build the strength, confidence, and capability to safely execute each action.
If you or someone you know suffers from mobility issues, needs assistance with recovery, 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!