North Platte Physical Therapy - Torrington

 
 

We opened the Torrington clinic in February of 2006 as the 13th clinic in our company. North Platte Physical Therapy came to Torrington with one goal:

To provide quality professional care with a family-friendly atmosphere to the people of Goshen County and surrounding areas.

In March 2012 we were proud to move into our current state-of-the-art facility. This facility has allowed for additional program development in fall prevention and youth athletic performance programs as well as being able to add professional staff and increase our depth and breadth of knowledge in order to offer industry-leading therapy techniques to patients of all ages and injuries.

Click Here to View Our Events

Location Details

307-532-5355  Send Email Submit Paperwork Now Hiring!

Address: 1301 East M Street, Torrington, WY 82240
Hours: Therapy - Mon - Thurs: 7AM - 6PM, Fri: 7AM - 5PM | Fitness - Mon - Thurs: 7AM - 6PM, Fri: 7AM - 5PM
Fax: 307-532-5455

Meet the Staff

Marnie Elizabeth Herring, DPT, LAT, ATC, OCS, SFMA

Partner, Clinic Supervisor

My first experience with physical therapy was as a patient in high school. I was very active in sports and was driven, encouraged, and challenged by my physical therapist to return to a competitive level. Because of that experience, I wanted to become a physical therapist and athletic trainer so that I might have the same influence on young athletes and active individuals. I have been blessed with that opportunity and am honored to have MY physical therapist as a colleague and partner now. Physical therapy should be a positive experience and should provide the patient with life goals that lead to good health.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, Creighton University
  • Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, University of Northern Colorado

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations Certified
  • National Athletic Trainers' Association Board Certified
  • SFMA Level 1 & 2
  • Practical Blood Flow Restriction
  • National Athletic Training Board Certified
  • Dry Needling Certified
  • FMS 1 & 2 Certified
  • Graston Certified
  • Kinesio Tape Certified
  • Impact Trained Athletic Trainer
  • Worksaver Certified
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate

Professional Society Memberships:

  • National Athletic Training Association
  • American Physical Therapy Association

Hometown: Douglas, WY

Family: Husband, Crockett Herring, son, Bodie, daughter, Brenna

Hobbies: Following her children with their sports, cycling, team roping & quilting.

 
Quinn Carroll PT, MSPT

My father and I worked together in the oilfield. One day he was badly injured in an accident and had to have major surgery on his hip and knee. Over the next few years he underwent hip and knee replacement several times and each time physical therapy was a requirement to help him recover. When I finally went back to school, I knew I wanted to be in a profession that helped others as much as he had been helped. It was a natural choice for me.
I have been blessed to have been in this profession for almost 3 decades and I still feel passionate about it. It has been said many times that it really isn't work if you love what you do and it really isn't work for me. When I'm not enjoying my time in the clinic, you can find me golfing, hiking, looking for nature in various ways, or enjoying the intricacies of good food and drink. 

Education:

  • Master of Science in Physical Therapy, Andrews University, Berrien Springs MI
  • Bachelor of Science, Andrews University, Berrien Springs MI
  • Associate Degree, Brainerd Community College, Brainerd, MN    
  • A whole bunch of school of life in between!!

Certifications/Specialized Training: 

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • Certified Kinesiotaping
  • Visceral Manipulation I-VI from The Barral Institute
  • Manual Physical Therapy Classes 1-8, Institute of Physical Art, Steamboat Springs, CO
  • More than 50 continuing education classes ranging in topics from skull, neck, back, and pelvis injuries to joint replacements. 
  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
  • Certification in Applied Functional Science
  • By default, I have become knowledgeable and proficient in chronic pain management.
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine

Community Involvement: 

I am a Mason and within the Masonic family, I am a York Rite member and a Shriner.  I also enjoy participating in the various festivals and community events in Southeast WY. 

Hometown:  I was raised in the Pavilion/Riverton area of Wyoming and have always considered the Wind River Valley my home regardless of where my house is. I graduated from Wind River High School. I have lived in many states over the years all across the northern border of the US but call Torrington home for now.

Family:  I have three children, all busy adulting themselves. One is in Oregon, one in Colorado, and the other in Cheyenne. I also have two granddaughters who are, undoubtedly, the smartest and prettiest grandchildren anywhere!

 
Emily Yorges, DPT, LAT, ATC, SFMA

I have had a strong passion for athletic training since high school, and always knew it would be the career path I would take. Being able to work in the clinic as well as working with student-athletes at school gives me a unique opportunity to see their injuries firsthand, followed by taking them through a sport-specific rehabilitation program to return them to their sport. There's nothing I love more about my job than seeing an athlete come back after an injury, and helping them return to their sport with confidence and the strength to play to the level they were at before their injury.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Promotion-Athletic Training 

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • SFMA Level 1
  • Hawk Grips Level 1 & 2
  • Graston Level 1
  • IMPACT Trained Athletic Trainer
  • Wyoming Licensed Athletic Trainer
  • National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Certification
  • Sportsmetrics Certified
  • FMS Levels 1 & 2 Certified

Professional Society Memberships:

  • Rocky Mountain Athletic Training Association
  • National Athletic Training Association

Community Involvement:

  • Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries Instructor
  • Goshen County High School's Athletic Trainer

Hometown: Douglas, WY

Family: Husband, Colin; sons, Colby and Dax

Hobbies: Raising club cattle

Tara Nicolay, PTA SMFA

There is nothing more rewarding to me than being stopped by a former patient on the street and being told that because of what we did for them they can enjoy their life again.  There is nothing better than a hug or happy tears from a patient that just met a goal they thought unattainable.  This job gives me a real sense of accomplishment that is hard to find anywhere else.

Education: 

  • Associate of Science, Physical Therapy Assistant
  • Bachelor of Science, Wellness Management

Certification/Specialized training: 

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • IAOM Elbow Course
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
  • Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy       
  • Nebraska Board of Physical Therapy
  • Certification for Sole Support Orthotics
  • Certification for Graston Technique
  • Certification for Kinesiotaping
  • Certified Cupping Therapist
  • LSVT Big Certification
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate

Hometown: Torrington, WY

Family: Husband:  Robb, Children: Tyler and Regan

Hobbies: Reading, Scrapbooking, Crocheting/Knitting, Watching sporting events, Playing with my children

 
Melanie Herring, PTA, SFMA

Education: 

  • Bachelor of Science in Human Biology
  • Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant

Certifications/Specialized Training: 

  • IAOM Elbow Course
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Elbow
  • Certification in Fall and Prevention
  • Certification in Kinesio Taping
  • Certification For Sole Support Orthotics
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
  • LSVT Big Certification
  • Otago Exercise Program
  • Gray's Applied Funcational Science
  • Community Falls Prevention
  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine

Professional Society Memberships: 

  • Wyoming Board of Physical Therapy
  • Nebraska Board of Physical Therapy

Hometown: Chadron, NE

Family: Husband, Boone, Children, Cade & Cord

Hobbies: Scrapbooking, kayaking, horseback riding

 
MEGAN DUNCAN MS, ATC, LAT, NASM-PES, NASM-CES, ITAT

Athletic training allows me to combine my love of sports with that of healthcare. Athletic training allows me to provide injury prevention as well as recovery and rehabilitation after the injury. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing an athlete pour their heart and soul into their injury recovery and step back onto the field or court. 

Education:

  • Master of Science in Exercise Science, Eastern New Mexico University
  • Bachelor of Science in Biology, Emphasis on Human Biology, Chadron State College

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification 
  • Wyoming Licensed Athletic Trainer
  • National Academy of Sports Medicine Performance Enhancement Specialist Certificate
  • National Academy of Sports Medicine Corrective Exercises Specialist Certificate
  • Impact Trained Athletic Trainer
  • IASTM Certification
  • Kinesiology Taping Certification
  • American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor
  • Stop The Bleed Instructor
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate

Professional Society Memberships:

  • Rocky Mountain Athletic Trainers’ Association
  • National Athletic Trainers’ Association

Community Service:

  • Goshen County Victims Assistance Program

Hometown: Fort Laramie, WY

Family: I was born and raised in Goshen County and have recently returned after living and working in the Houston, TX, area as the Head Athletic Trainer at a large high school.  

Hobbies: Spending time with family, managing the family farm, cooking, reading, and spending time with my dogs. 

Services Offered

Latest News & Info

Casper Physical Therapy Explains High School Football Injuries

October 31, 2018

Casper Physical Therapy Explains High School Football Injuries
Each year, there are more than a half million injuries each year on American high school football fields. Given the severity and impact of these injuries, it is best to act as soon as possible—even if signs and symptoms seem non-existent. It is a mistake many students make that can affect them throughout their life. Learn about the top types of high school football injuries, handling concussions, and using Casper physical therapy to recover. 
 

Most Common Types of Injuries


Given that football is a contact sport, injuries may occur. Some of the most common injuries experienced by student athletes include:

Achilles tendonitis: Swelling can occur when the Achilles tendon (back of the ankle) is strained. 
Fractures: Contact or quick movements can lead to fractures in the hands, legs, and more. 
Knee: Occurring from rapid twisting movements or contact, ligaments in the knee can be stretched or torn. 
Rotator cuff: The rotator cuff is a primary support within the shoulder. When strained, it can lead to radiating arm pain. 
Strains: Strains occur when muscles in an area have been overly stretched. They can be painful when overly extended or if they tear. 
Sprains: Sprains arise when ligaments, which connect muscles to bones, are negatively impacted. They can be overstretched or tear. 

Handling Concussions


Concussions are brain injuries, commonly due to an impact to the head, as well as quick, rapid movements. These rapid movements cause the brain to move around, causing issues. This movement can cause bruising or problems with crucial blood vessels. Upon receiving a blow, a student-athlete should be checked out as soon as possible. Signs of a concussion include: 
  • Blurred vision
  • Brain fog
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Nausea
  • Slurred speech
  • Tinnitus
  • Vomiting

The go-to way a student-athlete needs to recover from a concussion is to rest. Many wonder, “is it safe to sleep if you have a concussion?” If symptoms are minimal, it may be fine. It is best to go by the advice of a doctor to be certain. In extreme cases, falling asleep with a concussion can lead to a loss of consciousness. 

Recovery and Physical Therapy


For injured student football players, it is imperative to see a local physical throughout the recovery process. A premier physical therapist will ensure your student takes proper measures for a swift and successful recovery. From there, physical therapists can help the student improve their sport. This can be done by teaching various stances and techniques to avoid injuries. Students that have not sustained an injury will still benefit from training with a physical therapist to avoid getting hurt in the future. For many students, an injury can be career ending, which is unfortunate before their actual athletic career really begins. 

If your child has sustained an injury playing football, North Platte Physical Therapy’s sports medicine team will aid in their recovery. Specializing in student-athletes, we can help with recovery as well as athletic training. This will help your student avoid injuries in the future and become a stronger, quality athlete. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. 
 
Read More...

What Your Physical Therapist Has to Say About Keeping Knee Injuries From Occurring

October 17, 2018

What Your Physical Therapist Has to Say About Keeping Knee Injuries From Occurring
If you’re an athlete—either someone who competes or just a weekend warrior—chances are pretty good that you have experienced some kind of knee issue. In fact, knee injuries are one of the most common reasons people seek out treatment such as physical therapy. Not only do knee injuries hurt, but they can prevent you from participating in the sports you love—and they can make life difficult in general. Before your healthy knees become unhealthy knees, read on to find out what a Cheyenne, WY physical therapist has to say about how you can protect your knees from injury.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Even just the stress of walking can harm your knees if you are carrying around extra pounds. Then if you had sports into the mix, you are really adding to the burden your knees must handle. Keep your weight at an appropriate level for your height to keep your knees from being unduly stressed.

Find Low-Impact Activities

If you are carrying around a few extra pounds that you want to lose, or if your knees have a tendency to be tender, sticking to low-impact activities can really help the impact on your knees while still keeping you active. If you are looking for cardio options, there are plenty of machines at the gym, such as the elliptical, that can give your heart a good workout and keep your knees protected.

Warm Up Before and Stretch After Each Work Out

Both of these are easy to skip when you are eager to get started competing or working out, but both are important to your routine. Warming up will loosen up muscles and tendons, making you less prone to injury. Stretching after your workout will help with mobility, and also help to protect you from injury.

Wear Good Quality Shoes

If you are on your feet a lot—whether for sports or for everyday life—wear the right shoes for the job. If you stand a lot for your job, the proper footwear can protect your knees as well as your back. They can also keep you more comfortable all day. If you are into a sport such as running, go to a professional running store so they can recommend the proper shoe. This article has good information on appropriate shoes for both walking and running: 10 Best Walking and Running Shoes for Bad Knees and OA Knee Pain.

Strength Train

Strength training—as long as you are using proper form—can strengthen the muscles and tendons in your legs, making less prone to injury. Have a coach or personal trainer give you training on proper form as this is essential to prevent injuries. 

Seek Physical Therapy When Needed

Sometimes injuries and strains happen, and when they do, don’t hesitate to seek out the help of a physical therapist to help you get past the pain. You can find out more about seeing a physical therapist and learning what to expect by reading here.

At North Platte Physical Therapy, we want our patients to have healthy knees and live a pain-free life. If you have suffered an injury, we invite you to contact North Platte Physical Therapy to learn more about how we can help you recover. Our staff is well known throughout Wyoming because of our strong commitment to our patients. We can fulfill comprehensive physical therapy services, and we look forward to creating a custom a treatment plan based on your needs. Contact us today!
 
Read More...

When to Use Ice Versus Heat for Injuries

October 10, 2018

When to Use Ice Versus Heat for Injuries
When you are hurting from a muscle strain or an injury, you might be wondering if you should treat your pain with ice or heat. Treating chronic pain with either can be highly effective, but it’s crucial to know which situations call for which treatment—and which call for both. Take the advice of a physical therapist to ensure you are using them effectively.
Let’s take a look at when you should be using ice versus heat.

Use Heat for Muscle Pain or Stiffness

There are two different types of heat you can use for muscle pain or stiffness: dry heat and moist heat. If you have ever used a heating pad, then you know how easy it is to apply dry heat. Moist heat can come from a source such as a steaming towel or a hot bath.
There is also heat from an ultrasound, which can be highly effective. Sitting in a sauna is another option.
Heat therapy can soothe muscles and damaged tissue because it increases blood flow and temperature in the area, which promotes healing. Be sure you are using warm heat rather than hot.

Be sure you do not use heat therapy for the following:
  • There is a bruise or burn in the affected area.
  • There is a pre-existing condition such as diabetes, dermatitis, multiple sclerosis, or vascular disease that can be negatively affected by the heat.
  • If you are pregnant, use of a hot tub or sauna for heat therapy is not recommended.
Applying heat therapy to the affected area for 15 to 30 minutes is often enough to relieve pain and stiffness.

Use Ice for Injuries, Pain, Inflammation, and Swelling

Cold therapy does the opposite of heat therapy in that it draws blood flow away from the affected area. This can help reduce swelling and inflammation. It also numbs the area, temporarily relieving pain.
You can purchase ice packs at the drugstore, which you keep in the freezer to use when needed. They come in all different kinds of shapes and sizes.
There are also coolant sprays available. Ice baths are another option that athletes often use to reduce potential swelling after a particularly tough workout.
Don’t use cold therapy if you have sensory disorders or poor circulation.
Never apply a cold pack directly to the skin; wrap it first in a towel or cloth or it can damage the skin and tissues.
Cold therapy is most effective when it is used several times throughout the day for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, applied to the affected area.
If you need more information about treating pain or injuries with ice or heat, give us a call today. North Platte is your go-to local physical therapist in Douglas, WY to provide the services that will get you feeling better and stronger. Our expert staff is respected throughout the Wyoming and Nebraska areas for providing superior and customized physical therapy services. We can handle any of your physical therapy needs. Fill out our contact form to get started and to find a location near you.
 
Read More...

Casper Physical Therapy Tips to Combat Sedentary Lifestyles

October 3, 2018

Casper Physical Therapy Tips to Combat Sedentary Lifestyles
If you have a desk job and a commute into work every day, you are like many people who spend too much time sitting all day. Some experts are calling this the “new smoking” because it is having such a detrimental impact on our overall health—similar to the negative effects of smoking cigarettes. A lot of people are even suffering from chronic pain because of this unhealthy way of life. There are things you can do, however, and here are some tips from a Casper physical therapy expert.

Take Frequent Walking Breaks

It’s easy to sit at your desk hour after hour without getting up, but frequent walking breaks is good for your health. Instead of instant messaging someone in your office, get up and walk to speak face-to-face. If you forget to get up, get one of the popular fitness trackers on the market and set up reminders to get up for a few minutes every hour or so. (These trackers can also help make sure you get a minimum number of steps in each day.)

Take the Stairs

If you have the opportunity to choose the stairs or an elevator, always take the stairs. Stair-climbing burns a lot of calories—and it is good for your heart.

Stand Up When You Can

When you are a phone call stand up and walk around, if possible. Or ask your company to invest in a standing desk for you. Most of them are affordable and adjustable so you can move back and forth between sitting and standing.

Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is good for your body—and it will mean more frequent trips to the restroom, which will get you moving more. If you are wondering just how much water is enough, take a look at this article: How Much Water Should You Drink Each Day?

Park Far Away

Don’t look for the closest parking spot; find one that will force you to walk a bit farther—whether you are at the office or the mall. This is a good way to incorporate more walking into your day.

Hit the Gym or the Trail

If you aren’t already working out, make it a part of your normal routine. You don’t need to spend hours each day at the gym or run 10 miles at a time to benefit. Even just 20 minutes a day will go a long way toward improving your health.
If you can incorporate the above tips into your life, you will be well on your way to staying in motion, which is crucial for your overall wellbeing.

Contact North Platte Physical Therapy to learn more about the effects a sedentary lifestyle can have on your body. Our staff is admired throughout the Wyoming and Nebraska areas because of our commitment to our clients. We can fulfill comprehensive physical therapy services, and we are happy to customize a treatment plan that can help you go to your job every day without serious health ramifications. Give us a call!
 
Read More...

Advice on Warming Up Versus Stretching Before Your Workout

September 26, 2018

Advice on Warming Up Versus Stretching Before Your Workout
For most people, when they hear the terms “stretching” and “warming up” they consider them to be the same thing. But the fact is that they are two different things that serve two different purposes for your body. When it comes to your workout, both are important and should be a part of your routine. Let’s take a look at how a Cheyenne, WY physical therapist defines the two and explains when it is appropriate for both in your training program.

The Difference Between Stretching and Warming Up

Warming up is the act of increasing your core temperature and getting blood to flow to your muscles. Stretching is designed to help increase your flexibility as well as your range of motion. Warming up should be done before your workout whereas stretching should be done afterward—or when you body is already warm.
Read what the experts at Fitness Magazine have to say about getting your body warmed up prior to a workout in this article: The 5-Minute Warm-Up You Need Before Any Workout.

The Benefits of Stretching and Warming Up

Warming up—When you warm up before working out, you increase your heart rate, which means your muscles get more blood and oxygen. It also raises your body temperature so that your muscles and tendons will work better during strenuous exercise. If you have any tightness in your muscles before working out, a warmup will help decrease that. It will also improve your range of motion.
Most experts recommend that you warm up the muscles you plan to focus on during your workout. For instance, if you are at the gym to do back squats, air squats should be part of your pre-workout warmup routine.
Stretching—It’s best to stretch when your body is already warmed up, so it often makes the most sense to stretch after your workout rather than before. Stretching will help increase flexibility, which can decrease your chance of feeling pain—after a workout or on a daily basis. Stretching one part of the body often impacts another part. For example, if you stretch the hamstring area regularly, this can lessen the chance that you’ll have a sore back from sitting at a computer all day. 
Whether you are a serious athlete or a weekend warrior, injury prevention means that you can enjoy your activities rather than sit on the bench. Be sure to warm up and stretch every time you work out.
Find out more about the importance of stretching and warming up, as well as Sportsmetrics, which is a scientifically proven program designed to help prevent serious knee injuries, by contacting our office.
If you have suffered an injury and want to add physical therapy to your routine, North Platte is your go-to local physical therapist in Cheyenne, WY to provide the services that will get you feeling better and stronger. Our expert staff is respected throughout the Wyoming and Nebraska areas for providing superior and customized physical therapy services. We can handle any of your physical therapy needs. Fill out our contact form to get started and to find a location near you.

 
Read More...