Monument Physical Therapy - Gering

 
 

Monument Physical Therapy is a therapist-owned practice specializing in delivering individualized care for patients of all ages.  We have been serving the Scottsbluff/Gering valley since November of 2009.  We are excited to offer rehabilitation services including orthopedics, post-operative care, stroke rehabilitation, vestibular rehabilitation, women's health, pediatrics, work hardening, functional capacity evaluations, and aquatics.  

We provide treatments such as biofeedback, dry needling, Graston technique, cupping therapy, blood flow restriction, and kinesio taping to offer our patients the latest and most advanced procedures in manual therapy available for faster and better results.  Monument Physical Therapy's staff provides treatment for athletes before and after games to keep them at the top of their game. 

Our goal is to provide the most complete care for each individual patient.  To learn more call or stop by and see how we can serve you.

Location Details


Address: 3315 10th Street, Gering, NE 69341
Hours: Mon - Thurs: 7AM - 6PM, Fri: 7AM - 5PM
Fax: 308-633-5365
Meghan Roper, PT, DPT, OCS, SFMA

Clinic Supervisor


Therapy is not one size fits all.  In the past five years, I have come to appreciate my patients for their unique differences.  I am passionate about providing individualized care that gets to the root of the problem and treat treating my patients as a whole.  I am passionate about orthopedic, neurological, and pelvic health conditions, and I am motivated by my patients' results.

Education:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Nebraska Medical Center
  • Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Nebraska Wesleyan University

Professional Society Memberships:

  • Nebraska Physical Therapy Association
  • American Physical Therapy Association

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
  • Orthopedic Certified Specialist
  • A Systematic Approach to Examination, Diagnosis, and Manual Therapy of the Wrist Part 1
  • Practical Blood Flow Restriction
  • CarFit Technician
  • Level I Intramuscular Therapy (Dry Needling)
  • SFMA Level 1 - Selective Functional Movement Assessment
  • Level 1 Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
  • Fundamentals of Pregnancy and Postpartum Physical Therapy
  • ErgoScience FCE Trained
  • Pelvic Floor Level 2A: Colorectal Conditions, Pudendal Nerve Dysfunction, Male Pelvic Floor
  • Pelvic Floor Level 2B: Urogynecologic Exam & Treatment
  • Vestibular Certification
  • Kevin Wilkes: Online and Live Certificate
  • IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine
  • Modern Management of the Older Adult

Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska

Family: Husband: Cody, Stepson: Mason, Son: Noah

Hobbies: Hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, and camping

Josh Hill, PTA, SFMA

While in high school I injured my shoulder playing football and required physical therapy.  This was followed by multiple track injuries that also required PT treatments.  I began my studies in college focusing on Exercise Science.  During that time, I worked as a physical therapy technician in an outpatient physical therapy clinic and realized that my passion was in rehabilitation.  That was when I began pursuing my career in Physical Therapy Assistance. 

Education:

  • Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assistance, Clarkson College

Professional Society Memberships:

  • Nebraska Physical Therapy Association
  • American Physical Therapy Association

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • Blood Restriction
  • A Systematic Approach to Examination, Diagnosis, and Manual Therapy of the Wrist Part 1
  • Practical Blood Flow Restriction
  • Nebraska Coaching Certification 2010
  • Sportsmetrics Certification 2010
  • Niel-Asher trained for Treatment of Frozen Shoulder 2010
  • CarFit Technician
  • SFMA Level 1 - Selective Functional Movement Assessment
  • Certified Cupping Therapist

Hometown: Grand Island, Nebraska

Family: Wife: Sundee, Children: Cora, Tea , Easton

Hobbies: Being outdoors with family, swimming, biking, playing in the snow

 
Toni Rice, PTA, SFMA

Throughout high school and college, I was very active in competitive running.  I ended up becoming a patient at one point in my running career and after seeing how much physical therapy helped, I realized at that moment that I wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy and help people of all ages recover from injuries as well.   I couldn't be happier with my choice. Every day I learn something new from my patients and find pure joy in helping them achieve something that is important to them.  In the end, I have gained some of the greatest friendships.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Concordia University
  • Associate of Science in Physical Therapy Assistance, Clarkson College

Professional Society Memberships:

  • Nebraska Physical Therapy Association
  • American Physical Therapy Association

Certifications/Specialized Training:

  • Advanced Topics in the Examination, Evaluation, and Treatment of the Shoulder and Knee
  • IAOM - Clinical Examination and Manual Therapy of the Acute Lumbar Spine and SI Joint
  • Therapeutic Neuroscience Education
  • SFMA Level 1 - Selective Functional Movement Assessment
  • Certified Cupping Therapist
  •  IAOM: Differential Diagnosis and Musculoskeletal Management of the Cervical Spine
  • Athletes & Pelvic Rehabilitation
  • Functional Strengthening in Children
  • Autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing impairments
  • The Power of Play: Effective Play-based Therapy and Early Intervention
  • Diagnosis and Management of the Thoracic Spine
  • Modern Management of the Older Adult

Hometown: Bayard, Nebraska

Family: Husband: Nate, Sons: Luke and Blake

Hobbies: Spending time with family and puppy Oakley, being at the lake in the summer, running for fun, and being outdoors.

 

Services Offered



Latest News & Info


Why Physical Therapy Is Essential for Work Injuries: Insights from North Platte Physical Therapy


Why Physical Therapy Is Essential for Work Injuries: Insights from North Platte Physical Therapy
Work injuries can be extremely painful and inconvenient for employees and employers. These types of injuries often result in a loss of productivity and sometimes weeks of pain, and in some cases, work injuries can even lead to permanent disability. In 2014, nearly 13,000 claims were filed in Wyoming alone for non-fatal work-related injuries or illnesses. It is also stated that approximately 87% of the claims were accepted. As you can see, work injuries are a common issue many people have to deal with. If you or a loved one is looking for treatment after an injury that occurred at your workplace, then North Platte Physical Therapy is here to help.

Full Services for Work-Related Injuries

When an injury occurs in the workplace, physical therapists at North Platte Physical Therapy know that recovering means much more than just alleviating pain. Restoring the highest level of function that is needed in order to return to one’s work is a primary goal. North Platte Physical Therapy has many services for work-related injuries, and the physical therapy treatment plans are all individualized to each patient, to ensure that they are getting the best care to return to their occupation with strength, flexibility, and peace of mind. This goal is made possible by working with the patient in a one-on-one setting.

Work Injury Prevention

One of the main goals of work injury physical therapy is preventing the injury from recurring. Patients who have received an injury at their place of work are taught body mechanics to make sure they are using their bodies correctly during their day to day activities. Posture can also be addressed to prevent any further injuries. Physical therapists at North Platte Physical Therapy will also have patients increase their strength in muscle groups that are important for that patient’s occupation. This type of customized physical therapy has been known to not only help patients heal, but give them the information they need to take better care of themselves in the long term.

Functional Capacity Evaluation

Physical therapists at North Platte Physical Therapy can also perform what is known as a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE). An FCE is a series of tests that are used to give an objective measurement of the patient’s ability to perform specific work tasks safely. It can take a day or two to complete and results are used to aid the patient and employer in determining which job classifications the patient can safely return to following their work-related injury.

Pre-Work Screens & Return-to-Work Testing

Helping employees stay healthy is just as important as helping injured employees recover from their work-related injuries. North Platte Physical Therapy has worked with businesses all across Wyoming and Nebraska to help them perform what is known as pre-work screens for potential employees. By screening new potential hires, businesses are able to find out whether or not a new employee is capable of meeting the physical demands that are required in a certain position. Having these screens can reduce injury rates and keep the workforce as a whole safer.

Return-to-work testing also plays an important role in this. By giving employees who are returning from an injury a proper evaluation, it can ensure that the employees are truly ready to return to work and that they won’t re-injure themselves by returning too early.

Ergonomic Testing

North Platte Physical Therapy has certified professionals who are also available to come into the workplace and perform ergonomic assessments. Ergonomic specialists can be sent into the work environment to assess the patient’s work space as well as the flow of work. This will allow them to give proper solutions to modify the work space and the patient’s movements in order to reduce their risk of injury and increase their work capacity and efficiency.

Visit North Platte Physical Therapy at Multiple Locations

North Platte Physical Therapy is available at multiple locations across Wyoming and Nebraska. They have locations in Casper, Cheyenne, Gillette, Glenrock, Powell, Torrington, and more. This allows people in rural areas to have access to quality physical therapy just as much as people in major metropolitan areas. This is extremely beneficial for employees of all types and in all occupations.

Conclusion

Work injuries are more common than you may think, and with the right physical therapy, rehabilitation is possible. North Platte Physical Therapy has the knowledge and staff that is needed to help you get back to work with minimal trouble and delays. From proper physical therapy and treatment plans to work injury prevention and ergonomic testing, they can help with all aspects of getting injured employees back on their feet.

Give North Platte Physical Therapy a call today if you would like more information about their work injury physical therapy services.
 
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Why Physical Therapy Is an Effective Solution for Chronic Pain


Why Physical Therapy Is an Effective Solution for Chronic Pain
Experiencing pain is bad enough, but when it never goes away, it can become a major source of stress and frustration. Chronic pain can be caused by a number of different conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or an injury that never fully heals. Living with constant pain can take a toll on your physical and emotional well-being and make it difficult to perform even the simplest daily tasks. Fortunately, there are ways to manage chronic pain so that you can regain control of your life and start living again. In this article, we will discuss what physical therapy can do to help.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is any pain that lasts longer than three months or which persists even after the injury or illness that caused it has healed. It can range from mild to severe and can affect any part of the body. Some common chronic pain conditions are osteoarthritis, lower back pain, neck pain, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and post-surgical pain.

Traditional management of chronic pain often involves the use of medications. This approach can be very successful in the short term but often has side effects that limit its use. In addition, people often become dependent on these medications and may experience withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop taking them.

Physical therapy is a great alternative to drug-based pain management because it is non-invasive and has no side effects. In addition, physical therapy can be tailored to the individual, making it more effective in the long run.

Physical therapy can help with chronic pain in many ways. It can help to improve function and reduce the amount of pain that you are in. Physical therapy can also help to increase your range of motion and flexibility. In addition, physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles around your joints, which can help to reduce the amount of pain that you are in.

Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain Management

1. Identifies the cause of the pain:

A physical therapist is trained to understand how various parts of your body work together and can identify the underlying cause of your pain. Physical therapists typically use a combination of manual therapy and exercise to treat patients, but they may also prescribe other modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

2. Creates a tailored rehabilitation program for you:

Once the cause of your pain is identified, a physical therapist will create a customized rehabilitation program designed to target your specific problem areas. This may include strengthening and stretching exercises as well as manual therapy techniques.

3. Teaches you how to manage your pain:

Physical therapists can also teach you how to manage your pain on a daily basis. This may include educating you on proper body mechanics, teaching you stretching and strengthening exercises to do at home, and providing you with tools to help manage flare-ups.

4. Can help you to avoid or delay surgery:

In some cases, physical therapy may be able to help you avoid or delay surgery. This is because surgery is often the last resort for treating chronic pain. If all other conservative treatments have failed, then surgery may be necessary. However, if physical therapy is successful in reducing your pain levels, then surgery can be delayed or avoided altogether.

5. Helps you stay active:

One of the best things about physical therapy is that it can help you to stay active, even when you’re in pain. Exercise is an important part of rehabilitation, and staying active can help to improve your strength and flexibility while also reducing the amount of pain that you’re in.

Physical therapy is an excellent way to manage chronic pain, and it should be considered by anyone who is struggling with this condition. If you’re not sure where to start, then talk to your doctor or another medical professional about getting a referral for physical therapy.
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Comprehensive Physical Therapy Services at North Platte Physical Therapy


Finding quality physical therapy services in Wyoming and western Nebraska can be a challenge for many patients who are looking to improve their quality of life by reducing pain and increasing mobility. North Platte Physical Therapy offers 18 conveniently located clinics for those in need of quality services across areas such as Casper, Cheyenne, Gillette, and Scottsbluff.

Explore North Platte Physical Therapy’s Range of Specialized Physical Therapy Services

Patients receive a variety of physical therapy services with licensed professionals who can help. Whether you are injured, have a chronic condition, or need to rehabilitate after surgery, North Platte Physical Therapy is ready to help you on your journey to mobility. Some of their most popular physical therapy services include:

Orthopedic Therapy

Orthopedic physical therapy involves treating injuries and conditions that affect muscles, bones, and joints. This type of therapy can include rehabilitation for joint replacement, fractures, sprains, strains, and sports injuries. The licensed therapists at North Platte Physical Therapy work with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan to help reduce pain and inflammation, improve strength and flexibility, and restore mobility. By providing effective orthopedic therapy, patients can often avoid surgery or the need for medications.

Spine Care

North Platte Physical Therapy provides an expert program for patients looking to manage and recover from chronic back and neck pain. Through a targeted program, patients can access services such as manual therapy, stretching, strengthening exercises, posture improvement, and more. All services are customized to manage pain and rehabilitate injuries and conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, or degenerative spine disorders.

Neurological Services

Patients who suffer from neurological conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or spinal cord injury can receive expert neurological physical therapy. Their neurological physical therapists work with patients to develop a treatment plan to improve function, mobility, motor control, balance, and coordination. The goal is to help patients overcome their specific conditions and become as independent as possible.

Sports Medicine

Sports medicine physical therapy can provide a number of benefits for athletes and active individuals. Whether you are looking to improve performance or prevent injuries, North Platte Physical Therapy has the tools to help you meet your goals. Some of the ways they can help athletes include rehabilitating after sports injuries and providing individualized conditioning programs to stay in top shape all year long.

Work Injury Rehabilitation

If you have a work-related injury, it is important to seek out focused rehabilitation based on the type of injury you suffered and the physical demands of your job. North Platte Physical Therapy has a network of licensed therapists who can provide a comprehensive plan to help you recover from your injuries and return to work safely and quickly.

Pediatric Therapy

Pediatric physical therapy can provide a number of benefits for children who are struggling with developmental delays, congenital conditions, or injuries. The licensed physical therapists at North Platte are experienced in working with children and providing them with the therapy they need to improve mobility, coordination, and strength, while also working to help them become more independent.

Women’s Health and Pelvic Therapy

North Platte Physical Therapy also provides pelvic therapy and other women’s health-focused physical therapy services to help women overcome their unique physical challenges and concerns. Some of these services may include treating urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and other types of pelvic health issues. Pelvic health is an important part of a women’s overall health and well-being, and physical therapy can play an important role in managing and treating pelvic floor dysfunction.

Post-Cancer Treatment Rehabilitation

Cancer and its treatments can take a physical toll on the body and impact the way that patients function and move. Through a post-cancer physical therapy program, patients can receive a targeted program that is intended to help them regain strength, mobility, and function after surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. This is one of the ways that patients can regain a sense of vitality and feel like themselves again after cancer treatments.

Wound Care and Modalities

North Platte Physical Therapy also provides wound care services for patients who may need additional support managing chronic wounds or wounds that are slow to heal, particularly those who have diabetes or vascular disease. They also offer a number of therapeutic modalities to help patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and manage inflammation. These include dry needling, Graston Technique, Kinesio Taping, cold laser, electrical stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, and more.

Patient-Centered Approach & Convenient Locations

Patients with North Platte Physical Therapy can count on a number of benefits to make them feel special and cared for from the time that they schedule an appointment to when they receive their treatment. Their patients are put first with individualized treatment plans and friendly and professional support every step of the way. Their in-network services, treatment options, and physical therapy services are supported by expert care and patient education to give individuals the tools they need.

North Platte Physical Therapy has a number of locations that serve Wyoming and western Nebraska, including, but not limited to Casper East and West, Cheyenne North and East, Gillette, Scottsbluff East and West, Sutton, Thermopolis, Torrington, Wheatland, and Wright.

Conclusion

North Platte Physical Therapy’s full range of physical therapy services is sure to have a treatment plan that works for you. From orthopedic therapy and spine care to neurological rehabilitation, pediatric physical therapy, and more specialized women’s health physical therapy options, North Platte has the solutions for you to “get back on your feet fast and keep doing the things you love.” Patients can find a convenient physical therapy near me with North Platte Physical Therapy and their network of 18 different clinics.

If you are ready to take the next step in your physical therapy and rehabilitation, visit northplattept.com for more information about services, clinics near you, and scheduling your first appointment.
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Physical Therapy Services: Three Important First Visit Considerations


Physical Therapy Services: Three Important First Visit Considerations
People across the country make visits to see their physical therapist each and every day. For many, these services provide relief and capabilities of a return to normal functionality on the targeted body part or painful area. Whether the deficit occurred through injury, age, or accident, physical therapy services offer beneficial options for helping patients recover or remove the pain entirely. A significant perk for all clientele is the program being implemented is designed specifically for each separate person, to focus on their precise needs and help speed up the recovery process. These factors make a significant difference, but there are also important items to consider before making a very first visit.

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!
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Physical Therapy Services: Bad Posture Impacts the Body


Physical Therapy Services: Bad Posture Impacts the Body
The human body is an incredible machine, performing multiple functions (many at once) to keep us alive and conducting multiple types of movement. Standing upright isn’t something people often think about, but it does warrant some focus as bad posture could have many negative side effects. As time passes, not standing up straight may lead to detrimental conditions beyond simply beginning to hunch over. In fact, posture changes correlate between standing and sitting positions with individuals needing to be cognizant of both in order to keep bad habits from forming and impacting their current state over time.

The dangers of sitting involve more detrimental factors than bad posture results but it’s definitely a possibility. With damage resulting from prolonged inadequate postures of sitting and standing, being able to ensure you’re upright to the best extent possible is extremely important. The results of having a negative posture on your body extend to multiple scenarios, involving many different negative aspects. 

Pain

Bad posture has the potential to cause pain in a variety of many different areas, including the neck, headaches, lower back, and many other problem spots. If individuals are unable to correct their alignment it could result in multiple issues, even a permanent spinal curvature. Being able to correct or deal with these problems often involves physical therapy. A specified program can assist in eliminating the back or neck pain and possible headaches resulting from being slouched over many hours each day.

Sleep

Even sleep can be affected from not having proper alignment throughout the day. If your body is busy trying to constantly keep everything in a stacked order, then when it comes time for bed the results may continue as detrimental. As the body works to properly align during the day, when night time arises, the capability to keep a quality posture becomes especially important.

Digestion

Constantly bending over could put unnecessary pressure on the digestive system which may cause issues with proper digestion. If your body is not upright, then the elongated bend may put compression on the digestive system which could produce a needed correction before too much damage is produced. Knowing alignment and posture impacts digestion could lead individuals to put a renewed focus on this area.

Other Risks

Some other risks of bad posture include the potential for a pinched nerve. Constantly slouching may cause the spinal cord to pinch a nerve in the back causing another range of issues. These may begin as a tingling sensation in the extremities but could transition into something more harmful. In addition, a permanent curvature of the spine is also a possibility due to working with a negative posture over time.

If you or someone you know has bad posture and could use assistance with correcting their appearance, mobility issues, or is seeking services for another reason, then consider reaching out to the physical therapy experts at North Platte Physical Therapy, Monument Physical Therapy, Big Country Rehabilitation, and Bear Lodge Rehabilitation today. Offering 18 different locations across Wyoming and Nebraska, our professional staff are ready and willing to help administer and create a personalized plan of action specific to your needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Available for all of your physical therapy and related offerings, we look forward to meeting you and providing the type of service you can rely on to help improve your overall wellness very soon!
 
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