Latest News and Information

Are you one of the over five million Americans coping with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)? While uncomfortable, carpal tunnel is a treatable condition that premier Cody, WY physical therapy and all other locations can assist with. Whether you have the condition or not, it is important to know what carpal tunnel is, signs to watch for, ways to manage the pain, and the importance of seeing a local physical therapist when seeking relief.

What Is Carpal Tunnel?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder. It leads to pain in the area on the inside of the hand around the wrist, all the way up through the fingers. Some of the initial signs of this disorder include a burning or tingling feeling in the palm, as well as itchiness or numbness. Others describe that their hands feel swollen when they are in fact not swollen at all. In extreme cases, it can be difficult to use the hand for daily activities. Many who suffer from carpal tunnel experience the most pain first thing in the morning as he or she will sleep with hands curled in. There are many causes for CTS including injuries, fractures, repetitive hand motions, and more.

Ways to Cope

If you feel you have carpal tunnel syndrome, it is best to discuss this with your primary care physician as soon as possible. This way, you can be on your path to relief! One of the first things they may do is have you take pain medication and an anti-inflammatory to reduce symptoms. For more in-depth situations, they may recommend a cortisone injection as well, along with a prescription pain medication. This will also help to reduce pain an inflammation in the area. You may also be given a hand splint to wear as you sleep to keep you from clenching your hands through the night. There are many Americans who also opt to have surgery too. In addition to these treatments, seeing a physical therapist is a go-to option for relief too.

Importance of Seeing a Physical Therapist

As you work with your doctor on relieving symptoms of carpal tunnel, it is important to see a physical therapist.  It is especially crucial to continue seeing them if you have elected to have surgery. This will help you regain your strength and normal motions, which will expedite the recovery process too. However, if you do not have surgery, a top physical therapist will help reduce pain through a series of exercises. They will also help you make changes to your day-to-day to reduce flair ups and pain.

As you search for help to restore the quality of your hands, North Platte Physical Therapy can assist. It is important to learn everything you can about carpal tunnel syndrome and how a physical therapist in Cheyenne, WY can relieve symptoms. Our staff at North Platte is experienced, allowing you to get the relief you need and work with a team of professionals well versed in your condition. To see how we can help you, contact us today!

Are you looking for one of the best ways to help ease aches, pain, and other ailments? Cupping is a go-to many use to provide relief. This is a great non-medicinal way to treat a variety of symptoms. You may have noticed cupping during the Olympics when many swimmers had red circles on their skin. This is a method many use and is great for you to consider! Learn what cupping is, how it can help you, and how a premier local physical therapist in Casper, WY  and all our other locations can help.

Overview of Cupping

Cupping stems from western medicine that dates all the way back to the early Egyptians. People all across the world use this technique for a variety of causes or prevention methods. Basically, by using cups or other similar shapes, suction is created on the skin. This helps to increase blood flow, and with that comes a variety of benefits. There are two techniques for cupping: wet and dry.  Wet cupping uses less suction and the therapist will make small pricks into the skin. Cups are placed on those areas for just a few moments and toxins will be released. Dry cupping is where a hot cup is placed on the skin and as it cools, creates suction. This will last anywhere from a few minutes up to 30. Your therapist will know which method is best for you, as well as the amount for cups. Once done, you will notice red to purple discoloration of the skin that can last up to a week or two. Do not be alarmed, this is normal.

How it Helps

Cupping is a great form of therapy anyone can benefit from. The suction it creates increases blood flow in your body. In turn, this will increase circulation to your tissues and muscles, eliminating toxins, and easing any tension. For those that have inflammation and pain, cupping works to reduce internal swelling. It can also loosen knots in tissues and muscles. Whether you are an athlete or exercise little, cupping is one of the best ways anyone can combat pain. In addition, many also use it to aid in the digestion of food too. See how it can help you through the top seven benefits of cupping therapy.

Where to Get Cupping Done

So, are you intrigued to see how cupping will help you? Visiting a physical therapist is one of the top places you can have this procedure done. They are experienced with the different techniques and will use the correct amount of cups, for a specific duration of time. Prior to cupping, your physical therapist will discuss with you the ailments you have. From there, they will use the method that best suits your needs to increase quality blood flow in your body.

As you learn more about the benefits of cupping therapy form physical therapy experts, North Platte Physical Therapy is your go-to cupping specialist. Our team will help you find the best solution to ease pain or train as an athlete! Contact us today to see how we can help you

The holiday season is upon us! This means gatherings with friends and family, favorite recipes on the table, and lots of running around. While many find it to be one of the best times of year, it is important to make your health a priority. The holiday season is a two month span in which many people fall completely out of their normal routine. Don’t let this happen to you! From staying active and seeing a physical therapist in Torrington, WY and all our other locations, to eating delicious foods in moderation and reducing stress, there is much you can do to make this year’s holiday a success.

Staying Active and Physical Therapy

While you might be running around to different events for the holidays, according to the American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults, you need to get in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. This is especially important during the holidays as people tend to overeat and indulge. If you find that your days are busy, find alternative ways to get in your exercise. For instance, if you are shopping, take a few extra laps around the mall or store you are in. Also, opt to take the stairs as opposed to an elevator. Break up exercising throughout the day too and do 10 minutes here, 15 minutes there. The holidays can be strenuous on your body though, and it is important to maintain proper posture and remind yourself how to lift heavy objects. A great gift you can treat yourself to this season is seeing a local physical therapist. Even if you do not have any issues, it is important to know top tips for managing body pain in cold weather with physical therapy.

Food and Moderation

During the holidays, did you know that the average American consumes more than 4,500 calories during some meals!? This is astounding! A normal amount to avoid weight gain is 2,000 to 2,500 calories per day, depending on your gender and body type. Don’t feel as though you have to restrict yourself completely, but keep in mind to eat in moderation. A great way to do this is by finding healthier recipe swaps for some of your favorite recipes.

Reducing Stress

The holidays are a great time to spend quality time with friends and family, and get out of your day-to-day routine. However, they can also be stressful. Try using meditation or breathing techniques as your go-to when feeling overwhelmed. Also, don’t forget to take breaks during the hustle and bustle. You do not have to feel guilty for setting aside time for yourself and saying “no” to activities and get-togethers you do not have time for. Many become stressed about money during the holidays, so be sure you set a budget and stick to it! It will help you when making plans, and give you an idea of what you can spend beforehand—so you are not panicking the next day when you check your account balance.

To help you get through the holiday season, schedule your visit to North Platte Physical Therapy. As your premier, physical therapist with locations in Wyoming and Nebraska, you are sure to find a place near you to help. Learn what you will need for your first day of therapy and contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Those who suffer from arthritis, back, and joint pain often dread winter weather. Every broken tree branch carries the reminder of the dangers of the cold, but why do we feel this way when the weather shifts into the snowy season? Physical therapists throughout the Wyoming and Nebraska area often treat injuries related to the cold, like those who slip and fall, but there are ways physical therapists can help you alleviate some of the aches from the cold as well.

Outside Temps Affect Your Body

When the temperature drops, most people’s inclination is to swaddle themselves up to keep warm. This reaction is due in part to our muscles reacting to the cold – they tighten, contract, and become more rigid as a result. This in itself can cause soreness and aches in your body just due to prolonged contraction of muscles – you might not intentionally be flexing, but thanks to the snow, your back, arms, or legs are getting a tiny workout.
Many people think that the reason behind our aches and pains during winter is simply the temperature itself – your body does contract and tighten in cold as opposed to warm, but it is not the only cause.

Barometric Pressure

When you can “feel” weather moving in – unfortunately that does not indicate an intuitive quality, but it is 100% real. Your body can feel shifts in barometric pressure, from your muscles to your brain. It can shift the way your brain registers feelings in conjunction, so while most people joke about predicting the weather with their knee or hands, chances are they do have an ailment that is more sensitive to these changes in weather patterns and pressure. Particularly those with arthritis tend to feel these effects heavily – and generally the lower the pressure, the more painful the arthritis pains.

So – how do you manage these frequent aches and pains during the winter?

Pains and body issues will vary for everyone, so a specific seasonal plan can be put in place by your physical therapist to help you manage year-round depending on how severe you experience these changes. Some more common methods of managing body soreness in the winter is simply by creating heat in your body. Things like jumping rope indoors, thoroughly stretching, and keeping your body moving will certainly help warm up your muscles, but you can try different topical heating ointments, or even a heating pad to target certain areas of your body.

Not sure where to start? Contact your local physical therapy clinic to learn how you can manage this season’s ailments and put together a treatment plan to manage it long-term. If you are experiencing chronic pain or need help recovering from an injury, get in touch with a member of the team at North Platte Physical Therapy. Our highly-trained staff can assist you at one of our 19 locations in the Wyoming and Nebraska region and offer varied services to get you active and feeling great again! Contact us today to get started. 

Participating in sports of any kind comes with many inherent risks as players take a chance on getting injured every time they step onto the field or playing surface. However, even knowing the possibility to sustain an injury exists, player’s often block out those thoughts during the course of practices and games.

One of the more higher risk activities is american football. While players at every age level are properly protected with pads and helmets the sheer evolution of the sport raises the injury probabilities.

The speed and physicality of football make it entertaining in addition to being an attractive outlet for certain individuals. Despite coaches best intentions and willingness to properly teach tackling techniques and safety, injuries are going to happen.

During both practice and games players at any level from Pop Warner to high school and college through the professional ranks of the NFL are subject to a wide variety of injuries associated with the sport.

Following are some of the more common occurrences.

CONCUSSIONS

A hot topic of late at the professional level, findings of CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) in 110 of 111 deceased football players brains raises considerable red flags about the effect of repeated head trauma.

New technology and modifications to helmets are continuously being developed in order to help lower the risk for all players. Extensive research regarding the impact of concussions and treatment methods are picking up across the country.

JOINT INJURIES

Another common injury for football players involves damage to their joints. Knee injuries are the most common as players are subject to tears of the meniscus and ligaments surrounding the knee. Each of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments are subject to damage in addition to the medial collateral ligament.

Further, both ankles and shoulders are also highlighted due to the collisions between players and those trying to avoid such hits.

BACK PAIN

Depending on the position played lower back pain is often a side effect of repetitive motions practiced trying to learn specific plays. Both offensive and defensive linemen are extremely vulnerable due solely to the nature of their position.

Quarterbacks can also experience back pain, especially when being tackled from behind. Standing at an upright position and being figuratively cut in half by an opposing defender via a direct hit on the lower back can cause serious damage.

If your playing days are behind you or you need to get back in action as soon as possible we can help. In need of physical therapy or individual training our highly trained staff at North Platte Physical Therapy is ready and willing to answer questions or assist you in any personal program development. Offering many types of physical therapy services are available inside every office to assist in necessary therapy administration. With many locations across Wyoming and Nebraska to better serve you, visit NPPT or one of our other sites at Big Country Rehabilitation, Bear Lodge Rehabilitation, or Monument Physical Therapy and get your body rehab started today! Come in today or call us to schedule an appointment.