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.

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Location Details


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


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


How to avoid injury during bad weather - from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist


November 25, 2019

How to avoid injury during bad weather - from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist
Snow has officially arrived, and with more snow/sleet sure to come shortly, it’s important to do your best to stay safe in the bad weather. But how can you stay safe, and avoid unnecessary injury? Snow, sleet, and ice come with a new set of problems and new ways that you can get injured and end up needing to see a primary care physician and ultimately physical therapist in Wyoming or Nebraska. 

The most common types of winter injuries include falling (on ice or snow), strain from snow shoveling, and ultimately injury during exercise while it’s cold out. However, there are a few things you can do to help avoid these common types of injuries. Let’s talk about falling first - the following won’t completely prevent you from falling and getting injured..but it’s a good start. 
  • Wear proper footwear, with proper traction
  • Slow down - there is no need to rush
  • Keep strides short, longer strides increase risk of fall
  • Don’t rush outside when completing chores - once again there is no rush
  • Never go outside without your cell phone 

It’s important to pay attention to how your body is feeling after the fall. You might not feel the fall immediately, but if you’ve taken a particularly hard fall we recommend you go see a doctor right away just in case. Falls can be extremely dangerous - tread lightly. 

Do you snow shovel regularly? Snow shoveling can cause injury, such as falling (as previously talked about) or even muscle strain. Here is how you can prevent uncomfortable and ultimately painful muscle strains: 
  • Take it slow and easy - trying to do too much too quickly can result in injury
  • Make sure you are wearing proper gear so you don’t slip and fall while shoveling snow
  • Stretch. This sounds odd, but be sure to stretch before going out to shovel snow. 

In terms of preventing injury from outside physical activity - this will just require you to be careful. Accidents happen, but how you respond to them will ultimately determine how you heal. If you are experiencing body aches and pains, also be sure to reach out to your primary care physician or our team. At North Platte Physical Therapy, we are here to help meet your needs. We serve the communities of Wyoming and Nebraska with 22 clinics offering a full range of physical therapy services. Contact us today for more information.
 
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What does back pain really mean?


November 20, 2019

What does back pain really mean?
Back pain can be difficult to diagnose on your own, which is why you certainly shouldn’t do it. In terms of determining when to visit a doctor, we recommend that you visit a doctor when your pain is so severe it impedes your daily activities, or when it’s been more than 3-5 days - particularly if you didn’t have any back pain related to physical exertion. Perhaps you’ve already scheduled an appointment with your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist or doctor and you’re trying to figure out...what could the cause of my back pain be? What does this really mean for my overall health? Check out some of the causes of back pain, and what this can mean.

Discs (the soft tissue between your spinal joints): Sometimes back pain case me some issues with your spinal discs. This can manifest in the form of: 
  • Herniated/slipped: Means the discs have moved in some way - such as come out. Herniated discs will cause additional pain, as they can affect your nerves as well. 
  • Bulging: Bulging discs bulge similar to a herniated disc, but often times not as much.
  • Degenerative: This means the discs have begun to degenerate - so they might be shrinking or tearing. This often times happens with older age.

Additional issues that might be causing you back pain include: 
  • Cervical radiculopathy: Pinched nerve - may be caused by a herniated disc or bone spur. 
  • Spinal stenosis: Your spinal canal has narrowed.
  • Spondylolisthesis: One of the bones in the lower spine has slipped forward and out of place.

There are many more issues that can cause prolonged back pain, but those are just a few of the most common. It’s extremely important that you do not self-diagnose a back pain cause, and that you see a primary care doctor or physical therapist. Be sure to contact us or your primary care physician for assistance. If you are experiencing body aches and pains, also be sure to reach out to your primary care physician or our team. At North Platte Physical Therapy, we are here to help meet your needs. We serve the communities of Wyoming and Nebraska with 22 clinics offering a full range of physical therapy services. Contact us today for more information.
 
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How Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapy can help back pain


November 13, 2019

How Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapy can help back pain
Back pain can be a nuisance...but you might be wondering, why would I need to go to a Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist? You might be wondering if a physical therapist is work the cost. We certainly understand the hesitation, but we can promise there are substantial benefits to participating in physical therapy for your back pain.

The first thing you should know is that there are a few different types of physical therapy and all have their uses. Make sure you take time to understand each, and speak with your primary care physician as to what might be best for you. The first type of physical therapy is “passive” physical therapy. Passive physical therapy is something that is done to your body, versus your body exerting effort. When you think of “RICE” (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) this is a form of passive physical therapy. Other types of passive physical therapy includes TENS units, and iontophoresis.

Let’s do a quick definition check: 
TENS units: Electrical stimulation
Iontophoresis: Delivering steroids to the body through skin

The next type of physical therapy is “active” physical therapy - or physical therapy that involves your body exerting effort. This includes stretching, active exercises, and other movements that your physical therapist has assigned to you. Active physical therapy most commonly would be used when your body needs to be rehabilitated due to an injury versus when your body needs rest. When it comes to active physical therapy make sure you stay in contact with your primary care physician and physical therapist to avoid hurting yourself even further. 

Now, why is physical therapy helpful? Physical therapy is your key to strengthening your muscles - slowly, effectively, and safely. A typical healthy adult (with no injuries) doesn’t need physical therapy to help strengthen their muscles - but injuries is what can cause the problem When you are battling injuries, you’ll need to be careful to avoid causing further serious issues or strains - which is where physical therapy can assist.

It’s always worth speaking to your primary care physician if you think that you might need physical therapy...but it’s also worth talking to your primary care physician or physical therapist if you think you’d like to stop physical therapy. Participation in physical therapy can help you safely rehabilitate from an injury without risk of further injury. Remember...further injuries can make it even harder to recover.

If you are experiencing long-lasting back pain, be sure to reach out to your primary care physician or our team.  At North Platte Physical Therapy, we are here to help meet your needs. We serve the communities of Wyoming and Nebraska with 22 clinics offering a full range of physical therapy services. Contact us today for more information.
 
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Why aching pain can be a sign of something more serious, from your Wyoming physical therapist


November 5, 2019

Why aching pain can be a sign of something more serious, from your Wyoming physical therapist
Aches and pains can be just that...a pain. It’s estimated that 60-80 percent of adults will experience back pain sometime in their lives, and 20-70 percent of adults will experience neck pain. You may have noticed you are beginning to experience pain for longer than 24-48 hours...and sometimes that’s okay. Perhaps you’ve had a hard work, or are even recovering from a major injury/medical procedure. But here is when you should start to consider it might be something more serious. 

As you start to wonder if it can be a sign of something more serious, you should ask yourself the following questions: 
  • How long has the pain been going on?
  • Is there anything that makes the pain worse? Perhaps a movement or when you sit/lay down a certain way.
  • Do you have pain when walking? 
  • Is the pain associated with numbness or weakness? 
  • Are you having any trouble with walking? 

These are all questions that your doctor is likely to ask you, and it could be indicative of something more serious. As you start to answer these questions yourself, make sure you are mindful of the answer so you can discuss with your primary care physician. Here are the true signs you should begin to look out for, and when you should certainly seek medical attention: 
Sudden onset of pain: If you have sudden onset of pain whether that be in the back or neck, you should definitely seek medical attention. Particularly if this pain wakes you up at night, or is something that happens consistently. 
Numbness: Are you having bouts of numbness? This could signal issues with your nerves - make sure to call your doctor sooner rather than later to avoid more permanent and more serious damage.
Fever: Fevers are indication of infections, and infections can get serious if left untreated. 
Constant pain: Besides the fact that constant pain can be an annoyance, it can also affect your daily life and get worse over time.
Traumatic injury: If you’ve experienced a traumatic injury such as a bad fall, car accident, etc., it’s important to get treatment right after the event. If you’ve delayed this and are experiencing pain after the fact...get in to a doctor immediately.

If you are experiencing long-lasting  pain, be sure to reach out to your primary care physician or our team.  At North Platte Physical Therapy, we are here to help meet your needs. We serve the communities of Wyoming and Nebraska with 22 clinics offering a full range of physical therapy services. Contact us today for more information.
 
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Back pains and how to handle them, from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist


October 29, 2019

Back pains and how to handle them, from your Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapist
Are you suffering from back pains? Perhaps you don’t know where it’s stemming from, or how best to start to manage the pain? Don’t worry - your experts at North Platte Physical Therapy are here to help! From causes, to things you can begin doing at home we have some of our best tips straight from your favorite Wyoming/Nebraska physical therapists. Take a look at what we have to say, and if you think you might be experiencing a more serious problem...reach out. We are here to help you.

Symptoms
Let’s start with the basics. Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms? All of these are indicative of a back pain, or something deeper, but it’s important to note that these do not represent all symptoms you might be experiencing. Think of this as the starting point.
  • Pain that shoots down your leg
  • Muscle aches
  • Shooting/stabbing pain in any part of your back
  • Pain that increases with any physical labor/strain on your back
  • Pain that improves when you lay down
Causes
Most lower back pain results from an injury. However, there are some underlying causes that could be responsible for lower back pain, including: 
  • Cancer
  • Sciatica
  • Arthritis
  • Kidney infections
  • Ruptured/herniated discs
  • Infection
If you are having back pain for longer than two weeks, and it doesn’t improve with stretching, rest or compressions/ice. Be sure to see a primary care physician. In the meantime, we do recommend rest and relaxation. However, in this case rest just means lighter activity. Light stretching and even walking can sometimes help ease back pain, but be sure not to overdo it. When you are experiencing back pain, it is not the time to start a full exercise routine. For the first 24 hours apply ice, then for the 48+ hours apply heat to the affected area. 

If you are experiencing long-lasting back pain, be sure to reach our to your primary care physician or our team.  At North Platte Physical Therapy, we are here to help meet your needs. We serve the communities of Wyoming and Nebraska with 22 clinics offering a full range of physical therapy services. Contact us today for more information.


 
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