Debra Jones is a wonderful breath of honest and forthright fresh air.
If she puts her stamp on something or someone, she means it, stands behind it, and is not afraid to sing its praises.
In the case of Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Patrick Ford, PT, DPT, OCS, Clinic Manager, and Jacob Stearns, PT, DPT, ATC, the two therapists who guide the fortunes of Rock Valley’s Pleasant Hill, Iowa-based clinic, Jones has a mighty strong opinion.
And there will be no changing her mind.
“I know they are professionals and I know they are being paid, but those two are two of the most genuine and caring individuals I have ever come across,’’ said Jones, a shade or two past old enough to speak her mind, who after years of a life spent always on the go, underwent a total knee replacement in June of 2025, and was treated before – and after her surgery – by Ford and Stearns, respectively.
Jones found out first-hand what the Rock Valley Way is all about.
“Rock Valley asks you to fill out (electronically) a form to say how things (therapy) went for you,’’ added Jones. “There wasn’t enough space there for me to say just how amazing, how kind and how genuine those two were with me. So, I wrote a letter. Someone needed to know about the amazing impact they had on me and how genuine they are. There was nothing average about them.’’
Stearns and Ford collaborated to assist Jones in strengthening her knee before surgery and then worked diligently with her during her post-surgery rehabilitation. Today, the ever-upbeat and always-on-the-move Jones, is going great guns.
Just recently, she assisted a good friend in a move.
“Not once did Patrick or Jacob do the same thing in getting me ready for surgery or in the treatment and exercises they had me doing after surgery,’’ Jones said. “That is amazing. And each of them would do the exercises with me. Nothing repetitive. That showed me they both are thorough in their planning, and they are resourceful. They care a great deal about me and never gave it a second thought about doing the work with me.’’
Ever modest, both Stearns and Ford say it has been wonderful to have shared the responsibility for Jones’ care but lauded her for her dedication and willingness to put in the effort to get better. It helps that Jones is driven, but more importantly has an amazing zest for life.
“It’s been a coordination of our care and communication with each other, but Debra has been so important for her recovery,’’ Ford said. “We have had a light-hearted and joyful time during her sessions which really helps elevate her experience and overall progress.’’
Jones being an ideal patient has helped greatly.
“Debra comes in with a hug and a smile every single day,’’ Stearns noted. “She is inquisitive in her nature and enjoys learning about why/what we are doing. She has fully embraced putting in the work in and outside of the clinic. She is more of the person that you must encourage to take some rests from her home exercises since she is so tenacious at home.’’
Both marvel where Jones stands today in her recovery.
“Debra is walking independently without an assistive device and has started to do some lighter yard work at home,’’ said Ford. “Her gait has been a focus of hers and is coming along great. I do this work to help people realize their capability to help their body overcome injury/surgery/or other obstacles. Tying it back to their life, what they need and love to do, and helping them return to those activities is easily the best part. An additional bonus is spending true time getting to know your patients each session.’’
As a former collegiate football player and certified athletic trainer, Stearns has experienced both the challenges of injury and the reward of recovery.
“Those experiences inspired me to dedicate my career to helping others return to the activities they love whether that’s competing on the field, staying active in the community, or simply moving without pain,’’ he said. “For me, physical therapy is about more than rehab; it’s about empowering people with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to keep living fully. Every patient’s story is different, and I’m grateful to walk alongside them as they reach their goals.’’
By: Johnny Marx, Storyteller