As a gifted, dedicated and ever-upbeat educator, Virginia “Ginny’’ Ericson knew an “A’’ student when she saw one.
Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Megan Snoozy, PT, DPT is a knowledgeable, compassionate, and motivated physical therapist, who has first-hand, up-close knowledge as to what a top-of-the-class patient looks like.
Ericson, in Snoozy’s eyes, is “A’’ patient across the board.
“Ginny is a delight,’’ said Snoozy, who since 2022, has played a major role in Ericson’s battle with scoliosis (sideways curvature of the spine that brings on pain, fatigue), breast cancer surgery rehabilitation, neck, back and knee pain, balance and gait training, and shoulder issues. All done at Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Dakota Dunes, South Dakota clinic, where Snoozy serves as the clinic manager.
The mission between Snoozy and Ericson is that of an always-there therapist dedicated to bettering the life of a motivated patient, who refuses to back down from a challenge. And doing so in a caring – but fun-filled – way.
“We have worked on stretching, posture-education, core-strengthening and stabilization,’’ Snoozy said regarding treatment of Ericson’s scoliosis battle. “We have also worked on manual techniques to address muscle restrictions. We have incorporated posture and core stabilization with her gait and balance activities and trying to treat her body as a whole vs just the individual component.’’
Attitude, Snoozy says, goes a long way when it comes to patient success. And Ericson has the perfect attitude.
“Ginny is always positive even though she has a variety of things to work on,’’ Snoozy said. “She has been to a variety of doctors over the past couple of years and each time their recommendation is therapy vs. surgery as long as it is helping and when she mentions she comes to our clinic they comment they are happy to continue to refer. Ginny originally started with me after her breast cancer diagnosis with the goal to work on shoulder mobility and getting full use back after her surgery. That was our initial contact that had a positive impact on her health and function and established the trust and rapport of treating her as a person vs. a number revolving through our doors.”
“She could have taken the easy way out a few times with surgery or giving up, and she always chooses to work with us and has made so much progress,’’ Snoozy added. “She is very personable and has been a friendly face in the clinic with all the therapists and (physical therapy) students she has encountered.’’
Admiration, it must be noted, is a two-way street in this case. A wonderful soul and gem on all fronts, Ericson was a Fulbright Teacher Exchange participant during her storied teaching career, one that saw her mold minds – and hearts – of first, fifth, and third graders at a trio of Iowa-based schools. The retired educator is a huge fan of Snoozy, MacKenzie McLean, PT, DPT and the rest of the Rock Valley Dakota Dunes therapists and staff.
“It’s just like a family there,’’ the ever-upbeat Ericson said of the Rock Valley (Dakota Dunes) clinic, offering special mention of Snoozy’s dedication and ability to better the issues she deals with.
“They all really do care,’’ Ericson, truly a laugh-a-minute type, added. “Every visit, they sit you down and you have a chat. They ask questions about your last appointment and what worked, how you feel that day and go to great lengths to make sure that the work you will put in is beneficial. And it is.’’
A veteran of the lesson plan, Ericson appreciates Snoozy having a detailed plan to help her achieve her goals.
“There is a plan no matter what we are dealing with,’’ Ericson said. “Everyone is knowledgeable and prepared whether it was dealing with my (breast cancer) surgery or my scoliosis. I have great faith in and tremendous respect for Megan. She has a plan, and it works. Her work is so respected. I have a doctor who – after surgery – said you need physical therapy, and I said I was already in therapy, and he said great. They say and do things with care. It’s always so upbeat and positive. Like teachers they educate, they ask questions, and they ask that I do my homework or work on the things I need outside of therapy.’’
Snoozy says communication is vital in any successful situation, and that having a dedicated and motivated patient like Ginny Ericson makes her job that much easier.
“We start our appointments asking patients how they are feeling, how they tolerated our last session and what they want to work on,’’ Snoozy said. “We base our treatments on the patients’ goals along with what deficits or issues we need to address regarding their pain and function. I like to take care of patients the same way I would hope to be taken care of or how I would want my family to be treated.’’
Rock Valley Physical Therapy and Ginny Ericson… Grade A.
On Thursday, Aug. 7, from 4:30-6:30 P.M., Rock Valley will bring to life an open house and ribbon-cutting celebration at its Dakota Dunes, South Dakota clinic (317 Dakota Dunes Blvd. #J). For additional information, call (605) 540-4491.
By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Physical Therapy