RAGBRAI 2024, was Tim O’Brien’s test.
He passed. With flying, bike-riding colors.
“When I got home, I signed up for three more bike races to compete in this fall,’’ said the energetic and upbeat 68-year-old Waverly, Iowa, man, proving he is back – comfortable and confident – aboard his bike.
An avid rider, O’Brien was Injured on the last day of RAGBRAI 2023, suffering a (left) clavicle fracture. Surgery – plate replacement – soon followed, but so did a number of issues.
Weakness as well as controlled arm movement stood out. After a return trip to his surgeon, O’Brien was referred for physical therapy.
Enter Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Jenifer Anderson, PT, DPT, a dynamite and dedicated patient advocate, who calls Rock Valley’s Waverly, Iowa-based clinic home. Truth-be-told, O’Brien had been on rides with Anderson’s husband before the two found each other via therapy.
“There was no question where I was going for my rehabilitation,” O’Brien said, extolling the virtues of Rock Valley and his first therapist several years prior, the legendary John Woltz.
Upon evaluating O’Brien’s post-surgery issues, Anderson, who earned her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from St. Ambrose University, formed a plan.
“When Tim came to see me, I realized we needed to make some changes and get additional help,” Anderson said. “We were able to get Tim a more supportive sling for his arm to better stabilize his shoulder and (with help of his original surgeon) get him a referral to Mayo Clinic due to the unusual nature of his weakness and loss of feeling. During the waiting period, we were able to help Tim maintain his range of motion, regain some strength in his arm and calm a lot of fears by answering questions and helping him get the resources he needed.’’
Soon, a second surgery to reset the clavicle with a custom plate took place. During the procedure, it was discovered O’Brien had a bone fragment continuing to injure his nerve which had resulted in the lack of progress and continued weakness in his arm. A nerve graft was contemplated, though it was discovered – luckily – the nerve was still intact.
After surgery No. 2 was complete, the therapist and patient dug in and went to work.
And work they did.
From January to May of 2024, with Anderson closely presiding over his treatment, O’Brien progressed from his arm hanging at his side and not being able to move a single finger, to trimming trees, painting, and most importantly get back to his passion of biking.
“A large part of Tim’s initial treatment in the fall of 2023, was getting him to the right doctors and assisting in preventative treatment to ensure he did not lose more function,’’ Anderson said of her first meetings with O’Brien. “When he came back in 2024, after his second surgery, we were able to attack his strength and work hard to regain function. Tim’s goals were lofty, including road biking, house projects and overhead work. Tim is active and handy and did not want to give any of this up.’’
Few along Anderson’s path as a therapist have been as dedicated to reaching their goals as O’Brien, who devoted himself to the task inside Rock Valley’s walls and out.
“Tim and I connected because I could understand and support his drive to get back to his passion of biking,” Anderson said. “I have never met another so committed to his home exercise program. Tim succeeded because not only did he attend visits with me, but he worked daily on his strengthening and range of motion at home. He regained nearly full function of his arm with return to biking, overhead work, and daily activities.’’
It was the perfect working relationship.
“Jenni was always encouraging and supportive of my rehab and giving me written instructions for at home exercises between appointments,” O’Brien said.
“I have some difficulty doing things overhead with my left arm, but everything else is pretty much normal,” O’Brien added. “Jenni told me I may not be able to run a chainsaw again, but I was able to pull-start the engine the other day with no problems (something I could not do a few months ago).’’
Biking – thanks to the arduous work of the therapist and the patient – is back for O’Brien.
In a big way.
“My bike riding is pretty much normal, but I am certainly careful not to put myself in situations that may result in an accident,” O’Brien said. “No question about it, I would go back to Rock Valley for any physical therapy that may arise.’’
For Anderson, having an impact on O’Brien’s life, allowing him to reach his goals, is motivation. It’s why she does what she does.
“I love PT as a career because I get to teach my patients about their health and help them help themselves,” she said. “I enjoy getting to know each patient and their “why” behind what they want to be able to do. It’s why I like Rock Valley, because we value each patient, their experience and believe that the bottom line is truly the patient’s health and experience.’’
Ride on, Tim O’Brien. Ride on.
By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller